How to Prevent Roof Shingles Being Damaged From the Sun

Use paintable shingle coating to protect your roof.

Though they are highly durable and resistant to the elements, even asphalt shingles can succumb to the harsh, direct rays of the sun. Over time, the sun can cause the asphalt to dry out and become frail and weakened. Protect your shingles from the sun by painting the shingles with an acrylic shingle coating. Acrylic coating goes on just like paint and also will protect against rain, snow, hail and wind.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Garden hose
• Sprayer (optional)
• Bleach (optional)
• Powdered laundry detergent (optional)
• Painting tools (brushes, rollers or sprayer)
• Acrylic shingle coating primer
• Acrylic shingle coating

Instructions

1. Clean and repair any damage to the roof. Use a ladder to climb the roof. Use a broom to sweep away any loose detritus and a garden sprayer to rinse dirt. If your roof has mildew or is especially stained or dirty, use a sprayer to wash the roof using a cleaning solution made of hot water, bleach and powdered laundry detergent. Use 1 cup of bleach and 1 cup of laundry detergent for every 1 gallon of hot water used. After washing, rinse the roof with fresh water.

2. Allow the roof to completely dry.

3. Paint an initial coat of shingle coating primer. Most primers and coatings can be applied by brush, roller or sprayer; however, some require one or the other. Paint in single, even coats, just as if you were painting a wall. Be sure to paint and prime along all seams, such as those around flashings or along valleys.

4. Allow the primer to dry according to the drying time indicated on the can.

5. Paint a first coat of shingle coating in the same manner as the primer. Shingle coatings typically appear white while wet then dry clear.

6. Allow the first coat to dry according to the drying time indicated on the can.

7. Paint a second coat of shingle coating. One coat of primer and two coats of coating will ensure that all porous areas are sealed.

Tips & Warnings

• Tinted roof coatings also are available if you would like to alter the color of your roof.

• Saturate the ground around the house with water before using bleach to clean the roof to prevent the bleach from harming your lawn or flowerbeds.

References

• Dummies: How to Clean Roof Shingles
• American Weatherstar: Can Acrylic Coatings Save Your Next Roof?
• Enviroseal: Roof-guard 101
• Somay: Clear Roof Mastic