Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material available on the market today. Two factors play a huge role in this: their affordability and the range of styles they offer. But as they age, asphalt shingles are known to fade or lose their color. When this happens, homeowners may ponder this question: can you paint asphalt shingles?
While the answer to this question is technically yes, you can paint them, is it the right thing to do? Maybe not. A lot of things factor into this, and today we will be taking it all into consideration in the following sections.
What Are Asphalt Shingles Made Of?
Before we tackle the question of painting them, it’s crucial to understand the structure of asphalt shingles. These shingles consist of a fiberglass or organic mat coated with asphalt and embedded with ceramic granules. The granules serve multiple purposes, including protecting the asphalt from UV rays and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the roof.
Why You Should Not Paint Asphalt Shingles?
As we covered above, the question of painting asphalt shingles involves many considerations. Though painting your shingles might seem an attractive idea to improve the look of your roof without having to spend a load of money on repairs and a replacement, the truth is that painting asphalt shingles will cause more harm than good. Here are a few reasons why:
Painting Shingles Can Void Their Warranty
Installing a new roof or replacing a roofing material are both quite expensive and time-consuming. This is why many manufacturers bring good warranties to the table, offering you peace of mind. However, when you paint your asphalt roof shingles, there is a chance you will lose the warranty.
Most asphalt shingle manufacturers explicitly state in their warranty policies that painting the shingles will void the warranty. Leading brands often offer warranties between 20 and 50 years for manufacturing defects on their shingles. But if you paint them, your warranty goes out the window. This means that if any issues arise with your roof in the future, you won’t be able to rely on the manufacturer’s warranty for coverage.
Painting Can Cause Additional Damage
Sure, you may think that painting your asphalt shingles can improve curb appeal. However, with this comes a lot of other considerations, too. Correctly applying paint to asphalt shingles requires specific preparation and techniques. If done incorrectly, the paint may peel, crack, or bubble in a short span of time.
This can compromise not only the shingles underneath but also the overall integrity of the roof in the long run. This can also dim its appearance, which defeats the purpose altogether. It’s essential to approach any roofing project with care to ensure lasting results and avoid costly repairs down the line.
It Can Affect The Overall Performance Of Your Roof
Asphalt shingles are engineered to endure various weather conditions that are prevalent in Georgia. However, applying paint to these shingles can interfere with their natural ability to repel water and wind. The upper layer of your roof shingles is coated with granules, which give them their color and protective qualities. But when you apply paint to the shingles, this layer will likely become ineffective and start to wear off.
This interference may lead to premature deterioration of the shingles, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks and other water-related issues. It’s crucial to prioritize the functionality of your roof and avoid any practices that could compromise its ability to safeguard your home effectively.
Can You Paint Other Roofing Materials?
While some roofing materials like metal and wood can be painted or stained with proper preparation and the right products, others, like tile and asphalt shingle roofs, are generally not recommended for painting due to several issues.
It’s important that you consult with a professional roofer and follow manufacturer guidelines before attempting to paint any roofing material to ensure the best results and avoid costly problems in the future.
Instead of painting your asphalt shingles, consider these alternatives to enhance the appearance of your roof and increase your home’s curb appeal:
Roof Cleaning:
Over time, algae, moss, and dirt can accumulate on your asphalt shingles, making them appear dull and discolored. Hiring a professional roof cleaning service can remove these contaminants and restore the natural beauty of your roof.
Replacement or Repair:
Every roofing material has a certain lifespan, beyond which they do not perform well. For asphalt roof shingles, this lifespan is around 20 to 25 years. While some homeowners may paint their roof in order to hide issues or signs of aging, this does not fix the problems and they will likely worsen beneath the paint.
So if your asphalt shingles are old or damaged, consider replacing them with new ones to improve the overall look of your roof. Alternatively, if only a few shingles are damaged, you can opt for repairs instead of a full replacement.
Also Read: How Much Does Roof Repair Cost In Georgia?
Roof Coating:
Instead of paint, consider applying a specialized roof coating designed specifically for asphalt shingles. These coatings can protect against UV rays, water damage, and mold growth without compromising the performance of your roof.
What’s Next For Your Asphalt Shingle Roof?
Painting asphalt shingles is not recommended, as doing this can lead to costly damages and can void the warranty that comes with the roofing materials. Instead of taking this risk, we advise you to be vigilant when it comes to maintaining your roof and properly inspect and repair it when needed.
If your shingles are heavily damaged, then it’s time for you to replace them. At Division Kangaroof, we have a team of experienced roofing contractors in Georgia. We offer the best and the most efficient roof replacement services in the area. Contact us today at (706) 778-3516.
