New wood, metal, and asphalt shingle roofs are chic and attractive. So, most homeowners prefer to leave them as-is.
Unfortunately, shingle roofs deteriorate with time. They fade, weather, and lose their original shine. So, can you paint the shingles to restore their beauty? Or does painting roof shingles do more harm than good?
We’ve developed this guide to help you understand the pros and cons of painting shingles so you can make an informed decision. Additionally, we cover the best shingle paints, colors, costs, and a step-by-step roof painting guide.
How to Paint Roof Shingles
Yes, you can paint roof shingles, but the process has benefits and drawbacks. The first step is to choose the right paint. We recommend acrylic latex paint. Next, prep the roof, repair/replace bad shingles, and clean and prime the surface. Then begin painting, using thick one-inch nap rollers and working top to bottom, left to right. You need 2-3 coats for the best results.
Can you Paint Roof Shingles?
Yes, you can paint roof shingles. Understandably, many roofing professionals advise against it. However, sometimes painting makes more sense than replacing the roof or doing nothing about its dilapidated state.
Moreover, painting doesn’t damage shingle roofs. A few professionals warn about moisture issues (breathability problems). However, the right paint gives the roof shingles a new lease of life without trapping moisture.
Can you Paint Asphalt Shingles?
Yes, you can paint asphalt shingles. But beware of a few caveats. For instance, not all paint types work well for asphalt shingles. The best option is acrylic latex paint as it’s breathable, thus preventing potential moisture problems.
Certain elastomeric paints are also applicable. However, they are technically plastics that may trap moisture within the roof, causing air quality issues indoors while accelerating roof degradation. So, be cautious about them.
Also, remember that painting is a temporary fix as painted roofs fade and need repainting every 5-7 years. Above all, working on the roof is a safety risk.
Can you Paint Clay and Wood Shingles?
Yes, you can paint clay and wood shingles using acrylic latex paint. But remember that latex paints are water-based paints that fade easily. So, you may need to repaint within a few years, typically 3-5 years. Meanwhile, elastomeric paints are more durable but less breathable.
Wood rot is another major concern if you paint wooden shingles with water-based acrylic paint. The painted shingles may soon attract fungi and begin to decay.
When should you Paint Shingle Roofs?
Given the long list of concerns, you should only paint shingles if the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The following are common scenarios when shingle painting makes sense;
- You’re updating your home: Roof painting is practical when updating the home but unprepared to replace the roof. A fresh coat of paint over the shingles provides the desired refreshed curb appeal.
- You wish to match roof colors after a remodel: Perhaps you installed a new roof as part of your remodel, but the new and old sheets don’t match because the latter are faded. In this case, painting the whole roof in one color unifies the roof.
- You cannot replace your shingle roof due to local codes/regulations: Suppose you purchase a historical home with a weathered roof but cannot replace the roof because of homeowners association rules or local regulations. This is another instance when painting makes sense.
Pros and Cons of Painting Shingles
Pros
- A longer roof life
- Increased energy efficiency
- Painting seals some roof leaks.
- It forms a protective coating over the roof.
- It beautifies the roof.
Cons
- It can cause breathability issues, leading to rust/rotting
- Painted shingle roof requires regular maintenance
- Painting roof shingles is hard work
- It poses a few inherent safety risks
What Kind of Paint do you Use on Roof Shingles?
Acrylic latex paint is the best choice for painting roof shingles. The main reason is permeability. Standard roofs are breathable membranes that transfer air and moisture outdoors. It’s part of the reason asphalt makes excellent roof shingles in warm climates. It’s highly porous yet 100% waterproof.
Unfortunately, some paints block the pores in roof shingles, trapping moisture. This can cause moisture problems in the rooms below and increase the risk of shingle corrosion and rot.
Acrylic latex paints stand out because they are highly permeable. Moisture easily flows through the paint coat without compromising adhesion. Unfortunately, oil-based and elastomeric paints aren’t so breathable.
What’s the Best Roof Paint for Shingles?
Several manufacturers make acrylic latex paints specifically targeting shingles. However, you must ensure it suits your needs. For instance, some shingle roof paints work for metal shingles but not wood. Some also work in cold climates but not warm regions.
Nevertheless, the best paints for asphalt shingle roofs are Behr Multi-Surface Roof Paint and Sherwin Williams’ Kool Seal Premium Roof Paint.
1. BEHR Multi-Surface Roof Paint
BEHR Multi-Surface Roof Paint is a 100% premium acrylic latex flat finish. It’s algae and mildew resistant and doesnt discolor or turn yellow under high roof temperatures. It’s also attractive for its excellent adhesion to various roofing materials. Above all, you can tint it to match your decor.
