The classic neutral shades of metal, wood, as well as asphalt roofing shingles offer distinctive beauty but they’re not the right choice for every house or taste. If your shingles look way too dull for you, painting will bring them to life. Certain colors can make your house more relaxing.
However, even though painting is a possibility for roof shingles there are some difficulties which could cause you to reconsider whether or not you desire to.
If you are painting Shingles, it makes sense.
Paint can be a viable alternative to improve the appearance of a roofing that could have a shady color however, it is structurally sound.
You might have just purchased the house with a new roof that’s in an unattractive color to you. Paint is a great way to change the roof’s color without spending a lot of money or replacing a roof that is perfectly good. Paint can also be used for balancing out the shade of your roof for instance, when the shingles of the newly constructed addition do not match the color of the on the roofing.
Even if you’re not the biggest huge fan of shingles, but reside in an older property where the rules dictate that you’re bound by them, you might be in a position to paint your shingles to create the look that fits your tastes more.
Paint isn’t able to make your roof waterproof or stop leaks in your roof this isn’t the best option for those looking to avoid or repair the damage. The shingles that are damaged or degraded place your home at risk of water damage and must be replaced.
Shingles with a painted finish require extra maintenance
Unpainted shingles will look nice for 20 or more years with minimal maintenance. Paint-applied shingles, on other hand, show wear faster and typically require re-painting at least each five or seven years. Every time the roof has being cleaned, repaired and repainted, after which it will be primed and then painted.
Furthermore, the paint on your roof is more impacted by the sun, rain or wind and snow which means it fades more quickly than the paint you put on your walls. If you’d like to maintain some degree of contrast between your roof and your walls it may be necessary to paint your roof more frequently than you would normally.
Paint could put your roof at risk for moisture issues
If you choose painting your roof with shingles, choosing the right paint is crucial. Find one that is an acrylic (water-based) paint that is specifically made for roofs. This kind of paint allows the accumulated moisture to be released from the shingles. Beware of the use of elastomeric (waterproofing) paint which has been proven to hold moisture in shingles, promoting the development of mold and algae which can cause rot.
A roof that has asphalt or metal shingles is susceptible to decay. The shingles may hold well, but the moisture that is trapped will still cause damage to the wooden the underlying structure and cause leaks.
Finding a contractor might not be an Easy Task
The painting of shingles, though possible, isn’t an issue roofing contractors are often asked to do. Many don’t even be aware of what kind of paint is available or if it can be completed in any way. If they do know the basics, they may not have the knowledge needed to be able to confidently guarantee their work.
It’s worth soliciting advice, but if the region isn’t stocked with a sufficient number of roofing companies, there’s a great possibility that you’ll need to do the painting yourself.
Since working on roofs is a risk of falling and is a risk for falling, safety gear like waterproof safety shoes as well as an appropriate safety harness is essential. If you don’t have the equipment, purchasing it will increase the price of your initial roof painting project. This is yet another reason why it’s best to work with an expert if you can.
The right color can help improve the efficiency of your home’s energy use
If you choose to proceed with your plans to paint your roof despite any potential problems choosing the right color may be beneficial for the entire house.
If you reside in a climate that is warm you’re aware of how beneficial lighting colors can be for reflective heat as well as keeping cool. This same principle can be applied on your roof. If your roof is white, and maintained in good condition, reflect over 80 percent the light that hits it. This, in turn, makes your home cooler.
The improvement in reflectivity of your roof by as little as 40-50 percent could reduce your cooling costs by approximately 20 percent. The greatest benefits are seen for single-story homes. In multi-story houses the upper floors will gain the most.
To fully benefit from your roof’s cooling capacity take a look at cool roofing coatings. They are a bit more dense than paint, are made of reflective or white pigments which reflect sunlight.
However it is if you reside in an area that places heating as a more important priority than cooling, then you’ll prefer dark colors. A dark-colored roof absorbs the sun’s heat in autumn and spring when the roof isn’t smothered by snow.
Paint is a cheap alternative that can be flexible and adaptable to change the appearance of a roof with shingles that is in good condition however, it could benefit from some aesthetic enhancement.
Before you dive in However, you must ensure you’re familiar with the work of a painted roof and the possibility that you’ll be required to complete the task yourself. If you’re not put off, you should take the time to select an appropriate paint that doesn’t cause moisture issues. Make sure you do the job properly and you’ll be able to refresh your home with a new appearance at just a fraction of the price of new roofing.
