Choosing the right paint for your roof shingles can significantly increase their lifespan, protect them from the elements, and enhance the overall appearance of your home.
Choosing the right paint for your roof shingles can be quite a challenge, you can’t just paint with any type of paint. It’s important to consider the material of your shingles amongst other things.
To help you I’ve created this guide on the “Best Paint for Roof Shingles: Primer and Top Coat Options for Your Home.”
Join me as we explore the top products, expert advice, and practical tips to ensure your roof looks stunning and stands the test of time.
Table of Contents
Why Paint Roof Shingles?
Painting roof shingles can be a cost-effective way to improve the appearance of your home and extend the life of your roof. Aesthetic improvements are often the primary reason homeowners choose to paint their shingles, as it provides a fresh and updated look to the house.
Moreover, some colors can even make your home more comfortable by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption, resulting in lower energy consumption for cooling.
Another benefit of painting roof shingles is the added protection against harmful UV rays and weather elements. A high-quality paint job can help prevent shingle degradation and prolong the life of your roof.
Paint can also help seal minor cracks and imperfections, reducing the risk of water infiltration and the potential for mold growth or rot.
While painting roof shingles is not a permanent solution, it can be an effective medium-term solution to cosmetic problems and provide additional protection for your roof.
The key is to use a primer and high-quality top coat specifically designed for roof shingles, which can ensure the best results and prolong the life of your paint job. Proper surface preparation and following manufacturer recommendations are also essential for a successful project.
Types of Roof Shingles
There are different types of materials used for roof shingles. There are also different models of shingles.
Asphalt Shingles
These are the most popular and widely used roofing materials in the US, known for their affordability, durability, and ease of installation. Asphalt shingles are made from a base of either fiberglass or organic material, with a layer of asphalt and mineral granules on top.
When painting asphalt shingles, it’s essential to choose a primer that will prevent bleed-through. More about that later in the article.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are typically made from cedar, spruce, or pine, and offer a natural, rustic appearance. Wood shingles and shakes are more expensive and require more maintenance but can be very durable if properly maintained.
Metal Shingles
Metal roofing materials include steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc alloy. Metal roofs come in various styles, such as standing seam or metal shingles, and can be painted or coated for added protection and appearance. They are known for their durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance requirements.
Slate shingles
Slate is a natural stone that is known for its durability, fire resistance, and distinctive appearance. Slate shingles are expensive and heavy, requiring a strong roof structure and professional installation. However, they can last for over 100 years with proper maintenance.
Tile shingles
Tile shingles are made from clay, concrete, or synthetic materials. They are known for their longevity, resistance to harsh weather conditions, and distinctive appearance. Tile shingles are common in Europe. They’re more expensive and heavier than other roofing materials, requiring a strong roof structure.
What is the best primer for roof shingles?
Before applying the top coat of paint to your roof shingles, it’s essential to choose the right type of primer. The primer ensures proper adhesion of the top coat, enhances durability, and provides additional protection against factors such as bleed-through and mold.
The best primer for roof shingles is a 100% acrylic water-based primer with rust-inhibitive, stain-blocking, UV, and mold/mildew-resistant properties.
These primers dry quickly and have a low odor, which can be advantageous during the application process. Acrylic primers provide good adhesion, UV resistance, and flexibility, ensuring a durable and long-lasting finish for the top coat.
They are less prone to cracking and peeling, making them suitable for roof shingles that are subject to constant weather exposure.
Recommended Products
Here are some primers that are recommended before you paint your topcoat on your roof shingles:
BEHR Multi-Surface Stain-Blocking Primer and Sealer
BEHR Multi-Surface Stain-Blocking Primer and Sealer is a versatile and effective solution for priming various surfaces in both interior and exterior settings. This water-based, acrylic primer provides excellent adhesion, preventing peeling and ensuring long-lasting results.
Its stain-blocking capabilities make it ideal for covering medium to heavy stains, providing a clean canvas for the top coat. Additionally, it can be tinted for dramatic color changes and offers rust-inhibitive properties that help resist corrosion on metal surfaces.
With a quick drying time and a mildew-resistant finish, this primer is a great choice for a range of projects, including priming your roof shingles.
Pros
- Versatile: Suitable for interior and exterior applications on various surfaces, including concrete, brick, masonry, stone, drywall, fiberglass, metal, plaster, stucco, vinyl, and wood.
- Tintable: Can be tinted to accommodate dramatic color changes.
