Can You Paint Roof Shingles? Everything Homeowners Need to Know
There may come a time when you decide you’re ready to update your home’s exterior color.
According to Southern Living, professional painters recommend repainting the outside of your home every 5 to 12 years.
In addition to updating your house’s color, you may be tempted to switch up the shade of your roof.
Many homeowners may want to update their roofs without needing to replace the entire thing.
Since asphalt shingles can show wear long before they’ve reached the end of their lifespan, you may be wondering, “Can I paint roof shingles?”
This blog will discuss whether or not you can paint your asphalt roof shingles.
We’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks of doing so, if you decide that’s the course of action you want to take.
Why Should I Paint Roof Shingles?
The short answer is yes, you can paint roof shingles.
Keep in mind there are several caveats to consider before going to your nearest hardware store to buy a few gallons of paint.
Replacing or singling your roof may be an unnecessary expense if your shingles are structurally sound.
A few reasons you may consider painting your shingles include:
- Adding an extra layer of protection against extreme weather and debris
- Reducing the energy needed to cool your home
- Making your roof look new again
Things to Consider Before Painting Your Shingles
There are a few factors to consider before painting your roof shingles.
Not every type of roof can be painted. The below elements can affect the outcome of the painting project and if it’s worth the effort.
Your Roof’s Age
What your shingles are made from will determine how often your roof needs to get replaced.
According to The Spruce, the average asphalt shingle roof will last 20 to 25 years.
The roof’s longevity may vary depending on how much damage it’s incurred.
If your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan, it may be more cost-effective to replace it than paint it.
You would save yourself time, money, and hassle by contacting an experienced roofing company to discuss your options.
The Weather and Climate Where You Live
The success of your painting venture will vary depending on your climate.
For example, homes that receive a lot of direct sunlight will need a lot of paint touch-ups.
Climates that are very humid or wet will affect how the paint adheres to the roof.
Some of the negative effects weather can have on a painted roof include:
- Bubbling
- Chipping
- Peeling
The Reason Why You’re Painting
You’ll need to ask yourself the motivation behind choosing to have your roof painted instead of replaced or repaired.
For example, are you looking to save money by not replacing your roof? Do you simply want to freshen up your home’s exterior?
The answer to the above questions will impact the course of action you take.
Connecting with a roofing company in Mesa will ensure you make the right decision for your home.
Learn About the Disadvantages of Roof Painting
Many roofing professionals don’t recommend painting your roof for various reasons.
Let’s discuss some of the most common ones.
Increased Maintenance
Like with any paint job, you’ll need to invest time and money in maintaining your painted roof.
You’ll need to repaint your roof every few years to ensure the paint job continues looking good.
These costs could add up to being more than what it would be to replace your roof in the first place.
Difficult to Paint
It’s challenging for even the best painters to evenly paint shingles due to their porous surface.
This often results in a streaky or uneven finish. This is especially true for those who attempt to paint their roofs themselves.
Voided Warranty
Many asphalt shingle roofs come with a warranty that will be voided if you paint them.
Thoroughly read the terms of your warranty agreement before you paint the shingles.
Even lifetime roof warranties may get voided if you decide to paint it.
A voided warranty may not seem like a big deal if your roof is at the end of its life.
However, you may be out of luck down the road if you have a newer roof and run into problems in the future.
Explore the Benefits of Painting Roof Shingles
There are some advantages to painting your roof, especially if it’s reaching the end of its lifespan.
Working with a professional roofing company is key to ensuring the job is done properly.
Decreased Energy Consumption
The color of your roof may affect how much energy you need to keep your home cool.
For example, black shingles tend to absorb more heat than lighter-colored shingles.
Painting your roof a lighter color may cause your home to not get as hot during the summer.
Keep in mind that these energy savings won’t be astronomical.
They may not be enough to offset what it costs to paint your roof in the first place.
Cover Up an Old Roof
Painting your roof is a great option if you want to change the look of your home without replacing your roof.
This may be a good choice if you want to sell your home and give its curb appeal a boost.
One thing to remember is that home inspectors will be able to notice that the roof is painted.
This might be a problem for potential homebuyers.
They will know that they’ll need to replace the roof soon or repaint it every couple of years.
Contact an Experienced Company for Roof Maintenance in Mesa, AZ
While yes, you can paint roof shingles, your needs may be better served by exploring a different option.
Painting a roof can be costly and result in your roof’s warranty being voided.
We recommend working with a roofing company in Mesa if you’re considering painting your roof.
Whether you’re looking for roof shingle maintenance or roof installation, the experts at AZ Roofing Works are here to assist.
We can help you find the best paint for shingles or help you find a better option for your roofing needs.
Contact our office to book a consultation with one of our professionals.
Looking for Roofers in Phoenix, AZ?
Trust AZ Roofing Works for rapid, expert roofing solutions. Our dedicated team is equipped to handle all your roofing needs with utmost professionalism and expertise.
Contact us today or call our office at (602) 283-3383 for immediate assistance!
