Are your roof tiles looking a bit dull and lifeless? You may be thinking it’s time to splash the cash and replace every tile— but that’s not the only way to freshen up your roof.

The question, ‘Can I paint roof tiles?’ may have crossed your mind once or twice, so we’re here to clear up any confusion on the matter.

Can you paint roof tiles?

Yes! In fact, painting your roof tiles is one of the best and most affordable ways to transform the look of your home. Changing just one simple element can really upgrade the entire appearance of your house.

Painting your roof can be a time-consuming process, and it takes a steady hand to make sure every nook and cranny is covered. But, it’s a rewarding experience! With a range of paint colours and finishes to choose from, you can go for something vibrant and fun or classy and neutral.

From clay tiles to concrete tiles, you can use paint to cover up imperfections and discolouration from UV exposure.

The benefits of painting roof tiles

Painting your roof tiles isn’t just about making them look pretty, although that is a big part of it. Refreshing the look of your roof tiles can have more benefits than you think. This includes:

1. Kerb appeal

Beginning with the most well-known benefit, a new paint job can make your home look more appealing from the outside.

This can breathe new life back into your property, transforming it from old and weathered to healthy and appealing.

2. Extra protection against UV and weather damage

Most roof tile paints come with built-in protection against harsh UV rays and are resistant to moisture and algae growth.

This can expand the lifespan of your tiles, getting a few more years out of them before they need replacing. It can also prevent the loss of structural strength, ensuring your roof tiles are sturdy and safe from cracks or chipping.

3. Protection from algae and moss

Building on from the previous point, many roof tile paints come with fungicidal or algaecidal additives, making it harder for organic matter to cling to the surface.

You won’t have to worry about these growing on your tiles and making your roof look unkempt and dirty. It can prevent lichen build-up even in damp and shaded areas.

4. Cost-effective alternative to re-roofing

Does replacing your tiles sound like a task you don’t want to get anywhere near? Not only is it tedious and time-consuming, but it can cost a fortune to redo all of your roof tiles in one go.

That’s why painting is a great solution— it’s far more affordable, takes less time to do, and it offers many of the benefits associated with a full re-roof, including improved appearance and weather protection.

Choosing the right paint for your roof tiles

Now, with so many options of roof tile paint on the market, it can be difficult to find what you need and narrow it down to just one.

Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of things to look for so you can find the right paint for the task. Use specialist roof paint that does the following:

Is flexible to thermal expansion and contraction
Is water repellent but breathable (this prevents moisture entrapment)
Is UV-resistant to prevent fading

We suggest opting for water-based acrylic paints and latex paints for a cost-friendly and general-use option. When it comes to choosing the right colour and finish for your home, matte or satin paint is a great option, as they help hide imperfections and reduce glare.

Tones like grey, stone, and terracotta are popular go-tos for homeowners, as they blend well with modern builds. If you live in a conservation area, you will need to check with your local planning authority to see if you’re permitted to change the colour of your roof tiles.

Consider the type of roof tile material

While any type of roof tile can be painted, clay tiles are slightly more troublesome to paint than concrete— this is because they’re more porous, so the paint doesn’t adhere as well.

For this reason, it’s best to use a bonding primer that’s designed for low-porosity surfaces when painting clay or terracotta tiles. If you have concrete tiles, simply give them a good scrub and apply a high-quality primer before painting.

Roof tiles made from fibre cement or slate may require breathable paint to prevent moisture from being trapped within the material. Otherwise, your tiles will be more susceptible to cracking or delamination.

A simple guide to painting roof tiles

Here’s the fun part (depending on your definition of fun).

Once you’ve chosen your paint colour and finish, it’s time to dive into the painting process.

But before you do, remember that you’ll be working at a height, so wear the appropriate PPE (sturdy boots, safety glasses, a helmet, and a safety harness) and use a secure ladder to access your roof.

If your roof tiles show any signs of cracks, moss, or algae growth, or loose tiles, you’ll need to address these issues before starting.

What you will need:

PPE
Masking tape
A scraper/soft-bristled brush
Pressure washer
Fungicidal wash or moss killer
Roof tile primer
Specialist roof tile paint
Paint rollers and brushes
Paint sprayer (HVLP or airless)

1. Choose the right time to paint

Spring and summer are the best times to repaint your roof tiles.

With the likelihood of warmer, drier days, the paint will dry quickly. Try to paint on a day that’s between 10 and 20 degrees for better adhesion and to prevent exhausting yourself in the heat.

Avoid windy days, as they can affect spray painting and dry time.

2. Clean the roof tiles

Like we’ve previously pointed out, you want to start with a clean canvas when adding paint to your roof tiles.

To do this, use a pressure washer, a scraper or a soft-bristled brush to remove any moss, algae, and lichen. However, avoid setting the pressure washer on high, as this can damage the tiles; then you would have no choice but to replace them.

Make sure that any dirt, bird droppings, and loose debris are thoroughly removed. Apply a fungicidal wash or biocide after cleaning to prevent regrowth beneath the paint layer.

3. Apply the primer

Adding a primer to your roof tiles is the best way to make sure you get the most out of your freshly painted tiles.

As we discussed before, this step is especially important for clay or weathered concrete tiles, as paint doesn’t adhere as well to these surfaces. Select a primer that is compatible with your chosen topcoat and allow it to dry thoroughly before applying paint.

4. Mask and protect the surrounding areas

This is an important step that many people often overlook. Paint can get everywhere if you’re not careful, especially when using a paint roller or spray gun.

So, before you get out the paintbrush, place masking tape and dust sheets over gutters and downpipes, fascias and soffits, and any solar panels or skylights. You’ll thank yourself once the task is done!

5. Apply the roof paint

Once you’ve selected a high-quality specialist roof tile paint, you can choose to apply it to your tiles using a paint sprayer, roller, or brush.

A paint sprayer tends to deliver the most even, professional finish, especially for textured surfaces. When using this, apply the paint in smooth strokes across the surface. Once you’ve applied the first coat, allow it to dry before applying a second coat.

Make sure each coat is applied during dry weather, with no rain forecast for at least 24 hours. Most roof paints cover 5–6m² per litre per coat (always check the label first!)

Once the second coat is dry, check for missed spots, patchy coverage, or areas where the surface may have absorbed more paint— apply any touch-ups as needed.

How long do painted roof tiles last?

On average, a professionally applied coat of paint can last between 10 and 15 years.

For those undertaking a DIY job, your tiles could last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of paint, how well (and how often) you maintain your roof, the type of tiles used (clay or terracotta tiles won’t last as long), and whether you opted for a breathable paint.

Freeze and thaw cycles in the UK can cause paint to peel and crack. Use high-quality, flexible roof paint that can expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. We also suggest recoating every 7 to 10 years to maintain the tidy appearance.