How to Paint Tile Roofs

Painting your tile roof can be a large job, depending on the size of your roof, but it doesn't have to be a particularly difficult job. To get started, determine what type of tile have. Many people assume they have terra cotta tile, but most home roofing tiles are made from concrete, and only look like terra cotta. For the majority of homeowners with concrete roof tiles, it's not too difficult to restore your roof to its original color or even change its color completely. The most difficult part of the entire job is probably going to be cleaning your tiles before the painting job even begins.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 2-foot X 2-foot X 1/2-inch plywood
• 2 2-foot X 2-foot pieces of carpet
• Nails
• Hammer
• Pressure cleaner
• Chlorine
• Paint sprayer (roller)
• Clear alkyd primer
• Acrylic paint

1. Build two padded boards which will distribute your weight across several roofing tiles as you move across the roof. Nail carpet to two 2-foot X 2-foot X 1/2-inch sheets of plywood. Stand on one sheet of plywood (carpet side down on the tiles) and move to the second sheet of plywood as you move across the roof. Keep moving the free sheet of plywood to the next area where you wish to stand.

2. Set a power washer to 1,200 PSI. Do not hold the tip of the power washer any closer than 2 feet to the tiles. Higher pressure may destroy tiles rather than clean them.

3. Set the induction system on the power washer to deliver a 10% chlorine solution to the power stream to help clean the tiles. The power wash is the most important step in preparing your roof for painting. Allow the roof to dry completely.

4. Spray (or roll) clear alkyd primer onto your roof tiles. Alkyd primer can be purchased at any paint store or most home improvement centers. Allow the primer to dry completely following the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Spray or roll on a coat of good acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry for a minimum of 4 hours. Spray or roll on a second coat of acrylic paint and allow to dry. Your roof should now look brand new.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to use a primer before spraying or rolling on your acrylic paint to prevent the tiles from soaking up your paint.
• Always walk on the walking boards described in Step 1. Walking directly on your tiles may cause breakage.
• Always use caution when working on a roof.

References

• How to Paint a Tile Roof (page 4)