Have you been dreaming of a new home exterior? Have you recently repainted your home only to discover the roof no longer matches? Fortunately, you can solve this problem even if you’re on a budget.
If your home needs a makeover, painting your roof shingles is one way to give it a new look without breaking the bank.
Can You Paint Asphalt Roof Shingles?
Are you wondering if you can paint shingles? Yes, you can absolutely paint asphalt roof shingles. However, it’s important to take some precautions beforehand to ensure your roof is in good enough shape to paint. Calling on a professional roofing inspector to give your roof a good once-over should always be your first move.
But what do you do if your roof is in poor condition? Can you paint shingles on your roof? If the inspector notices leaks, lifting shingles, blistering or any other issue, they’ll likely recommend replacing the roof instead of painting over it.
Pros and Cons of Painting Your Roof Shingles
A painted roof can benefit your home in more ways than just updating its look:
- Savings: If you want to change your home’s exterior before your roof wears out, painting your roof shingles is a cost-effective alternative to investing in a whole new roof.
- Extended lifespan: Painting a well-maintained roof adds an extra layer of protection between the elements and your shingles, slowing wear so your roof can last longer.
- Energy efficiency: Repainting a dark roof to a lighter color reflects more sunlight, lowering the indoor temperature and reducing your air conditioning needs.
Of course, it’s also important to consider some of the cons of painting your own roof. Some of those drawbacks can include:
- Time investment: Painting a roof is a time-consuming process that will take several days from start to finish, and finding enough time to get it done can be tough for anyone with a busy schedule.
- Weather interruptions: Outdoor paint typically takes at least 24 hours to dry, so planning your painting time around rainstorms and other inclement weather is critical for getting the results you want.
- Safety: Painting your roof yourself without proper training and gear can be dangerous, especially if you’re not used to DIY projects.
- Climate wear: Especially hot, cold and humid climates can accelerate wear, requiring more frequent maintenance and touch-ups to keep your roof looking its best.
What You’ll Need if You’re Painting Roof Shingles
If you do plan to paint your roof yourself, you’ll need the following materials:
- Paint: An acrylic latex formula created specifically for outdoor use is the right asphalt shingle paint for preventing moisture buildup, water damage and algae growth.
- Primer: Unless you choose a paint with primer in it, you’ll want to prime your roof first to ensure the strongest possible bond between your shingles and your paint. Choose one designed for outdoor applications, as this formulation can effectively protect against mold and damage.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Keep your eyes and lungs safe from paint fumes with goggles and a mask or supplied air respirator. You might also want to wear a full body suit to protect your clothes from stains.
- An extension ladder: You’ll need a ladder that’s high enough to reach your roof without leaving any gaps.
- Protective coverings: Laying out tarps and cloths will help you protect nearby plants, structures and surfaces from stains.
- Paint spray gun: A high-pressure paint gun helps you apply an even layer much faster than you would be able to with a brush or roller. You can often find them at home improvement stores, or you can rent them to save money.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Painting a Shingled Roof
Here’s a quick guide to the steps you’ll need to take to safely and effectively paint your shingled roof:
1. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Before you go out and buy any paint, you should hire a professional to inspect your existing roof shingles. Your inspector will look for any issues that could affect your roof’s performance, such as:
- Aging and wear
- Water pooling
- Moisture damage
- Broken or missing shingles
- Leaks
- Structural damage
This information will help them determine whether your roof is in good enough condition for painting. If they find your roof isn’t, they will likely recommend replacing it first to prevent further damage.
2. Clean Your Roof
Once an inspector has given your roof the OK, it’s time to prep the surface for painting. Remove built-up dirt and debris by:
- Sweeping the roof using a leaf blower or broom
- Spraying the roof with a noncorrosive cleaning agent
- Scrubbing away any stuck-on grime
- Rinsing off the roof with a garden hose
- Allowing the roof to completely dry
You can eliminate any algae or moss growth by applying a solution of equal parts bleach and water. If using this treatment, be sure to spray down any nearby plants with water before and after you clean. This step prevents your plants from absorbing the bleach and keeps them healthy.
3. Apply Primer
You can apply primer as soon as your roof is dry. To prepare the area, set up any protective cloths or tarps now, then fill your spray gun and apply your primer.
Make sure to apply the primer in a thin, even layer to avoid clumping and other imperfections.
It’s also important to choose a primer that makes sense for the final color you want. For example, a dark primer will make it more difficult to achieve a light-colored roof.
4. Paint Your Roof
Finally, it’s time to get started on the main event. Once your primer has completely dried, fill your paint gun with paint for shingles and apply in thin, even coats. Dividing the roof into sections can help you work more efficiently and speed up the drying time.
This process should typically take one to two coats, though you may need to go back for a third coat if the color isn’t as intense as you like. You’ll want to make sure it completely dries between coats, which can take a day or more depending on the weather and the paint you’re using.
5. Perform Routine Maintenance
To ensure your new painted roof looks great for years to come, regular inspections and maintenance are vital. It’s best to inspect your roof at least once per year to check for signs of damage, such as:
- Lifting
- Cracking
- Breaking
- Missing shingles
- Mold and mildew
Working with a professional roofing company like AmeriPro Roofing can help you save valuable time and effort by handling the inspection process for you.
Trust AmeriPro Roofing to Inspect Your Shingled Roof
If you’re considering painting your asphalt shingle roof, you can count on us to make sure your shingles are in a good enough condition to paint. At AmeriPro Roofing, we like to say our standards are through the roof — and our awards and certifications are a testament to that motto.
And if your roof isn’t in good enough condition to paint, that’s no problem. You can still get the home makeover you want with our roof shingle replacement service.
