Trendy colors can be used immediately by homeowners in dire need of a new roof. However, they are not available to homeowners who simply want to update or change the color of their current roofs. You can paint your roof, but it’s a complicated project that needs to be planned and researched.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

It is not a good idea to paint your roof as a substitute for roof repairs. A roofing inspection should be scheduled before you start any painting.

Consider the roof’s lifespan before you begin any work. Talk to your contractor. According to experts, a painted roof needs to be replaced every five to seven years. The average life span of asphalt shingles is almost 20 years. This means that they need to be painted multiple times.

Get Specialized Roof Paints

The roof will not take interior paints from other home improvement stores. Roofs can often reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent cracking and chipping, paint must be weather-resistant. Regular paint will not adhere to asphalt, wood, or tile roof shingles.

Behr, a world leader in paint manufacturing, has created an acrylic latex paint for roofs that is multi-surface and can withstand all the challenges. This special paint line is resistant to mildew, algae, and other problems that can arise from a repainted roof. Painting can trap moisture below your shingles. This can lead to mold growth and damage to your roof. Experts recommend homeowners avoid elastomeric roofing colors, especially on wood surfaces. This paint can increase moisture and mold damage.

You should not settle for less on the quality of materials. The size of your roof will dictate how many paint cans you need. Roof paint is costly. However, cheaper coatings can cause damage to your home.

White Roofing Trends

Researching roof paint will lead you to many articles on white roofing. The popular green movement of painting a roof white with reflective paint can lower home energy bills.

Hire a Skilled Roofer

A professional should handle most roofing projects due to the risk involved. But it can be hard to find a roofing contractor who specializes in painting roofs. The painting of shingles is still an uncommon request.

We recommend you do your research on roofing contractors and painters in your area. You might be able to finish the project yourself, even if you can't find a professional.