I’ve spent years working with tradies across Australia, and I can tell you that painting a roof is one of those jobs where preparation makes all the difference. You don’t want to rush into this one. So I thought it would be useful to put my years of experience into an article so you can follow professional advice if you are deciding to undertake a roof painting project.
Before You Start: Safety First, Always
Your safety gear is absolutely non-negotiable. Working at height is one of the riskiest things you can do around the home, and Australian safety standards exist for good reason. You’ll need a proper safety harness with anchor points that can withstand at least 5,000 pounds of force, non-slip roofing boots, safety goggles, and a hard hat. Don’t even think about cutting corners here – falls from roofs are the leading cause of serious injuries in the construction industry.
Check the weather forecast religiously. Australia’s climate can change on a dime, and painting your roof in the wrong conditions is asking for trouble. You want mild temperatures between 20°C to 25°C, humidity below 70%, and absolutely no rain forecast for at least 24 hours after you finish. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than watching your freshly painted roof get washed off by an unexpected downpour.
Step 1: Inspect Your Roof Thoroughly
Before you even think about opening a tin of paint, you need to give your roof a proper once-over. Look for cracked or damaged tiles, rust spots on metal roofs, loose flashings, and any signs of water damage. This isn’t just about aesthetics – painting over problems will only make them worse down the track.
If you’ve got an older home, be especially careful about asbestos materials. Some roofs in Australia contain asbestos, and you should never attempt to clean or paint these yourself. Get a professional assessment if you’re unsure.
Step 2: Clean Your Roof Properly
This is where most DIY jobs go wrong – they skip the cleaning or don’t do it thoroughly enough. Your roof needs to be spotless for paint to adhere properly. Start by using a pressure washer to remove dirt, moss, algae, and any loose paint. Work from the top down to avoid lifting tiles or damaging the roof structure.
For stubborn moss and mould, you’ll need a specialised roof cleaner or a product like Resene Moss & Mould Killer. Let it sit according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly. The roof must be completely dry before you start painting – any moisture trapped under the paint will cause problems later.
Step 3: Make Necessary Repairs
Once your roof is clean and dry, fix any damage you found during your inspection. Replace broken tiles, treat rust spots with a rust converter, and seal any cracks or gaps. This might seem like extra work, but skipping repairs is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make.
Step 4: Choose the Right Paint and Materials
Not all paints are created equal, especially when it comes to roofs. The harsh Australian climate demands specific paint formulations that can handle UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and weather changes. Here’s what you need to know:
- For metal roofs: Acrylic paints work brilliantly because they’re flexible and can expand and contract with temperature changes. They also reflect UV rays, which helps keep your home cooler.
- For tile roofs: You want a paint that can bond well to the porous surface of tiles while providing waterproof protection. Acrylic roof paints are again your best bet.
- For concrete roofs: Elastomeric paints are excellent because they can bridge small cracks and provide a waterproof membrane.
Look for paints with high total resin solids (around 40%) – these will last longer and maintain their colour better. Heat-reflective paints are worth the extra cost in Australia’s climate, as they can reduce your home’s interior temperature by 6 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Step 5: Apply Primer (Don’t Skip This Step!)
Primer isn’t optional – it’s essential. Many homeowners try to save money by skipping the primer, but this is false economy. A good primer creates a proper bonding surface for your topcoat and significantly extends the life of your paint job.
Apply primer to any bare metal, previously unpainted surfaces, or areas where you’ve made repairs. Use a brush for detailed work around edges and a roller or sprayer for larger areas.
Step 6: Paint Your Roof
- Start at the peak of your roof and work your way down towards your ladder position. This ensures you’re always walking on dry paint and reduces the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.
- Apply your first coat evenly, ensuring you don’t miss any spots. Work in manageable sections and maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks. If you’re using a roller, use an extension pole to keep yourself safely positioned.
- Allow proper drying time between coats. Most roof paints need at least 2 hours of drying time before they’re safe to walk on, but this can vary depending on temperature and humidity. Don’t rush this step – patience pays off with a better finish.
- Apply your second coat using the same technique, working from the peak down. A second coat isn’t just about coverage – it provides additional protection and ensures even colour distribution.
Step 7: Clean Up and Inspect
Once you’re finished painting, do a final inspection from ground level using binoculars if necessary. Look for any missed spots, drips, or uneven coverage. Touch up any problem areas while the paint is still workable.
Clean your tools immediately after use. If you’ve used water-based paints, clean with water and mild detergent. For oil-based paints, you’ll need appropriate solvents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using leftover house paint on your roof is a classic mistake. Roof paints are formulated differently to handle extreme conditions that regular house paint simply can’t cope with.
- Painting in extreme weather will ruin your job. I’ve seen too many DIY jobs fail because someone got impatient and painted in hot, humid, or windy conditions.
- Skipping safety equipment is not just dangerous – it’s stupid. Australian workplace safety laws exist for good reason, and they apply to DIY jobs too.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Roof in Sydney?
For a typical Sydney roof painting job, you’re looking at anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000. That might seem like a huge swing, but roof painting isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. Your final bill depends on several key factors that can push you towards either end of that range.
Per square metre, you’ll generally pay between $18 to $55 per square metre in Sydney, with most jobs falling around $35-45 per square metre. This typically includes materials, labour, and basic preparation work.
For your average 150 square metre Sydney home, you’re looking at roughly $6,000 to $9,000 for a complete professional job.
What should be included in your roof painting quote?
A proper Sydney roof painting job should include:
- Thorough roof cleaning with high-pressure washing
- Repairs to damaged tiles (usually up to 30 tiles with spares)
- Moss and mould treatment using specialised products
- Gutter cleaning and downpipe clearing
- Valley iron replacement if needed
- Ridge capping work and repointing
- Primer application where required
- Two coats of quality roof paint
Don’t accept quotes that skip these essential steps – you’ll just end up with a paint job that fails within a few years.
A Word from Maz Nassimi – Professional Painter
Having worked alongside roof painters for over two decades, I can tell you that the difference between a good job and a great job usually comes down to preparation and patience. The blokes who take their time, use quality materials, and don’t cut corners are the ones whose work still looks good years later.
Consider hiring a professional, like the team from Dupaint, if you’re not completely confident. Roof painting isn’t just about getting paint onto a surface – it’s about understanding how different materials behave, choosing the right products for Australian conditions, and working safely at height. A professional roof painter will have the experience, equipment, and insurance to do the job properly.
If you do decide to tackle this yourself, remember that quality materials and proper technique will save you money in the long run. A roof painted properly should last 10-15 years in Australian conditions, while a rushed job might start failing within a couple of years.
Take your time, stay safe, and don’t be afraid to call in the experts if things get beyond your comfort zone. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home – it deserves to be treated with respect.
