Are Shingles Paintable?

Colors are popular for homeowners who need to re-roof their homes. But what about homeowners who want to change or refresh the color of their roofs? Although it is possible to paint your roof with a simple method, you should do research and plan accordingly.

Get a Roofing Inspection

You should not use your roof painting as a replacement for roofing repairs. We recommend that you schedule a roofing inspection with a licensed contractor before you begin your painting project.

Before you start any project, it is vital to think about the life expectancy of your roof. Discuss this with your contractor. Experts predict that a painted roof should be replaced every five to seven years. Asphalt shingles last an average of 20 years, so they will need to be repainted several times.

Buy Specialized Roofing Paints

You will not be able to use interior paints you find in home improvement stores to fit your roof’s requirements. Roof surfaces can reach temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Paint must be resistant to extreme weather conditions to avoid cracking or chipping. Regular paint won’t adhere well to asphalt, wood, and tile shingles.

There is a market leader in paint and has developed a multi-surface acrylic latex paint that can withstand roof surface challenges. Their paint is resistant to mildew and algae, which can cause problems when repainting a roof. Painting can trap condensation beneath your shingles’ outer coating, which can cause mold and damage to your roof’s surface. Experts advise homeowners to avoid using elastomeric roofing paints on wood surfaces as they can cause moisture and mold damage.

It is crucial to not skimp on materials when working on any type of project. How many cans you will need to paint your roof will depend on its size. Roof paint can be costly, but less expensive coatings could cause damage to your home.

White Roofing Trends

You will find many articles about white roof painting when you search for roof paint. A popular green trend is to paint a roof with white or reflective paint. This can help lower your home’s energy costs.

Locate a Skilled Roofing Contractor

Most roofing projects should only be undertaken by professionals due to the potential risks. However, it might be difficult to find a contractor who specializes in painting your roof. It is still a rare request to paint shingles.

We recommend that you verify the credentials of roofing contractors and painters within your locality. You may be able to do the job yourself if you cannot find a professional to paint your roof.