Can you paint your roof tiles?

If your roof tile look faded and unsightly, or you just want a change of colour, you can paint roof tiles.

Roof painting is a great way to improve the look of your home and is less expensive than having your roof replaced.

You can paint almost any type of roof, including terracotta tiles, Colorbond roofs and concrete tiles. 

Do concrete roof tiles need painting?

Special concrete roof tile paint is not necessary, however, some we recommend applying a sealant first.

To paint concrete tiles we use quality, 100% acrylic paint and a mildew inhibiting solution.

The colour and appearance of concrete roofing tiles will slowly change due to weathering erosion, fading and lichen growth.

Once we have painted your roof,  the appearance will last for five to ten years.

Do concrete roof tiles become porous?

As long as concrete roof tiles are properly laid on a pitched roof, they will not become porous.

When laid correctly, water runs off the tiles and into the gutter.

How long does a concrete roof tile last?

You can expect your concrete roof tiles to last at least between 40 and 60 years. Of course this depends on how well they are maintained, weather conditions and various other factors. Concrete tiles are generally more durable than other types of roofing materials. 

Is roof painting a good idea?

Here are some benefits of roof painting that you need to consider against the cost.

Painting your roof can:

• Improve the overall appearance of your home
• Increase the value of your home
• Improve insultation properties of your roof
• Reduce mould and mildew growth
• Help to save on heating bills

How much does it cost to repaint a Colorbond roof?

The cost to paint a Colorbond roof varies from state to state.

Labour can cost $700 to $1,700, plus the cost of roof paint, the number of coats used and any other services you need.

Some helpful tips before you start.

How much does roof painting cost?

Roof painting cost varies from state to state, but in New South Wales roof painters will charge you around $45 per hour.

However, hourly rates aren't always the best way to determine how much a roof is going to cost to paint.

Roof painters usually want to inspect a property before they give a final quote. They'll want to look at the condition of the roof and the steepness of the pitch before they give a square metre rate, and this can vary depending on the job.

What affects roof painting cost?

All roofs are different and two roofs of the same square metres may cost different prices.

When calculating your roof painting cost, some things roof painters look for include:

• The size of the roof, charged by the square metre
• The quality of roof tile paint and other materials the roof painter uses
• If your roof is too steep for roof painters to stand on and they need to hire a hoist
• If your roof has a complex design that makes painting or access difficult
• Whether you have a one or two storey home (roof painting is cheaper for single storey roofs)
• Other access difficulties

When you're comparing roof painting quotes, don't just go for the cheapest price. Ask what kind of preparation work a roof painter is going to do. Sweeping a roof is not enough.

Depending on the type of roof you have and its condition, a roof painter may also:

• Pressure clean the roof to help the paint adhere
• Replace damaged tiles
• Repoint
• Apply a primer coat before painting
• Paint two coats in your chosen colour

A good quality roof painting job can cost $2,000 or more.

How much does roof tile paint cost?

A good roof painting contractor will discuss your options with you and make their own expert recommendations. Some typical prices may be:

• $223 for 10 litres of high quality roof tile paint
• $346 for 20 litres of heat reflective roof paint
• $179 for 20 litres of exterior acrylic emulsion

The price difference between a high quality paint and other paints can be high, but it's better to use a paint the roofing painter recommends.

Using a cheaper paint could mean you have to repaint your roof sooner, which will end up costing more.

The type of roof tile paint your painter uses will affect the cost too.

Depending on the type of roof you have and your location, they may use:

• Polyurethane, polyurea or polymeric roof coatings
• Bituminous coatings, though these are not as flexible as other coatings
• Water based acrylic roof paints for a more reflective finish, though these are not suitable for roofs that have water ponding in some areas
• Eco-friendly silicon paints that are better for the environment, but also more expensive

So, you want to paint roof tiles yourself?

Although we do not recommend this, painting roof tiles yourself can be an option, but there can be more to it than you realise, and it can be dangerous work.

You may save money, but will the job look as good as professional roof painting?

Do you want to take chances when working on your roof?

Do you know how to find areas that may need repairing?

Think about these things before tackling a DIY roof painting job.

How to paint a roof:

Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional, the steps to get the best results and help extend the lifespan of your roof paint are the same. Spray painting equipment is normally used, because it gives an even coat and is faster than using a brush or roller.

Step 1: Clean the roof

All traces of dirt and debris must be removed and there can be no moss, fungi, bird droppings or leaves on the roof. As well as sweeping the roof, painters should also use jet washers to remove all the debris.

Step 2: Check for damage

Before roof painting begins, check for any damaged tiles or other damage. Making repairs will be an extra cost, but it will be worth it to make sure your newly painted roof doesn't leak. Doing repairs before roof painting will also ensure you have a uniform colour on your roof.

Step 3: Apply three coats

A base coat is a sealer needed to make sure the top coats of roof paint adhere to the surface. Then an undercoat is applied and finally a top coat in the colour of your choice. The quality of the roof tile paint must be very good, or the paint could peel off and make the roof look like it's in poor condition

Should I paint my roof or replace my roof?

Roof painting can make an old roof look new again.

It will enhance the overall look of your home and gives you the opportunity to try new exterior colour schemes.

However, if you want to maintain your current roof colour you may find roof restoration could be less expensive than painting the roof.

Replacing the roof could be the better long-term option if there's too much damage to the roof or too many tiles need to be replaced, . 

Getting quotes for roof painting cost

When you are comparing quotes from roof painters in your area, ensure you get itemised quotes to check that they're all going to give you the same level of service. This should include necessary services such as pressure washing and high quality paints. You should also ask the roof painter if they can show you examples of their work that have been there for years.

We are proud to refer you to our partner companies in the UK

Roofing Leeds

Roofing Nottingham