We strongly recommend this paint for brightening roofs and increasing the roof’s heat reflectance. However, there are better options for waterproofing roofs or leak repair.
When you’re ready to paint, clean the roof surface, remove previous roof coatings, and prime the shingles with BEHR Premium Plus No. 436 Exterior Multi-Surface Prime & Sealer. Then apply two paint coats from the top down without thinning. It covers 250-450 Sq. Ft. per gallon and can be recoated in 2-4 hours.
Pros
- It’s algae and mildew resistant
- Doesn’t yellow or discolor
- Dries quickly (in 2-4 hours)
- High coverage (up to 450 Sq. Ft./gallon)
Cons
- Comes in one color – white
- Doesn’t moistureproof the roof
2. Sherwin Williams Kool Seal Premium Roof Paint
Kool Seal is a 100% acrylic latex coating, tintable to various colors. In addition, the premium formulation is UV resistant and doesn’t chalk, crack, or peel.
It’s available in three sheens – flat, satin, and semi-gloss. Flat sheens are non-refective coatings designed to hide surface imperfections. Meanwhile, satin sheens provide a slight gloss and a richer look, while the semi-gloss option is a lustrous, durable finish perfect for regularly cleaned surfaces.
Kool Seal is easy to apply with a roller or brush, dries quickly, and stays in shape for a long time. In addition, it comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty for your peace of mind.
Pros
- It doesn’t crack or peel
- It’s UV-resistant
- Available in three sheens
- It’s tintable to custom colors
Cons
- Expensive (Costs about $50/gallon)
How to Paint Roof Shingles
So, you’re convinced and prepared to paint your shingle roof. The following are three critical stages to achieving the best results.
Safety Considerations
Roof painting is a delicate process that exposes you to many safety hazards. So, the first step is to take safety precautions. We recommend the following;
- Safety equipment: You need safety equipment, including guardrails, a net, and a safety harness to keep you safe on the roof.
- Protective equipment: Wear protective equipment, including a mask, helmet, gloves, and goggles. Also, wear non-slip shoes.
- A sturdy ladder: Inspect the ladder to ensure it conforms to safety standards. Always place the ladder on steady ground and tie the top to a stable part of the roof.
- A work buddy: You need a helping hand when working on the roof. More importantly, it would help if you had an extra pair of eyes to watch your back.
- Other requirements: It’s best to paint the roof in good weather conditions without rain and strong winds. Additionally, avoid clutter and obstructions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Tools and Materials
Gather the following;
- Acrylic latex paint
- Paint sprayer/roller/brushes
- Paint primer
- Chemical cleaner
- A hammer
- Utility knife
- Nails
How to Paint Roof Shingles: Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’re ready, shingle roof painting is a 5-step process that begins with a roof inspection and ends with the actual painting.
Step 1: Inspect the Roof
Inspecting the roof reveals cracks, leaks, and missing shingles. You may also identify worn shingles, uncover rust or rotting issues, and discover mold and mildew.
You need to fix these issues before painting for two reasons. First, painting damaged shingles is a waste of time. The paint may not adhere or will peel off within a few weeks, necessitating replacement.
Secondly, “patching up” asphalt roof leaks and cracks with paint makes future repairs more difficult as locating the leaks becomes more challenging.
Step 2: Repair or Replace Damaged Roof Shingles
This is one of the main reasons why you should consider a professional roof painting job. The professional likely has experience replacing missing shingles and repairing minor roof damages.
But you can do it yourself with a little commitment. First, check if you have a few leftover shingles from the last repair/installation project. If not, you may need to buy a few new sheets.
Asphalt shingles cost $15 to $20 per square meter. Then find a hammer, pry bar, utility knife, and a handful of 11/4-inch shingle nails.
From there, you lift damaged shingles using the pry bar or cut away bad sections using the utility knife. Then nail the new sheets onto the cut section using the hammer.
Step 3: Clean the Roof
First, sweep the roof to remove debris and loose dirt. Then get a chemical cleaner for caked-in grime. It’s best to check with the shingle manufacturer for the best cleaners.
Alternatively, consider Rust-Oleum Jomax Roof Cleaner or Wash-Safe Roof Wash. Both are eco-friendly formulas.
Dilute the roof cleaner with water, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Then fill a pup-stye garden sprayer with the solution to spray the roof thoroughly.
After spraying, wait 15 minutes for the chemical to soak into the roof, then wash down the shingles with a garden hose.
Step 4: Cover and Prime the Roof
The next step is priming the surface to prepare it for painting. But before applying primer, use plastic sheets and wrappers to cover vents and skylights. Then seal the edges of the plastic with painter’s tape and begin priming.
