The roof is one of the most important parts of your house, and giving it attention and care is vital to its longevity. Over time, roof tiles may fade, discolor, or become damaged, making your home look less appealing. Thankfully, painting your roof tiles might be the solution you’re looking for.
An acrylic-latex exterior paint is the best option for painting roof tiles. It is highly durable and waterproof while still allowing the roof to breathe. On the other hand, an acrylic primer should be used as the base coat before starting to paint. This will help ensure that the paint adheres properly.
In this article, you will learn:
- The 5 factors to consider when choosing paint for roof tiles
- What type of paint to use
- What finish is best
- My top picks for the best paint and primer for roof tiles
The 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint for Roof Tiles
1. Type of Roof Tile
Different types of roof tiles may require different types of paints and primers. When selecting a paint or primer, make sure it is compatible with your tile type.
2. Climate Considerations
The type of climate in your area must influence the paint you select for your roof tiles. Humidity, rain, and harsh sunlight can significantly affect your house’s roof.
Some paints may not be suitable for harsh sun rays and weather patterns, leading to rapid fading and cracking of the tiles beneath the paint.
3. Color Options
When choosing a paint color for your roof tiles, ensure that it matches the current style and color scheme of your home’s exterior. Additionally, consider the neighborhood’s regulations regarding home color to avoid contravening any rules.
Dark colors retain more heat than lighter ones but provide excellent contrast with surrounding landscaping and architectural features.
4. Quality and Durability
The quality of paint and durability are essential when choosing paint for your roof tiles. The paint you select should withstand harsh weather conditions and have a long lifespan. Always go for high-quality brands with reputations for delivering durable, long-lasting roof paint.
5. Application Process
The paint application process for roof tiles is a crucial factor to consider. Is the paint easy to apply, and does it come with well-detailed instructions?
If you plan on applying the paint yourself, choose a straightforward product that doesn’t require extensive technical knowledge. If you’re hiring a professional to do it for you, ensure they have experience with the specific product you choose.
What Type of Paint Is Best?
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion and plasticizers, silicone oils, defoamers, stabilizers, or metal.
It is a water-based paint with pigment particles dispersed in an acrylic polymer emulsion. Acrylic paint is great for roof tiles due to its durability and flexibility.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Flexible
- Easy to apply
- Quick drying time
- Variety of colors available
Cons
- Not as long-lasting as other paints
Epoxy Paint
Epoxy paint is a type of paint that contains epoxy resin, which makes it thicker and more able to bond and adhere to surfaces. It produces a tough, durable finish that is resistant to wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for painting roof tiles.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Resistant to wear and tear
- Easy to apply
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons
- More expensive than other types of paint
- Not suitable for all surfaces
- Requires special preparation before application
What Paint Finish Is Best?
When it comes to painting roof tiles, choosing the right finish is essential to ensure the longevity and durability of the paint.
Generally, gloss finishes are considered the most durable and long-lasting finish for roof tiles. Gloss finishes are particularly well-suited for roof tiles due to their hard, shiny surface that helps deflect harsh sunlight and protect the tiles from the elements.
The hard, glossy surface of the paint also makes it easier to clean and maintain over time, which is essential for keeping your roof looking its best for years to come.
On the other hand, flat finishes are also a viable option. These finishes have a more natural, matte appearance that can be less reflective and visually distracting than glossy finishes.
However, it is important to note that flat finishes may not be as durable as gloss finishes and may require more frequent maintenance and touch-ups. Although, newer technology has made flat finishes significantly more resilient and long-lasting than they used to be.
The Best Paint and Primer for Roof Tiles
A spray gun is a highly effective tool for painting roof tiles. It sprays paint evenly over all surfaces, easily penetrating the gaps and crevices of roof tiles.
This allows for a highly detailed and professional finish that cannot be achieved through the use of brushes and rollers. The process is faster and easier with a spray gun and uses less paint, resulting in a more cost-effective solution.
Best Paint
Behr Multi-Surface Roof Paint is the ultimate choice for achieving a premium quality, long-lasting finish when painting roof tiles.
One of the standout features of this paint is its 100% acrylic latex flat finish. This ensures superior durability, as well as resistance to mildew and algae.
Additionally, exposure to high roof temperatures won’t cause the paint to discolor or turn yellow, ensuring a beautiful finish for years.
Another benefit of Behr Multi-Surface Roof Paint is its excellent adhesion to various types of roofing materials like unglazed tile, aluminum/metal materials, composite sheet, masonry shingle, concrete or cement block, anchored gravel, asphalt shingles, urethane foam, slate, etc., ensuring that the paint won’t peel or crack over time.
This paint is also tintable, which means it can be customized to match various custom colors, allowing homeowners to achieve the exact look they want for their roofs.
Finally, this roof paint boasts an impressive coverage rate of 250-450 square feet per gallon (6-10m² per liter), ensuring a little goes a long way. This, combined with its superior quality and durability, makes it a cost-effective solution for painting roof tiles.
Best Primer
Roof tiles are notoriously difficult to paint due to their porous, uneven surface, and Behr Multi-Surface Stain-Blocking Primer & Sealer is designed to tackle those challenges.
This 100% styrene acrylic formula is specially formulated to resist medium to heavy stains, ensuring a durable and long-lasting finish.
In addition to its superior stain-blocking capabilities, this primer and sealer offers excellent adhesion and is suitable for use on various surfaces, including metal and aluminum. It can even be used to cover old oil-based paint, providing a versatile solution for all your roofing needs.
And, because it is tintable, it allows you to make a color change, enhancing the appearance of your roof tiles with a fresh coat of paint.
Another advantage of this primer and sealer is its low odor and VOC formula. This means you don’t have to worry about noxious fumes or harmful chemicals, making it a safe and environmentally-friendly choice for your next DIY project.
When it comes to coverage, Behr Multi-Surface Stain-Blocking Primer & Sealer excels. With a coverage rate of 250-400 sq. ft. per gallon (6-9m² per liter), you can get the job done faster and with less product, ultimately saving you time and money.
Finally, the finish is non-reflective, which helps to minimize the appearance of minor surface imperfections. This is especially relevant when painting roof tiles, as they often have uneven surfaces and slight imperfections.