Oh, Melbourne! Oh, Melbourne! It’s a common occurrence to grab a sunhat or sunglasses only to regret not grabbing an umbrella. Roof painting is not something you hear about at your coffee table very often. That’s correct. The idea of watching paint drying might be exciting, but it’s not all that there is to it. Continue reading?

Melbourne’s variable weather demands patience and some strategy. Imagine that you’re going to repaint your roof and then the sky opens up. You’d probably rather not do that, would you? The timing of the event is critical. A day just right is what you want. Not too hot or too cold. And definitely not a surprise shower.

Consider your roof. Different roofs have different characteristics. Got terracotta tiles? Roof tiles are like divas. They need special treatment and they must be protected with products that allow them to breath while keeping out moisture. You have a metallic roof. The metal roofs are prone to expansion and contraction as temperatures fluctuate. You need to use paint that is flexible.

You can show your inner Picasso by choosing the colors. It’s important to remember that the goal isn’t simply looking good. In summer light colours reflect the sun, allowing your house to be cooler. While dark colors soak up heat in winter and are perfect for Melbourne’s cold weather. Consider how your choice of electric blue or orange will affect the Melbourne light all year round before making a decision.

Talking green isn’t just about the color. Environmentally friendly paints have been in style for a while now. They’re healthier and kinder for Mother Earth. Reduced pollution from harmful chemicals and cleaner air in the home are two benefits of eco-friendly paints.

Painting is not the same as buttering your toast. The art of applying paint will ensure it stays on longer than any diet program. Professionals choose sprayers or brushes to paint large expanses evenly. They also use them for difficult spots such as around chimneys, vents, or other tricky places.

Then wait. There’s prep to do before you go all Michelangelo with your roof. You need to remove years of grime or moss, and any other debris that has made your roof home.

Safety is also important, as teetering atop a rooftop may not be everyone’s cup of tea unless one has wings or is part cat. Strapping in is essential to avoid falling off roofs.

Next time you look up at freshly painted rooftops that glisten under Melbourne’s sun or rain, give some thanks to the unsung heroes. They braved ladders and unpredictable weather as well as color swatches. The next time you gaze up at the freshly-painted roofs shining under Melbourne’s sun or rain, give thanks to the unsung artists who braved ladders as well as unpredictable weather conditions and color swatches to make it happen. The people slapping colors around aren’t just random folks. These poets use paintbrushes instead of pens to create beautiful visual sonnets.

After all, your choice of color will reflect your own journey in this crazy ride we call life. Or at the very least it’ll make for some interesting conversations over dinner.