Should you paint your roof shingles?

Painting your roof shingles can be an inexpensive way to change the exterior look of your home for the better.

Perhaps you have been living in your home for a while, or, you just moved into a new home and you aren’t in love with the color of your roof (even though it was recently replaced by the previous owners.) It may not be the right time for a replacement, but that doesn’t mean that you’re stuck with your roof’s current look. You can paint your roof shingles to match your style.

Enterprise Roofing has put together a list of considerations and tips if you’re considering a color change. Keep reading to decide if painting your roof is right for your home.

Roof Age & Wear

First, consider the age and wear of your roof. Paint only makes sense for roofs that are structurally sound. Paint can’t seal leaks and it doesn’t provide waterproof protection. If you have damaged shingles, we recommend replacing your roof rather than painting it. A replacement will allow you to choose a new color that better-suits your taste. If you find that your roof is in good shape and you want a color-change, we recommend that you talk to your local roofing contractor to find out if painting is the best option.

Painted Roof Maintenance

Next, it’s important to note that painted shingles may require extra roofing maintenance.  A painted shingle will start to wear much faster than an unpainted shingle. It’s estimated that if you use the right paint, you will get around 5 years out of your painted roof before having to re-paint. A standard, unpainted shingle can last up to 20+ years with regular maintenance. Be sure to consider the amount of time and resources that go into maintaining a painted roof in the future.

Roof Painting Materials

If you decide to paint, make sure that you use the right kind of painting materials. Our roofing experts recommend using an acrylic (water-based) paint that is designed specifically for roofs and will withstand constant weather wear. We also recommend choosing a color that will increase efficiency for your home. Light colors will better reflect sunlight, keeping your house cooler while a dark color will absorb sunlight, keeping your house warmer.

Safety Precautions

Lastly, please remember that when painting a roof, safety is key. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, make sure that you have all of the tools and safety equipment you need to get the job done. We recommend a safety harness and a good pair of slip-resistant shoes. The team at Enterprise Roofing has 90 years of roofing experience and we’re here to help you get the job done safely.

How Enterprise Roofing Can Help

Here at Enterprise Roofing, we want you to LOVE your Miami Valley home. Painting your roof is a big decision as it takes a lot of time and a lot of resources. However, if you feel stuck with a shingle color that doesn’t fit you and your home, painting can be a great solution – one that can last several years if done with careful thought and consideration. Contact Enterprise Roofing if you’d like a roof evaluation. We’ll be able to tell you if it’s time to consider a new roof for your home!