- Quick drying: Dries to touch in 30 minutes, allowing for a faster recoat time.
- Mildew resistant: Provides a mildew-resistant finish, ensuring durability and longevity.
- Lifetime guarantee: Offers assurance of the product’s quality and performance.
Cons
- Can be hard to clean out of your tools.
- Can take a long time for it to fully dry, can feel tacky for days. Although can be coated despite this.
ZINSSER Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain-Blocking Primer/Sealer
A must-have for anyone looking to paint their home with ease, ZINSSER Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality primer that can be used on a variety of surfaces.
Pros
- Quick drying
- Excellent stain-blocking resistance and can be used with any oil or latex topcoat
- Low odor
Cons
- May require multiple coats for optimal coverage on some surfaces
ZINSSER Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer is a versatile and reliable primer that can be used on a variety of surfaces. Its water-based formula makes it easy to apply and clean up, while its excellent stain-blocking resistance ensures a smooth, even finish.
Overall, ZINSSER Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality primer that can be used on a variety of surfaces. Its excellent stain-blocking resistance and compatibility with any oil or latex topcoat make it a must-have for any DIY painting project.
INSL-X Block Out Acrylic Exterior Stain-Blocking Primer
If you’re looking for a reliable and effective exterior primer that can block stains, the INSL-X Block Out Acrylic Exterior Wood Stain Blocking Primer is a great option.
Pros
- Good coverage
- Low VOC
Cons
- It may be a bit expensive for a primer.
The INSL-X Block Out Acrylic Exterior Wood Stain Blocking Primer is perfect for those who want a reliable and effective primer that can block stains. It’s multi-purpose, low VOC, and high hiding, making it a great option for a variety of surfaces.
However, it’s important to note that it should not be applied to a hot surface or if rain is threatening, and it may be a bit pricey for some.
What is the best paint for roof shingles?
The best paint for roof shingles is an acrylic elastomeric paint that offers mold and algae resistance, UV protection, and waterproofing capabilities.
By selecting a paint with these key factors, homeowners can effectively extend the lifespan of their roof shingles and maintain the overall appearance of their home.
Recommended Products
Here are some top coat paints that are recommended for your roof shingles:
BEHR® MULTI-SURFACE ROOF PAINT
Behr Multi-Surface Roof Paint is a premium quality, durable, 100% acrylic latex flat finish paint designed for various types of roofing materials. This coating is resistant to mildew and algae growth and will not discolor or yellow when exposed to high roof temperatures.
It adheres well to surfaces such as unglazed tile, masonry shingle, anchored gravel, aluminum/metal materials, composite sheet, asphalt shingles, concrete or cement block, urethane foam, slate, or wood shake roofs.
The paint can be tinted to match a variety of custom colors, providing a versatile option for homeowners.
Pros:
- Does not discolor or yellow under high roof temperatures
- Excellent adhesion to various roofing materials
- Tintable to match custom colors
- Fast drying time (2 hours) and recoat time (4 hours)
- Reflective White variant brightens roofs and reflects heat
Cons:
- Cannot be applied in direct sunlight or if rain or heavy dew is expected within 24 hours
Henry 100% Acrylic Dura-Brite
Henry® 587 100% Acrylic Dura-Brite™ White Elastomeric Roof Coating is a high-quality, high solids reflective roof coating that offers exceptional weather protection and solar reflectivity.
This premium roof coating boasts excellent elongation, peel strength, and solar reflectance values, providing superior longevity compared to economy-grade reflective roof coatings.
The coating, when cured, allows moisture vapor to vent or breathe out of the underlying substrate, preventing moisture build-up and ensuring the longevity of the roofing material.
Pros:
- Bright white finish with excellent hiding power
- Reflects over 73% of the sun’s heat and UV rays after 3 years, extending roof life
- Lowers roof and interior temperatures, reducing air conditioning costs
- 10-year limited warranty with a one-time application
Cons:
- Only comes in white
Enviro-Coat Roof Coating
Enviro-Coat Roof Coating is a 100% acrylic roof coating designed to create a durable and sun-reflective barrier for various roof surfaces.
The high reflective value of this topcoat helps to decrease interior temperatures while protecting the roof and roofing membrane from heat absorption, asphalt oxidation, and rapid thermal dimensional changes.
This not only prolongs the life of the roof but also reduces the strain on cooling equipment, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.
