Image of concrete roof tiles. So, Can You Paint Concrete Roof Tiles? Manufacturers of roofing materials design concrete roof tiles to last for a long time. However, without proper protection, their color starts to fade, then they start wearing out slowly as time goes by. For concrete roofing tiles to remain durable, they need protection against constant exposure to the sun, rough weather conditions such as hail storms, and fungus growth. So, how do you shield your concrete roof from the elements? Can you paint concrete roof tiles?

You can paint concrete roof tiles as a way to protect them from harsh environmental conditions or to rejuvenate their look when they start to look aged. The key to a long-lasting paint job for concrete roof tiles is proper preparation of the tiles and choosing the right paint, preferably a product specifically designed for coating concrete tiles.

In this article, I’m going to walk you through different steps that you need to follow to get the very best finish when painting your roof tiles. So, stay with me.

How to Paint Concrete Roof Tiles

Use a power washer to blow away any dirt, grime, or mildew present on the tiles. For hard-to-reach areas on the roof, use a hard brush with long bristles to remove the dirt.
Let the tiles dry thoroughly before proceeding. We recommend waiting for at least 24 hours after pressure washing concrete roof tiles to apply primer and paint. Doing this will ensure that all the moisture dries off completely to not interfere with the durability of the final paint job.
Once the tiles are dry, use a quality penetrating exterior primer to seal the tiles, providing a suitable plane for the paint to adhere to properly. Don’t skip the priming step because, without it, the topcoat will not last long.
Allow the primer to cure as stated in the manufacturer’s instructions. Most roofing primers dry enough to paint on in a few hours, but we recommend waiting at least 24 hours after priming before applying the topcoat.
Finally, apply two coats of acrylic concrete paint, allowing each coat to dry properly before applying the next one. Let the paint dry as stated on the manufacturer’s label to yield the best results.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Concrete Tile Roof?

The total cost of painting concrete roof tiles will vary depending on several factors. These include the size of the roof, the cost of products and materials needed, and the amount of labor needed to finish the job successfully. In addition, other factors that may add extra costs to painting concrete roof tiles include the condition of the roof, its design, and level of steepness.

Below is a detailed look into how each factor affects the overall cost of painting concrete roof tiles.

Size of the roof

Roof size is one of the most significant determining factors of the total cost of painting a concrete tile roof. It will cost you more money to paint a bigger roof than a smaller one because a bigger roof will need more products (paints and primers) to coat the surface. Additionally, the work done will be more, and the task will take longer to complete.

The average quotation for painting a small roof of about 100M² – 180M² ranges from $28 to $40 per square meter, depending on the amount of repair work your roof needs. Painting a medium-sized roof between 180M² -240M² will cost between $22 to $39 per square meter, and a larger roof measuring 240M² and more will cost $17 to $ 23 per square meter.

The rate of painting the roof may decrease as the size increases, but the overall cost of painting a larger roof will always be on the higher side.

The type of paint and sealers you intend to use.

Roof paints come in different types and qualities. The higher the quality of the paint, the more it will cost. You may decide to go for a less expensive roof paint due to budget issues, but you should remember that the cheap ones are more likely to be of lesser quality. Furthermore, cheap paint may lead to more roof remodeling costs because they require constant maintenance to remain vibrant.

In addition to paint, you also have to consider the cost of primers and sealers that you need to apply before and after coating the tiles with paint. Quality primers and sealers may be more expensive, but they produce better results compared to cheaper products.

DIY vs. professional roof painting

Painting concrete roof tiles will save you a lot of money on labor charges. However, you may need to acquire the services of a professional painter if some of the work is too complicated to do yourself.

For instance, some roof damages may be so extensive that only a professional can perform repairs correctly. Furthermore, you may have to enlist the help of a professional if you don’t know the proper way to handle some of the necessary equipment for a successful roof painting project.

The quotation of a roof paint job will vary with the contractor you choose. The best contractors often charge more, but they deliver better services than the cheap ones. You may want to hire a cheap painter, but they are more likely to use less-quality products on the roof. Furthermore, they may lack the necessary skills to perform a good job.

Condition of the roof

The present condition of your concrete tile roof will also affect the overall expense of the painting job in a big way. For instance, if you had the roof coated with paint or a sealer before, the contractor will have to remove the old coat before applying a new one. Removing paint or other sealing products is a cumbersome process, and it will factor into the total cost of the painting project.

Secondly, the roof will require repairs before applying the paint if the concrete tiles are damaged or worn out. Repairing the damaged parts of the roof will cost you extra. These additional charges will depend on the extent of the damages, what parts need replacement, and the amount of time required to complete the repairs.

Design of the roof

The more complex the roof design is, the more work you will do during the painting process. Complicated roof designs will require more complex painting techniques that may take more time and effort to complete the project.

