Can You Paint Asphalt Shingles?

In the United States, asphalt shingles are among the most common roofing materials. This is likely due to the fact that they are easy to repair, involve simple installation and are very affordable.

They are most often seen in a charcoal gray, or even darker colors, and these shades will absorb heat. Your roof is in direct sunlight throughout the day; this combined with the dark color of the shingles, will significantly heat up your roof. This is especially true in summer months and can end up driving up your energy bills.

Because of this, along with a number of other reasons, you may desire to paint your asphalt shingles a lighter shade entirely.

So, the question becomes: “can you paint asphalt shingles?” The short answer is, yes, it is possible to paint asphalt shingles but to stay looking fresh, it may require that it be maintained periodically with a new coat.

Let’s dive into this question further and examine when it makes sense to paint asphalt shingles, how to do it, and any of the possible challenges that could arise.

You can paint asphalt and most other types of shingles and there are a number of reasons why someone might want to. However, they will require an added level of preparation and some serious consideration to achieve the desired results.

The surface of shingles is very rough and they tend to expand and contract with temperature changes. This will lead to some difficulty during painting and it’s recommended that you apply several coats of paint.

The most effective way to paint your asphalt shingles is by using a paint sprayer. Additionally, choose your paint carefully, as the type you use is important. Oil-based or exterior latex paints will likely not be durable enough.

Instead, look into using an elastomeric paint. Elastomeric paint will last you the longest and it has the ability to stretch and move around but certain brands can contribute to moisture problems.

Using paint to improve the look of your roof, or any other part of your home, is a very practical option. If you’ve just moved into a home that has a roof with an undesirable color, you can paint it instead of wasting time and money to have it completely replaced.

Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors to fit your needs. If your roof is of a darker hue, instead of going through the hassle of replacing the shingles, you may want to paint them. Dark-colored roofs notoriously absorb a lot of heat and could possibly increase the temperatures inside the home.

The following are some of the benefits that are associated with electing to paint your asphalt roof:

If you do decide to paint your asphalt shingles, the color you choose doesn’t only come down to aesthetics. It can also contribute to your home’s energy efficiency. If you live in an area with especially warm temperatures, you know how beneficial light colors are at reflecting heat and staying cool. This same standard can be applied to your roof.

When properly maintained and kept clean, a white roof can reflect up to 80 percent of the sunlight that hits it. This, in turn, will keep your entire home cooler. Enhancing the reflectivity of your roof by merely 40 to 50 percent can lower your energy bills by approximately 20 percent. This impact is most often seen in single-story structures, whereas, multi-story buildings will experience it most in the upper floors.

On the other hand, if you live in a colder climate where heating your home is very important, it’s best to opt for a darker color. A dark colored roof will absorb the warmth of the sun in spring and fall, when it isn’t coated in snow.

If you choose to paint your asphalt shingles, your biggest concern will be moisture. In order for moisture to evaporate and be released, the shingles need to breathe.

Make sure that the paint you choose is specifically designed for roofs and allows for any accumulated moisture to escape from the shingles. Choose an acrylic (water-based) paint and avoid waterproofing paint, which can trap moisture in the shingles.

Trapped moisture can cause severe damage to the shingles themselves and the wood sheathing underneath. If left unchecked, excess moisture can potentially lead to roof leaks.

Asphalt shingles purchased as they come could potentially last you 20 years or more, require little maintenance, and will retain much of the same look when they were installed.

However, when it comes to painted shingles, they will start showing signs of wear much quickly and will most often require a fresh coat of paint after five to seven years.

Each time maintenance is required, the roof will need to be cleaned, repaired, primed, and then painted. Additionally, a painted roof will still be hit hard by rain, sunlight, wind, snow, and other weather conditions that will cause the exterior to fade much faster.

For best results, paint your asphalt shingles using a spray paint machine. This piece of equipment is very efficient and will help you complete the project in two times the amount of time it would take you with a roller.

If you don’t own a paint sprayer, they can be rented easily at most home improvement centers. When it comes to roof spray painting, it is best to complete the work on a warm day. This will allow the paint to dry much faster and prevent it from spraying on undesirable areas of your property.

Make sure that you clean the roof before painting and replace any damaged shingles. Then, cover all roof fixtures with painters’ tape and use scraps of cardboard for the larger areas. Prime the roof before you begin and allow at least two days to dry before you begin painting with the paint sprayer. Then, apply two coats of paint, allowing ample drying time in between each.