Pros:
- High reflective value reduces interior temperatures and protects roofing materials
- Compatible with a wide range of surfaces, including degreased/weathered aluminum, galvanized/primed steel, treated concrete, and various asphalt coatings
- Can be applied directly over most previously white-coated, sound roof surfaces
Cons:
- Limited color options, as it’s primarily designed for sun-reflective purposes
Acrylic roof coatings vs. Silicone roof coatings
Acrylic roof coatings are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and easy to work with, making them a popular choice.
However, acrylic coatings have some drawbacks, including losing thickness over time and requiring installation at higher temperatures compared to silicone coatings.
On the other hand, silicone coatings are more durable, with superior UV stability and resistance to ponding water. They also require less material to achieve the required dry film thickness.
Despite their advantages, silicone coatings can be challenging to spray, accumulate dirt, and become extremely slippery when wet.
In a head-to-head comparison, silicone coatings have the advantage in terms of waterproofing and UV stability.
However, the best coating solution ultimately depends on various critical factors, such as roof type, climate, and specific project requirements.
It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of both acrylic and silicone roof coatings to determine the most suitable option for each situation.
Silicone roof coatings are typically not used on roof shingles. They are more commonly applied on flat or low-slope commercial roofs.
For residential roof shingles, it is more common to use acrylic elastomeric coatings or other specialty coatings designed specifically for shingles. Source: centralroof.com
How to Paint Your Roof Shingles
Here is a brief guide on how you can paint your roof shingles yourself. Have in mind that it’s risky to work on your roof, so if you don’t feel confident in doing it yourself, hire a professional.
Use a safety harness! It’s better to be safe than sorry. If it’s not possible to paint your roof with a ladder only then consider renting a boom lift.
Materials needed
- Ladder: A sturdy, extendable ladder is crucial for accessing the roof safely and comfortably.
- Safety gear: A safety harness and gloves are essential to protect yourself while working on the roof. Use proper shoes so you won’t slip or lose your balance.
- Cleaning supplies: A broom, a pressure washer or garden hose with a spray nozzle, and a soft-bristle brush will help you remove dirt, debris, and algae from the shingles.
- Roof cleaner: An appropriate cleaner or detergent.
- Paint scraper or putty knife: Use these tools to remove any loose or peeling paint from the shingles.
- Primer: A high-quality, acrylic-based primer designed for exterior surfaces will ensure proper adhesion of the paint to the shingles.
- Paint: Choose a high-quality paint to ensure durability and weather resistance.
- Paint brushes and rollers: A paintbrush and a roller with a thick nap. A roller that is too wide will make it more difficult to paint the shingles, 7-9 inch wide roller covers should be used.
- Bucket: A paint tray is not practical on a roof, use a bucket instead in which your roller will fit.
- Extension pole: An extension pole attached to the paint roller will spare your hands and knees.
- Drop cloths or tarps: Use these to cover and protect surrounding areas, like plants or patio furniture, from paint spills or splatters.
- Caulk and caulk gun: Use caulk to seal any gaps or cracks in the roof shingles before painting the top coat.
- Stir sticks and paint can opener: These tools are necessary for mixing and opening paint cans.
You can also use an airless paint sprayer with a tip extension to apply the paint. A paint sprayer will save time and effort but beware of the overspray so it doesn’t get caught by the wind and reaches nearby cars etc.
Surface Preparation
Before applying any primer or paint, the roof shingles must be cleaned and prepared. Remove any dirt, debris, and loose granules by using a broom or a blower.
Don’t use a power washer, as the high pressure can damage the shingles. Alternatively, use a low-pressure setting and/or a nozzle that offers a more gentle stream.
After cleaning, assess the roof for damaged or missing shingles and make necessary repairs. Allow the roof to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Primer Application
Apply a coat of primer either by roller or paint sprayer. The primer should cover the entire surface of the shingles in an even coat. Allow the primer to dry fully before applying the top coat.
Top Coat Application
Apply 2 coats of paint either by roller or paint sprayer. Let the paint dry completely between coats.
After the first coat of top coat paint, use a caulking gun to seal any gaps or cracks in the shingles. This will prevent water from seeping under the paint and damaging the roof and it will look more even and professional.
Don’t use a silicone caulk, unless it’s a paintable version. Use an acrylic caulk.
Conclusion
Painting your roof will not only make your home look more attractive, but will also protect it from the sun, wind, and rain.
While painting your roof yourself is possible, be sure to exercise caution and wear appropriate safety gear. Use proper materials and tools to ensure a good job.
I hope this article on the best paint for roof shingles has been helpful and good luck with your project!