Are your roof shingles looking a little faded? Do you have uneven coloring or a new addition that does not tone in with the rest of your roof? You may be tempted to reach for a paintbrush and give your shingles a new lease of life with a coat of specialist paint.

This is an option many homeowners have decided is the best solution for their home. However, others say that painting shingles is a bad idea that can lead to unwanted consequences.

In this post, we will explore how to paint roof shingles, the benefits painted shingles can bring, and some drawbacks that you should consider.

How to Paint Roof Shingles

Safety first! Before embarking on a shingle painting project, make sure you have the right fall arrest safety equipment, ladders, and/or scaffolding. Even better, you can hire professionals who are experienced in using this equipment to get the job done with minimal risk.

Choose your paint

You will need to choose an acrylic latex paint designed for outdoor use, which states that it can be used on roof shingles. Water-based paints let moisture escape, which reduces the chances of unsightly mold and algae developing on your shingles.

Also, choose a primer that will help your topcoat to form a strong bond with the shingle. A multi-surface primer should get the job done, but you should check first that it is suitable for the purpose.

Get a roof inspection

There is no point hiding a suspect roof under a new paint job. Painting it will not fix issues like leaks or lifting or degrading shingles. Call a trusted roofing contractor to assess the condition of your roof first and carry out any needed repairs.

If your roof is in bad shape, a roof replacement is a great opportunity to replace your old shingles with new ones that create the aesthetic you want without having to paint them.

Clean your roof

Your roof needs to be power washed before the painting process can start. This will remove any dirt, mold, and algae growing on your roof. However, do not go in with a regular power washer, as it could blast away granules from the shingles. Instead, hire a company experienced in soft washing to get the job done.

Choose a dry week

Rain is the enemy when painting asphalt shingles. Choose a week when no rain is forecast to give your roof a chance to dry and cure.

Prime and paint

Prime your roof to give the paint the best chance of adhering. Then go in with a roller or sprayer if you have a large roof. Be sure to patch-test a section first to make sure you like the color before continuing.

Benefits of Painting Asphalt Shingles

Painting asphalt shingles could be a great way to give your roof a new look at a fraction of the cost of a roof replacement. However, for this to be worthwhile, your roof must be structurally sound, and the shingles must be in good condition.

Some advantages include:

  • Cheaper than replacement: Depending on the size of your roof, a full replacement with asphalt shingles could cost over $20,000. However, painting your roof is likely to cost around $1,000.
  • Extend the life of your shingles: If the job is done right, the additional layer of acrylic latex paint could protect your shingles by slowing down degradation caused by UV rays.
  • Increased energy efficiency: Acrylic shingles usually come in very dark colors that absorb heat from the sun. Painting them white or another light color can more effectively reflect the sun’s rays, increasing your home’s energy efficiency.
  • New aesthetic: Paint allows you to customize the look of your home and even out inconsistencies in the color of your shingles.

Drawbacks of Painting Asphalt Shingles

The benefits may make painting your roof very tempting, but there are several good reasons why many professionals warn against it, including:

  • Ongoing maintenance: Just as regular, unpainted shingles require maintenance, so do painted ones. Your shingles will continue to degrade, crumbling into granules, especially in the harsh Arizona sun. You may need to perform regular touch-ups to counteract bubbling, flaking, or other issues. You will also need to repaint it every few years.
  • Damage to your roof: A bad paint job could damage your roof and shorten its lifespan. In the worst-case scenario, it could trap moisture, causing the structure to rot more quickly.
  • Challenging job: Painting a room is easy, but painting a roof is not. Asphalt shingles are grainy, making painting them time-consuming. They may require several coats of primer and coat to achieve the right look.

Discuss Your Options With Overson Roofing

At Overson Roofing, we understand that you want your home to look its best and protect your family. Painting a roof may seem like a good solution, but this is a temporary fix that can create more problems than it solves.

Instead, call our experienced roofing team, and we will inspect your current roof. We can advise whether it needs repair or replacement and help you overcome issues with mismatched shingles.

We can also help you secure financing to get the job done right. Call 480-354-2564 or complete our online form to schedule a free roof estimate and discover what we can do for you today.