If you’ve opted for metal roofing or siding for your project and want it to maintain its appearance for years to come, it’s essential to consider the following factors. While metal roofs can last up to 50 years with proper installation and maintenance, exposure to the elements can cause fading or chalking over time. To mitigate these effects, choosing the right product and color is crucial.

Understanding Paint Composition

Paints used on metal roofing and siding consist of three primary components:

Resins

The resin acts as the binder, providing the coating with its physical and chemical properties. It determines the paint’s adhesion, flexibility, form, and weathering characteristics. Resin types, also known as paint chemistries, include polyester, SMP acrylic, epoxy, and PVDF, among others.

Pigments

Pigments serve the primary function of providing color to the paint. However, they also contribute to energy savings, corrosion resistance, and UV protection. There are two main types of pigments: organic and inorganic.

Solvents

Solvents dissolve the resin and pigment into a suitable form for application.

Choosing Pigment Types

The type of pigment used in the paint is an important consideration. Organic and inorganic pigments differ in their characteristics:

Organic Pigments

Organic pigments offer vibrant and bright colors, providing a cleaner look. However, they are generally less durable and prone to fading when exposed to UV light. This factor is crucial to consider in exterior building design. Applying a clear coat over bright organic pigments in applications requiring high visibility can help reduce color fade.

Inorganic Pigments

Inorganic pigments are metal compounds or oxides that undergo further processing for excellent color stability. While they may not be as vibrant as organic pigments, they offer superior durability and resistance to UV fading.

This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing, one of the best roofing companies in Saint Petersburg, FL! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.