A FEW WORDS IN DEFENSE OF TIN ROOFS

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PAINTING

Painting can spruce up the appearance of an older metal roof and add years to its useful life. Aluminum roofs don't need painting, but galvanized steel can benefit dramatically from a new finish. When you buy roof paint, don't scrimp on quality . . . unless you want to do the job again soon. One coat of good paint is usually adequate, but two is always better. The paint best suited for use on galvanized steel is a zinc-dust type . . . it'll adhere well and won't peel. You can also use the less expensive cement-based and latex coatings, but be certain that those you choose are formulated specifically for galvanized steel. Avoid aluminum-based finishes.

You can paint with a brush, a roller, or a sprayer, the first being the most materials-efficient method and the last being the fastest. But before painting, do remove any rust with a wire brush (or steel wool, if it's only a small area), and give the roof a good sweeping. Then scrub it down with clean water and an old mop. Make sure the housetop is bone-dry before you start slopping on the first coat, and pick a warm, sunny day to do the work.

CAPPING IT ALL OFF

My intention hasn't been so much to sell you on the virtues and advantages of "tin" roofs as it has been to supply you with enough basic information to balance against the bad press that metal roofing has suffered so often in the past. Of course, my investigations have made some lasting impressions on me . . . and when we build a small guest cabin on our property soon, it'll most certainly be dressed out in a shiny new galvanized cap!

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