Q. Can I paint asphalt roof shingles?
A. It is possible to paint asphalt shingles, but many professionals recommend against it. The roof is directly exposed to the elements, so it is much more prone to damage than the rest of the house. Furthermore, asphalt shingles consist of granules that detach over time, which can lead to blotchy areas on the painted surface. So, if you decide to paint your shingles, then you’ll have to periodically maintain it with a fresh coat. To do the job you’ll need a high-quality, 100-percent acrylic latex paint with a flat finish. Behr manufactures a specially formulated roof paint that is resistant to mildew and algae, and resists yellowing when exposed to typical high roof temperatures. Behr Roof Paint is intended to brighten roofs and reflect heat, however the EHT staff has no first-hand experience with the product. Before painting, replace any brittle or cracked shingles and clean the roof surface. Prime the roof with a coat of water-based primer and sealer. Then, starting at the top of the roof, use a high quality 1-inch nap roller, nylon/polyester brush or airless sprayer to apply two coats of roof paint, allowing time to dry between each.
