The roof of your home is more than just a protective shield against the weather. It’s a crowning statement of your home’s aesthetics, a testament to its charm and allure. But what happens when time leaves its imprint, dulling the colour of your roof tiles or even rendering them passe? If you’ve ever gazed up at your roof, contemplating whether a fresh coat of roof tile paint could rejuvenate its appeal, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are some excellent roof coatings that have been specifically formulated to not only adhere to roof tiles but more importantly, to withstand the expansion and contraction and extremes of weathering.
Understanding the Basics of Roof Tiles
What are Roof Tiles?
Roof tiles are individual units made from various materials such as clay, concrete, or metal. They are designed to cover the roof’s surface and provide weatherproofing.
Roof tiles have been used for centuries to protect buildings from the elements. In ancient times, people used materials such as straw, wood, or stone to create a barrier against rain, snow, and wind. As technology advanced, so did the materials used for roof tiles.
Today, roof tiles are manufactured using modern techniques and materials to ensure durability and longevity. They are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, and even hailstorms. This makes them an essential component of any well-built structure.
Clay tiles are the most traditional and offer a timeless look. Concrete tiles, on the other hand, are durable and cost-effective. Metal roof tiles are known for their longevity and energy efficiency.
Different Types of Roof Tiles
There are several types of roof tiles available in the market and there are coatings specifically formulated to refresh, refurbish and water-proof for each material type.
Clay roof tiles
Clay tiles have been used for centuries and are known for their timeless beauty. Made from natural clay, they have been shaped and fired in a kiln to create a durable and weather-resistant tile and are available in a range of colours and finishes, allowing homeowners to choose a style that complements their home’s architecture. Polycote Roof Tile Coat is the ideal for the refurbishment and weather-proofing of clay tiles.
Concrete roof tiles
Concrete tiles are a more modern option. They are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water, which have been moulded and cured to create a strong and durable tile. Concrete tiles are available in a wide range of colours and styles, making them a versatile choice for any home.
As with Clay tiles, Polycote Roof Tile Coat offers maximum adhesion and weather resistance and will hugely prolong the life of concrete roof tiles
Metal roof tiles
Metal tiles are another popular option, especially for those looking for a long-lasting and energy-efficient solution. They are typically made from steel or aluminium and are coated with a protective layer to prevent rust and corrosion. Metal tiles are lightweight, easy to install, and can last for several decades with proper maintenance.
Polycote Polydex is a superb coating that not only has rust inhibitors built into the coating to prevent any further corrosion to steel materials but also has an incredible 200% elasticity, which enables the coating to easily withstand the extremes of expansion and contraction suffered by metal substrates.
Slate & Natural Stone roof tiles
Slate and natural stones tiles have been used for centuries and are known for their elegance and extreme durability and are often used on high-end homes and historic buildings, especially listed buildings that must comply with specific preservation orders.
Slate tiles can be coated with bituminous coatings such as Polycote Wetterflex or Poloflex Premier grade. However, if your property does have and specific preservation order upon it, it is strongly advised that you speak with the relevant authority to discuss the possibility of coating the tiles.
Stone tiles can be sealed with several different coatings. However, Polycote Stoneguard is regarded by professional stone roofers as one of the best. It is totally unique, a completely clear liquid that soaks well into the stone itself, providing a waterproofing seal that is completely invisible to the eye! Thus, this material has never yet been refused by any historic or preservation authority.
Asphalt and Fiberglass roof tiles
These roof tiles are also available and mostly referred to a asphalt shingles and are made from a combination of asphalt and fibreblass, making them lightweight and easy to install. Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of colours and styles, making them a popular choice for homeowners. Polycote Poloflex or Acraflex coatings are ideal for the coating and waterproofing of Asphalt and/or Fibreglass roof surfaces,
Advantages of Painting Roof Tiles
The main two advantages of painting roof tiles is speed and cost. To be able to effectively re-roof without the need of replacing the entire roof has massive benefits in the saving of huge costs as well as the problems of weather and security when having to remove/replace and entire roof covering.
Whether you want to change the colour or simply restore the original vibrancy, painting can transform the appearance of your roof. Imagine driving up to your house and being greeted by a beautifully painted roof that complements the overall aesthetic of your property. It can instantly enhance the curb appeal and make your home stand out in the neighbourhood.
Additionally, painting can provide an extra layer of protection against the elements. British weather can be unpredictable, with rain, wind, and even snow making their appearances throughout the year. By painting your roof tiles, you can create a barrier that shields them from the harsh effects of these elements. This added protection can help extend the lifespan of the tiles, saving you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Roof Tiles
1) Necessary Tools and Materials for Painting Roof Tiles
To paint your roof tiles, you’ll need a few specific tools and materials. These may include a pressure washer for cleaning, a stiff brush for removing debris, paint suitable for roof tiles such at Roof Tile Coat from Polycote UK, and a long-handled paint roller or sprayer for application. If you have any plant growth such as moss or lichen, use a plant/weed killer such as Polycote Destroy IT.
2) Assessing the Condition of Your Roof Tiles
Take the time to inspect your roof tiles carefully. Firstly, replace any missing tiles. Look carefully over the whole area, checking for any cracks, damaged, or signs of wear and tear, especially any delamination caused by frost damage and either repair or replace as necessary.
3) Cleaning the Roof Tiles
Cleaning the roof is the most vital step to ensuring the success of any subsequent coating. The use of a pressure washer will normally make light work of removing dirt, moss, and other debris. For stubborn stains, a stiff brush can be used to scrub the specific areas.
If you have plant growth such as moss or lichen, remember that it is vitally important the vegetation is completely killed at the roots. So to this end, remove all the surface growth whilst cleaning with the pressure washer and allow roof to dry. The wash of the affected areas with Polycote Destroy IT. This chemical will then penetrate deep into the roots that have embedded themselves into the tiles and will kill the root. If this is not done, the plant will continue to grow and will eventually push up and break through the coating.
4) Applying the Primer
Before applying paint, it’s crucial to apply a suitable primer. The primer helps the paint adhere to the tiles and ensures an even finish. Choose a primer specifically designed for roof tiles and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
However, roof coatings such as Polycote Roof Tile Coat, does not require a primer as it has self-priming capabilities and simply requires two coats of the same product.
5) Painting the Roof Tiles
When painting a roof it is important to ensure the chosen paint is specifically formulated for roof tiles and has the capability of withstanding the extreme weathering that all roofs are subjected to, whether it be prolonged periods of both hot and cold temperatures or the expansion and contraction issues caused by freeze/thaw cycles.
It is important to note many exterior paints are perfect for walls and vertical surfaces but are not equal to the extremes of flat or pitched areas.
Apply the paint with a long-handled paint roller or sprayer, starting from one end and working your way across the roof. Allow the paint to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions and apply a second coat if necessary.
Further note: If applying by sprayer, take great care. Only a light wind can carry the sprayed material far away from the intended surface and end up on neighbouring property!!!
Maintaining Your Painted Roof Tiles
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your painted roof tiles looking their best for years to come. To keep your painted roof tiles clean and in good condition, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance. Remove any debris or leaves that may accumulate on the roof, as these can cause discolouration or damage. Inspect the tiles periodically for any signs of wear and tear and address any issues promptly.
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Polycote UK would like to take the opportunity to thank you for taking an interest in these product and application articles and hope they have been some help to you.
We would of course be pleased to answer any specific questions should you wish to contact us directly on 01234 846400 or email: help@polycote.com