The best primer when painting asphalt shingles depends on the type of shingles and paint type. For instance, BEHR recommends priming surfaces with BEHR Premium Plus #436 Exterior Multi-Surface Primer if you wish to use the manufacturer’s multi-surface roof paint. Check the paint label for further directions.
When ready, fill an airless sprayer with the water-based primer and spray it throughout the roof. Then wait two hours for the primer to dry before you begin painting.
Step 5: Painting Asphalt Shingles
Fill the sprayer with paint and hold the nozzle 1-2 feet from the shingles. Then pull the trigger to start painting. The best way to spray-paint a shingle roof is from the top down and left to right.
Move the sprayer about 3-4 inches from the peak, then paint across to the left. When you reach the rightmost end of the roof, return to the left edge and paint another 3-4-inch-strip to the left. Then return to the left and repeat the process until you finish painting.
How Much does it Cost to Paint Asphalt Roof Shingles?
The cost to paint an asphalt roof varies from one place to another, depending on several factors, from roof size to paint type and labor costs. Nonetheless, the following pricing guidelines apply to most shingle painting jobs.
- Material costs: Exterior roof shingle paints cost $17/liter to $21/liter, depending on the paint type. Basic acrylic paints are the most affordable, costing around $17/liter. Meanwhile, nanotechnology paints cost up to $21/liter.
- Labor costs: Most professionals charge $35 to $55/hour to paint roof shingles, with beginners charging $25 to $35/hour. However, the most experienced professionals charge up to $75/hour.
- Shingle roof painting costs by project size: Expect to spend $2,000 to $5,000 for medium-sized roofs and $5,000 to $15,000 for large roofs. The national average is $2,354.
DIY is a little more affordable if you have the skills. For example, you only need about $1,000 to purchase enough paint for a 20-square-meter roof.
Roof Shingle Paint Colors
Choosing shingle paint colors is a nightmare for many homeowners. Part of the problem is the sheer number of colors. There are more than 100 colors color shades to pick from. Even worse, matching the roof color to the rest of the house is an age-old problem.
Fortunately, we’ve been there and can offer a few tips. First, check with your local authorities to find out the permitted colors. Similarly, check with the homeowner’s association for further guidelines. Now you have a starting point.
Next, consider your geographic location. Generally, lighter colors are more practical in warmer climates as they keep the home’s interiors cooler, reducing air conditioning costs. Meanwhile, colder climates benefit from darker roof colors to prevent heat loss.
Finally, consider the color of your home and your personal preferences. The following are additional guidelines to consider;
- Painting roof shingles black: Black-colored roofs are the most common for a reason. First, black absorbs more heat than light-colored shingles, making it ideal for homes in cold climates. Secondly, black is a universal color that blends well with almost any architectural style and home color. However, any dark color shades will do.
- Painting roof shingles white: Painting roof shingles white is another popular option, especially in warmer climates. The bright color reflects sunlight, keeping the indoors cooler for increased energy efficiency. But, again, lighter shades of any color will do.
Can you Change the Color of the Roof Shingles?
Yes, you can repaint the roof to change the color of the shingles. It’s inadvisable for new roofs as factory coatings last much longer and are more resistant to fading.
However, painting the shingles in a different color is a much more affordable way to update the home’s look than replacing the roof.
How to Care for a Painted Roof
Painted roof maintenance is similar to caring for other roofs. The main steps include the following;
- Keep the roof clean: Debris, leaves, and twigs on the roof can trigger corrosion and paint degradation. So, remove them promptly. We also recommend pressure cleaning the roof once a year to remove stuck-in stains.
- Fix leaks and gaps early: Leaky roofs quickly manifest into bigger issues, including discoloration around the leak hole. So, seal them early to prevent costly damage.
- Weatherproof for greater protection: Most shingle roof paints are not weatherproof. Although they’re UV resistant, they are susceptible to water and moisture. Consider waterproofing the surface to protect the paint coat.
- Know when to repaint: Shingle paints only last for a while. Indeed, water-based shingle roof paints only last 10-15 years. Recoat the shingles regularly to maintain the roof’s shine and structural integrity.
- Know when to replace: Painting is a temporary solution and primarily an aesthetics-enhancing project. It’s not the solution to old, leaky roofs. So, when the time comes, replacement is more cost-effective than repair (and painting).
Summary
Painting your roof shingles is a practical stop-gap solution to faded roofs or home improvement efforts. It uplifts your curb appeal without burning a hole in your pocket.
The best part is you can do it yourself for under $1,000! Just remember to use the right paint and paint color. Above all, be safe.