Painting your Tiled Roof
Cement roof tiles are a conventional material for tiled roofs and they can withstand the elements for many years, but there will come a time when your roof tiles need to be painted.
21/12/2021
Most homes with a tiled roof have cement roof tiles. There are a few that have clay roof tiles, but these are generally a custom option for those that have their home built.
Cement roof tiles can withstand the elements for many years, but due to carbonation - caused by carbon dioxide and water - that affects the surface of the tiles, these will start to fade over the years. Painting a tiled roof not only extends the life of the roof tiles, but it also adds to curb appeal and the value of a home. Painting roof tiles is considered a worthwhile investment that should be undertaken once the existing roof tiles are stained or lack colour.
How to paint your roof tiles
• Preparation
When it comes to painting roof tiles, preparation is a critical step that should not be ignored. Poor surface preparation will result in failure of this task, so it is essential that you undertake the following:
- Use a high-pressure spray or hosepipe and stiff broom to clean the roof tiles and remove loose particles. This is especially important if the roof was previously painted and which will also remove any loose or flaking paint.
- After a thorough brushing, rinse the tiles with clean water and leave to dry overnight. DO NOT undertake this project if rain is expected over the following 2 to 3 days or if there is high precipitation or humidity.
- On previously painted roof tiles, check that any remaining paint is in good condition. You can do this by using brown packing tape or similar tape with high-tack. Stick the tape over the painted finish on a tile and pull off to see if it removes any paint. If paint flakes are visible, the existing paint finish will need to be stripped before the roof tiles can be painted.
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It’s also advisable to conduct roof repair to ensure all aspects of preparation have been taken care of before the painting job. Check the shingles for any cracks or roof portions needing shingle replacement. Also, check the gutters and flash vents for any damage. You can hire a local roofer near you to perform these tasks for your safety and ensure excellent work output.
- Applying roof paint
For best results, only apply roof paint after 8:00 in the summer months, or after 10:00 during the winter months. This will ensure that the roof is not damp or too cold. Try to complete the job before 12:00 to avoid heat gain in the tiles and fast drying of roof paint, especially during the summer months.
Apply roof paint using a paint roller and paintbrush, or by using an airless sprayer. In most cases, two coats of paint are necessary for a durable, long-lasting finish. Be sure to allow the first coat of paint to cure for 3 to 4 hours before applying the second coat.
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Here are the best paint coatings for your roof:
Acrylic Coatings: This roof coating has been used in single-ply membranes and even metal systems, providing excellent resistance to hail damage and radiation. Acrylic coatings are inherently flexible. It can withstand the instability of roof surfaces. The best curing takes place with low humidity and warm weather.
Silicone Coatings: It’s a highly elastic and weather-resistant material providing excellent adhesion to the roof’s existing surface. Silicone coatings provide superior ultraviolet protection in harsh environments and extreme temperatures. Silicone coatings have a high reflectivity rating too and can resist oxidation.
Polyurethane Coatings: This type of coating is impact-resistant and can resist foot traffic. You can choose from aromatic or aliphatic. Use aliphatic as the topcoat because it remains stable to ultraviolet rays and holds the colour a lot longer than the aromatic type.
Important when using roof paint
• Buy sufficient paint to cover the entire roof. Alternatively, check the batch code on the paint and only buy additional paint from the same batch.
• To calculate the amount of paint required to complete the task, estimate the area of your roof by measuring the length and breadth of the walls. Multiply this 1,5. Divide this by 7, and multiply by 2 for two coats. This will determine the quantity of paint required, plus a slight excess that can be kept for touch-up work, or as required.
For additional information visit the Fired Earth website or visit your nearest Builders Warehouse to see the range of Fired Earth Roof Paints.