Painting roof shingles: A complete guide.

Can you paint roof shingles?

Yes, you can paint your asphalt roof shingles. You can also paint a metal roof, cedar wood roof, and even slate roof tiles. You can also paint roof tiles made out of clay or concrete.

However, although you can paint roof shingles, there are instances where you shouldn't paint them. For example, a professional may recommend not painting your roof shingles or tiles if:

• Your roof is in poor condition.
• You don't have the right type of paint.
• The climate and weather aren't conducive to painting.
• Painting your roof voids the warranty.
• You don't want to conduct more maintenance.

Benefits of painting roof shingles.

Painting your roof shingles offers many benefits, including the following:

Enhance your home's appearance.

Changing the color of your shingles is a great way to immediately improve the appearance of your home. If your shingles are drab or look worn out, a freshly painted roof can significantly elevate its curb appeal. You can make a striking visual statement, particularly if you choose a non-traditional color.

Related: 6 bold and modern dark exterior house color ideas.

Protect roof shingles from weather damage.

Specialized asphalt roof paint made from acrylic latex can act as a barrier. It can help prevent damage from weather-related issues such as rain, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. This protection helps ensure the longevity of your roof and minimizes the need for repairs — saving you both time and money.

But it's important to note that roof coatings are more effective at protecting your roof (more on that later).

Increase your roof's lifespan.

The acrylic latex paint preferred by roofers protects against the wear and tear commonly associated with roof damage. It adds a second layer of protection, making the shingles less likely to crack, warp, or degrade in response to environmental damage.

Factors to consider before painting roof shingles.

Before you get too far down the path of painting your roof shingles, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. 

Current condition and age of your roof.

Before you get started, assess your roof's current condition and age. If there are pre-existing issues like cracks or leaks, now is the time to address them. Paint can help extend your roof’s useful life, but it can’t make up for structural issues that are already present.

Additionally, older roofs may require more preparation. Understanding the surface's condition is vital to achieving optimal results.

Related: 5 signs your roof needs repairs ASAP.

Climate and weather.

You should also take climate considerations into account. Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or high temperatures, can affect how the paint adheres to the shingles, dries, and cures.

A good rule of thumb: Don't do an exterior painting project unless it's at least 50°F. Also, make sure temperatures aren't expected to fall below 32°F a few days after you've completed your roof painting project.

Local regulations and restrictions.

Check out any applicable municipal or HOA bylaws to ensure you're allowed to paint your roof shingles. Some areas may have specific guidelines or restrictions on the color and type of paint allowed. You should also obtain any necessary permits to avoid legal issues.

Your roof's warranty.

Do your asphalt shingles, metal sheets, or slate tiles have a warranty? If so, read it before you paint your roof. Some manufacturers may void your warranty, which means you'll have to pay for future roof damage.

Future maintenance tasks.

Once you paint your roof, there's no going back. That means you'll need to stay on top of touch-ups and repaint your roof once it starts to peel or crack. If you're not willing to DIY this task (or hire a professional), you may want to avoid painting your roof.

Your budget.

Whether you decide to paint your roof yourself or hire a pro, it's going to cost money.

If you take the DIY route, you'll need to buy supplies that you may be missing. This includes acrylic latex paint, paint primer, paint brushes, and more.

Hiring a pro will likely be more expensive than DIY-ing this project. The cost to paint a metal roof will depend on your roof's size and other factors. Read our cost guide on how much it costs to paint a metal roof to learn more.

Should you DIY or hire a roof painter?

There are a few things to consider when deciding between DIY-ing and hiring a pro. For example:

What's your budget? Your budget will likely determine whether you should DIY or hire a professional for your roof painting project. Get price quotes from a few local pros so you can see how much you'll pay. If your budget allows, it's best to hire a pro for this job.

Are you familiar with exterior roof painting? It's crucial that you choose a high-quality paint for your roofing material. And, it should understand the process of painting. If you don't paint it properly, you could experience problems down the line.

For example, if you use the wrong type of paint, your shingles may trap moisture. This can lead to future water damage.

How much time do you have? It will take at least several days to paint a roof. If you don't have the extra time to devote to this project, consider hiring a professional instead.

Step-by-step guide to painting roof shingles.

If you’re determined to DIY this project, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to paint your asphalt roof shingles:

1. Gather your materials.

First, ensure you have everything you need to paint your roof safely and securely. This may include:

• Protective equipment like gloves and goggles
• A sturdy ladder
• Safety equipment like a harness and guardrails
• Acrylic latex paint for your shingles (in your chosen color)
• Paint sprayer or brushes
• Primer
• Hammer
• Nails
• Utility knife

2. Inspect the roof and make repairs.

Before you start the painting process, inspect your roof to ensure there aren't any damaged shingles, cracks, or leaks. Painting asphalt shingles won’t fix this type of damage, so you must address this before you start. 

You can hire a pro to perform a roof inspection. During the inspection, the pro can make recommendations for roof repairs or a replacement.

3. Clean the roof surface effectively.

Thoroughly clean the roof surface by removing any debris, leaves, dirt, mold, mildew, or moss. A power washer can be effective for cleaning and preparing the shingles for painting. Then, allow the roof to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

4. Apply a primer.

Use a high-quality primer to create a smooth and even base for the paint. The primer enhances adhesion and durability, providing a solid foundation for the topcoat. Carefully apply the primer evenly across the roof surface, taking care to cover all areas.

5. Apply your paint.

Once the primer has dried according to the manufacturer's instructions, it's time to apply the acrylic latex paint made specifically for asphalt shingles. Use a paint spray gun for a more efficient and even application, or opt for brushes if you prefer a manual approach.

Apply the paint in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next. Pay attention to coverage, ensuring all shingles receive the same protection and color.

Alternatives to painting roof shingles.

When it comes to enhancing your roof's appearance, there are several alternatives to painting roof shingles that you can consider.  Some of these include:

Roof coatings.

Roof coatings are designed to provide a protective layer over your existing shingles, extending their lifespan while also giving you the opportunity to change their color. With a wide range of colors available, you can easily achieve the desired look for your roof without the need for painting.

Roof coatings are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to enhance the appearance of their roofs without the cost of a full replacement.

Roof replacement.

If your roof shingles are old, damaged, or showing signs of wear, roof shingle replacement is a better option than painting them. You can improve the look of your roof but also ensure its durability and protection.

Consider consulting with a professional roofing contractor who can guide you through the process and help you choose the best shingles for your home.

Other projects to improve curb appeal.

Aside from roof-related alternatives, there are other exterior home improvement options that can boost your home's curb appeal. Consider investing in new siding, window replacements, or even adding a fresh coat of paint to your home's siding.

Hire a professional to paint your roof.

If all this sounds like too much hassle, hiring a professional to paint your roof may be easier. You’ll get all the benefits of their experience without the struggle of finding the right equipment and paint to do it yourself.

Download the Thumbtack app today to find professional painters in your area.

FAQs 

How long do painted roof shingles last?

Typically, painted roof shingles last around five to seven years before they need to be repainted or replaced.

Can I paint roof shingles on a flat roof?

Because flat roofs do not use shingles, you cannot paint them like you would a traditionally pitched and shingled roof.

*A note about project costs featured in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.