Is It Okay To Paint My Asphalt Shingle Roof?

Asphalt shingles have their respective aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, they're exceptionally-performing roofing material if you source them from dependable local manufacturers. Therefore, is it a wise decision to paint your asphalt shingle roof in South Windsor CT with integrity-improving acrylic elastomeric paint.

The answer is yes, you can. However, don't expect it to work as it would on metal roofing, which sees large acrylic elastomeric roofing usage. Asphalt shingle roofs have a different property, which requires a different approach to painting it.

For example, asphalt shingles can shatter into small fragments due to erosion, as we've seen in most maintenance we do as top-tier roofers in South Windsor CT. Therefore, painting an aged asphalt shingle roof will unlikely yield the integrity-improving result you need. Truthfully, your hardware supplier can recommend asphalt shingle-oriented paint, which allows it to bond and harden asphalt shingle granules together. On the other hand, these are often much more expensive than regular acrylic elastomeric paint.

However, if you have a fresh set of asphalt shingles for installation or replacement, you can paint them if you dislike their aesthetic. Coloring over your asphalt shingles is handy when the roof doesn't suit your property's overall curb appeal is a great advantage.

Extreme How To's Q&A page clarifies that painting asphalt shingles is possible with a few caveats. Read more about it below.

It is possible to paint asphalt shingles, but many professionals recommend against it. The roof is directly exposed to the elements, so it is much more prone to damage than the rest of the house.

Furthermore, asphalt shingles consist of granules that detach over time, which can lead to blotchy areas on the painted surface. So, if you decide to paint your shingles, then you’ll have to periodically maintain it with a fresh coat.

To do the job you’ll need a high-quality, 100-percent acrylic latex paint with a flat finish. Behr manufactures a specially formulated roof paint that is resistant to mildew and algae, and resists yellowing when exposed to typical high roof temperatures.

Behr Roof Paint is intended to brighten roofs and reflect heat, however the EHT staff has no first-hand experience with the product. Before painting, replace any brittle or cracked shingles and clean the roof surface. Prime the roof with a coat of water-based primer and sealer.

Then, starting at the top of the roof, use a high quality 1-inch nap roller, nylon/polyester brush or airless sprayer to apply two coats of roof paint, allowing time to dry between each. (Continued)

If you have yet to find a dependable roofer in South Windsor CT, you can always count on us at Slavin Home Improvement. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can achieve with you.