The Steepness of the Roof

Some roof designs are too steep; hence the painter will need specific equipment to hold them up as they paint the roof. If your roof is steep, you may have to hire a hoist to keep you from falling. The cost of hiring a sturdy hoist will also add extra charges to the overall expense of painting the roof.

What Is The Best Concrete Roof Tile Paint?

The best paint to color concrete roof tiles is 100% acrylic paint, specifically formulated for coating roofs. Acrylic roof coatings are affordable and deliver long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.

Furthermore, they are highly reflective; hence they keep off excessive heat from the atmosphere. Because of this, painting concrete tiles with acrylic roofing paints will help you save money by reducing the cost of cooling your home, especially during the hot summer months.

Acrylic roof paints are also UV resistant, and because they are water-based, these products are easy to apply. In addition, they dry faster than most roof paints.

Do Concrete Roof Tiles Need to be Sealed?

It is not always necessary to seal concrete roof tiles. The reason is that even though they are porous, builders organize concrete roofing tiles in an overlapping manner which does not allow water to pass through them and into the house.

Even though it’s not mandatory to seal concrete tiles, you need to recognize that they weather more than other roofing materials. When frequently exposed to snow, rain, ice, or UV rays, concrete tiles will start breaking down, and their color will fade away.

Because of this, concrete tiles need a lot of maintenance to retain their strength and aesthetic allure over time. And one of the ways to maintain them is by protecting them using a concrete sealer to extend their lifespan.

Below are some benefits of sealing your concrete roof tiles:

They prevent the growth of mold, algae, and mildew.
If manufacturers mix the concrete they used to make your roofing tiles with a color pigment, the sealer will prevent the color from fading.
The sealers will protect the concrete tiles from harsh UV rays. They also secure them against breakage caused by hail storms or other debris that may fall on the roof of your home.

If you decide to seal your concrete roof tiles, I recommend using a flexible, penetrating sealer that is highly viscous. Since concrete is porous, the penetrating sealer will seep into the pores of the concrete, offering more protection from the inside out.

The flexibility of the sealer will allow it to expand and contract accordingly with the tiles, and the high viscosity will prevent the sealer from running as you apply it to the tiles.

How Do You Maintain Concrete Roof Tiles?

Manufacturers make concrete roof tiles to endure the harshest environmental elements such as heavy rains, strong winds, and fires. Because of this, their care requirements are minimal because they are only limited to the gutters, venting, and protrusion flashing. The following are three suggestions on how to maintain your concrete roof tiles.

Regular Inspection

It is important to hire professionals to inspect the condition of your roof regularly. You can perform the assessment yourself, but we recommend letting professionals do it for you because they have the necessary training to detect even the smallest issues. It would be best to have your roof examined during the fall or spring of each year to avoid surprises during the summer and winter seasons.

Make sure to replace any missing tiles and repair the broken ones to avoid spending too much money on major roof repairs in the future.

Cleaning

Concrete roof tiles often have issues with the growth of algae, mildew, or moss. You can easily remedy this by using a pressure washer to remove the unwanted fungus on the tiles. Since there is the risk of the tiles cracking under the pressure of the power washer, we recommend spraying some lukewarm water on the tiles before cleaning them up.

Remove debris from the gutters.

If the gutters on your roof get clogged due to accumulated debris, there is the risk of water building up and eventually leaking into your home. So, be sure to remove all leaves and twigs in the gutters to avoid leaks.

Also, ensure that you trim any tree branches hanging directly over your roof to prevent any more leaves from falling on your roof. If you cannot trim the branches yourself, hire a professional to do it for you.

How Long Should Concrete Roof Tiles Last?

The standard lifespan of a quality concrete roof tile is 50 years, depending on how well you maintain the roof after installing the tiles. However, even with constant maintenance and repairs, you may need to replace your roof in 30 or 35 years because the tiles will have lost most of their allure and durability.

Like with many items we own, there are several ways to ensure that your concrete roof tiles reach and even surpass their standard lifespan. These include:

Insulating the roof.

One of the essential functions of a roof is to keep the inside of your home warm and comfortable. Insulating the roof will enhance its resilience by deterring excessive heat loss due to its direct exposure to the sun.

The key to proper insulation is using the right material for the job. Always use airtight spray foam insulation because it is breathable, easy to install, and is resistant to condensation and moisture.

Selecting a reliable roofing contractor

Never settle for roof contractors who do not have the proper credentials or work experience. They may offer cheap services, but it will cost you greatly in the future.

Instead, offer the job to a well-known professional who will deliver top-quality roof installation. Ensure that the contractor’s references are legitimate or look for recommendations from previous clients who have had an excellent experience with a particular contractor.

Using quality underlayment

Before installing your concrete roof tiles, make sure that the contractor uses top-quality underlayment materials. Quality underlayment will prevent moisture from penetrating your roof, and it will keep the structure from getting ripped off when the strong winds hit.

How Much Does It Cost to Have Shower Tile Painted?

