Comparing roof paint prices only makes sense once you know what is under the paint. Concrete tiles, galvanised IBR, old corrugated iron and fibre cement each need a different primer and sometimes a different topcoat, and a roof painted with the wrong system can peel within a few seasons. This page explains the main roof paint types, the primers that go with them, what a 20 litre tin costs and how far it goes. Send one free request and paint and coating suppliers near you will quote you directly, with no obligation.
Roof paint types by roof
- Concrete and clay tiles: a water-based acrylic roof paint, often over a tile primer or sealer on old, porous tiles.
- Galvanised IBR and corrugated sheeting: new galvanising needs a primer made for galvanised steel, or the topcoat will not grip. Rusted sheets need the rust wire brushed off and a metal primer first.
- Fibre cement: an alkali-resistant primer and an acrylic roof coat. Older fibre cement roofs may contain asbestos.
- Flat and low-pitch roofs: a waterproofing coat rather than roof paint; see waterproof paint.
Asbestos roofs need specialists
Many older South African houses, farm sheds and outbuildings have fibre cement roofs that contain asbestos. Never sand, grind, cut or dry pressure wash them: the dust is dangerous. If you are not sure what the roof is made of, treat it as asbestos until someone qualified has checked. Ask for a contractor experienced with asbestos roofs, who will clean and seal it with suitable methods and coatings. Mention the roof type in your request so the right suppliers and contractors quote.
Waterproofing roof paint: what it does
Roof paint protects the surface from UV and rain and slows tiles getting more porous, but it does not fix leaks on its own. Before coating, the roof should be cleaned, broken tiles and loose ridge cappings fixed, flashings sealed and rusted laps and screws treated. Some suppliers sell an elastomeric or waterproofing roof paint that bridges fine cracks, often used with a fibre membrane over ridges, laps and screw heads. Leaking valleys and parapets still need repair work. For the whole job done for you, see roof painting.
Roof paint prices and coverage
A 20 L tin of roof paint costs about R870 to R2,000, depending on the grade and type. Primers are extra. Data sheets for roof paints give about 7 m² per litre per coat, and two coats is normal. A 120 m² tiled roof therefore needs about 34 litres, so two 20 L tins, and more on old porous tiles. The roof area is larger than the floor plan: measure the slopes or ask a supplier to work it out from the plan and the pitch. Smaller 5 L tins suit patch repairs and outbuildings.
What to include in your request
- Roof type: tiles, IBR, corrugated or fibre cement
- Roof area in m², or the floor plan and pitch
- Colour wanted
- Rust, cracked tiles or leaks to fix first
- Products only, or the painting too
Roof Paint for different clients
- Homeowners: recoating a faded tiled or IBR roof before leaks and rust set in
- Landlords and sellers: a clean, sealed roof that helps a rental or sale property show well
- Body corporates and estates: one roof colour and system across every block, ordered through the body corporate
- Shops, offices and restaurants: recoating shop, office and guest house roofs in one planned job
- Factories, farms and mines: primer and roof coat for large IBR sheds, warehouses and farm buildings
- Builders and developers: roof paint on new fibre cement or galvanised roofs before handover
- Schools, churches and public buildings: sealing school, church and clinic roofs, with any asbestos checked first
- Painters and contractors: roof paint and primers in 20 L tins for roofing and painting crews
Frequently asked questions
What do roof paint prices for 20 L tins include?
Can I paint a galvanised IBR roof?
When is the best time to paint a roof?
Who will quote me for roof paint?
Roof Paint by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg