Gutters and fascias are painted for protection as much as looks. A sound coating stops rust, keeps water out of the roofline and helps the edges of your building last. The keys are the right paint for the material, proper preparation and access that lets the work be done safely and evenly.
Why they get painted
Gutters and fascias take the worst of the weather. Sun fades and dries them, and water sits in them. Once the coating fails, metal rusts and timber rots, and repairs get expensive. Repainting on time is cheaper than replacing.
Choosing the right coating
The material decides the product:
- Metal gutters need a primer suited to the metal and a durable exterior topcoat.
- Timber fascias need sealing and a flexible exterior acrylic that can move with the wood.
- Pre-finished steel often only needs cleaning and, if faded, a suitable coating system.
Follow the manufacturer’s data sheet for the specific product. It sets out surface prep, drying times and how many coats to apply.
Preparation first
Coatings are only as good as the surface they go on. Our guide to how to prepare gutters for painting covers the cleaning, rust treatment, repairs and priming that come before any topcoat.
Application
Apply coats evenly and let each dry as the label says. Edges, joints and the tops of fascias are easy to miss and are where failure starts, so they need extra care. Paint shouldn’t run into the gutter’s interior where it can trap water or block the flow.
Getting access
Roof edges are high, and access decides how the job is done. On low homes a ladder or small platform may do. On multi-storey and commercial buildings, scaffold, elevated platforms or rope access are typically used, and our comparison of abseiling and scaffolding helps you choose.
When to call a professional
Call one if the gutters are more than a storey up, if there are signs of leaks or rot or if you’re not sure about the material. For commercial and strata buildings, our gutters and fascia painting service includes repairs, access and painting in one program.
Protect the edge and it protects the building
Take a look at how your gutters are holding up, and read about how long exterior paint lasts. When you’re ready, request a quote or call 1300 733 447.
McAuliffe Painting. Eagle Farm, Brisbane QLD 4009. QBCC Lic 15183972.