The cost of painting your shower tiles will vary depending on the size of your washroom and the cost of the painting products you intend to use.

The cost of coloring a 120 square foot bathroom will range between $60 and $200. This estimate includes the paint, primer, and sealant but leaves out labor charges. If you hire a professional painter to do the job, the additional labor costs will skyrocket to a range between $500 and $1000, depending on the contractor’s quotation.

Can You Paint Roof Tiles Grey?

Yes, you can paint your roof tiles grey; however, you should make sure that this is the right color to complement the other external features of your home.

All of the colors you choose for your home’s exterior have to blend well together to achieve a visually coordinated and appealing look – and the roof color is no exception. So, you should only paint your roof tiles grey if the color will enhance or complement the other external colors of your house.

Visual appeal aside, you should also consider the environmental conditions of the area you live in before painting your roof tiles.

Dark hues absorb heat while the lighter ones reflect it. And even though proper insulation is the best protection against heat loss or absorption, the color you choose for your roof tiles can affect the temperatures of your attic by up to 40 degrees.

If you live in a cool or snowy area, consider using a darker shade of grey to color your roofing tiles. The minimal heat they absorb can stimulate ice and snow melting, keeping your roof in good condition and your home warmer.

For warmer climates, a lighter shade of grey will work better on the roof. The light color will reflect the heat keeping the temperature inside your home much cooler.

How Do You Prepare Concrete Roof Tiles for Painting?

Step 1: Inspect the roof.

Place an extension ladder against the side of your home so you can easily climb up to the roof. If the roof is steep, use a roof safety harness to keep you from slipping or falling. Next, look for any tiles that have cracks or tiles that are lifting from your roof. Take note of all of the damage, so you know what you need to repair or replace. If you are not comfortable climbing the roof, hire a roofing inspector to do it for you.

Tip: Only stand where the concrete tiles overlap to avoid cracking them by accident.

Step 2: Replace the damaged parts.

Starting on the lowest side of the roof, remove and replace all tiles that are badly damaged. Work your way towards the peak until you fix all the damage.

Step 3: Clean the roof.

Clean all debris and fungus on the roof using a power washer. Ensure that the washer has a hose that is long enough so that you can leave the machine on the ground. Start cleaning from the roof’s peak and work your way down to avoid lifting any tiles.

If you do not have a power washer, lease one from a hardware store near you. Also, make sure that you have a helper up on the roof with you to help guide the machine’s hose so that it doesn’t get stuck.

Step 4: Let the roof dry.

Ensure that your roof properly dries before you apply any product to it. If you paint on a wet roof, the moisture will get caught between the tiles and the paint, causing mold to form on the roof. We recommend letting the tiles dry for at least 24 hours to ensure that all the moisture is gone from the roof.

Step 5: Apply primer.

Once the roof dries, apply a top-quality primer to provide a good base for your paint to adhere to properly. We recommend using a flexible, penetrating primer on concrete roof tiles. A non-penetrating primer will sit on top of the surface, and without proper grip, your topcoat will peel off the roof faster.

Spray on the first coat of the primer starting from the highest point on the roof, working towards the lower tiles. Let the coat dry according to instructions from the manufacturer before applying the 2nd coat. Let the second coat of the primer dry for 24 hours before applying paint to ensure the best results.

Once the primer dries properly, your concrete roof tiles are ready to paint.

What Is The Best Time to Paint a Roof?

The best time to paint a roof is during the spring or fall season when the weather is neither cold nor hot. Most roof paints could dry too quickly when applied in hot weather, and in cold weather, the paint may fail to stick well on the surface. Most paint manufacturers recommend painting surfaces when the temperature is at 40 degrees.

Always check the weather forecast of your area as you get ready to paint your roof. Make sure that it predicts clear weather with no rain expected for at least two days after completing the project to give the paint enough time to cure.

Conclusion

Concrete roof tiles are made to be durable and can last for up to 50 years or even more. However, these roofing materials weather faster than other materials due to constant exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as hail storms, UV rays, snow, etc. Additionally, their color also fades away with time, especially if you don’t practice proper maintenance.

There are some actions that you can employ to maintain your concrete roof tiles and increase their lifespan. These include cleaning them regularly and doing periodic inspections to find and replace damaged tiles. However, the question remains…

Can You Paint Concrete Roof Tiles?

Painting your concrete roof tiles is not a necessary action, but it can go a long way in lengthening the lifespan of your roof. You can paint your roof to restore the look of aged tiles or protect newly installed tiles from damage caused by harsh elements.

Ensure that you prepare the surface properly and use 100% acrylic paint specially formulated for roofing tiles. Also, don’t forget to prime the surface with a penetrating acrylic primer to ensure that the color stays on and remains vibrant for longer.

Thanks for reading this article, and I hope you have found enough information about concrete roof tiles and how to maintain them. If you need clarification or have more tips to share, feel free to reach out to us in the comments section below.