If you have an asphalt shingle roof, you might notice how it tends to look worn over time. This can lead you to worry about how well it will stand up to the elements. That’s no small concern. In extreme climates, roofs take an even harder beating. No matter what climate you live in, your roof has to endure a lot.
To guard against the wear and tear of your roofing, you might wonder if you should opt for a roof professional, or can you paint a roof? The short answer to painting a roof is yes, but it can be complicated. Painting an asphalt roof can offer some benefits, but it can also have several drawbacks.
The Pros and Cons of Painting Your Roof
Pros
- Painting your roof can help extend the life of your roofing.
- The paint can provide an additional outer layer to protect your home from the elements.
- Another benefit of painting a roof is the energy savings results. If you choose a lighter shade for your roof, it will reflect more sunlight. This can help keep your home cooler, save you money on air conditioning, and help reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
- Finally, painting your roof can make it look great. It can add a new dynamic appeal to your home that will stand out from the neighbors.
Cons
While the benefits of painting a roof can be compelling, the cons can make the decision seem much less appealing:
- First of all, it’s a lot of work. Painting a roof can be dangerous, too, especially if it includes steep slopes.
- A second drawback also involves the work that it takes. The paint will only last a few years before it needs to be repainted. This can involve stripping the old paint before applying a new coat, which takes a lot of time and effort.
- The paint can also mask damage to your roof that will be harder to detect.
So, can you paint a roof? Yes, but it will take a lot of work.
How to Paint a Roof
When painting a roof, you’ll need to use acrylic latex paint that can stick to asphalt shingles and help keep out the elements. Choosing the wrong paint can make a lot more work for you.
- Before applying the paint, you’ll need to check your roof for any damage and for shingles that will need to be fixed or replaced. As mentioned above, paint can make detecting damage more difficult, so you’ll need to find and address any issues before painting.
- The next step is to clean the roof. A power washer is a great tool for removing the dirt and grime that you don’t want beneath the paint.
- Then you’ll need to prime and seal the surface. Use a water-based primer and sealer.
Helpful Tips for Painting a Roof
- Finally, it’s time to paint your roof. There are a few important tips to keep in mind:
- Apply the paint in thin coats; otherwise, things could get messy.
- Shingles need to expand and contract with changes in the weather, so paint each shingle rather than the entire roof with one thick coat.
- Apply at least 2 to 3 coats and allow enough time for each coat to dry.
- Work methodically to ensure even coverage.
- Don’t paint yourself into a corner (at the top of your roof).
Choose a Simpler Way to Protect Your Roof
Can you paint a roof? Yes, but it can take days of hard work. Instead of doing it yourself and getting an imperfect solution. If you’re looking for another way to protect your roof, Roof Maxx is an all-natural plant-based oil that instantly adds five years of life to your roof. Plus, it can be applied every five years up to three times, giving you up to 15 years of additional roof life.
The best part? Roof Maxx costs just 15 to 20% of a roof replacement, and it can be done in just an hour or two. Contact Roof Maxx today for a free quote and get more from your roof. Find out why so many people give us such great reviews.
