Does painting a tiled roof help extend its lifespan?

[sjejani]

Hi Team,

I am considering painting my exterior but not sure if roof bricks need refresh too as it really increases the costs. Can you please advise if painting helps in improving the longitivity if the bricks? Attached a pic for your reference.

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @sjejani,

Painting roof tiles can help with longevity, but it is not always essential. It really depends on what the roof tiles are made of, concrete or terracotta and looking at them, they could be either, but concrete seems more likely.

If the tiles are terracotta, painting is rarely recommended. Terracotta does not accept coatings as reliably, and the coating can peel or flake later. Terracotta lasts a very long time on its own, provided the tiles are not broken.

Roof tile coatings are mainly useful for concrete tiles. Over time, concrete tiles lose their surface layer and become more porous. This can make them fade, absorb more moisture, and slowly weaken. A good quality roof membrane or roof paint can restore the surface, reduce porosity, improve water shedding, and protect the tile from further weathering. In that situation, painting can extend the life of the tiles and improve their appearance at the same time.

Your roof looks a little bit weathered, but I think it would be easy enough to just give it a clean, rather than painting it. I can't tell from the photos alone how weathered the actual surface of the tiles is.

Maybe it would be worthwhile having a roof restoration company come out and have a look and provide a quote. As roof restorations are specialised work, their opinion, having worked in the field, will be more valuable than mine.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @AlanM52 and @Nailbag to see if they have any thoughts.

Jacob

[AlanM52]

Hi @sjejani,

The roof looks OK, same for the ridge tile pointing (yellow arrow) so all I would do is pressure wash the roof.

Start with the ridge tiles including the first row of roof tiles and then do the other side.

Be careful and don't blast the ridge tile mortar to reduce the chances of chunks breaking away.

Continue cleaning one side of the roof and work down towards the gutter.

I usually (or used too not allowed on ladders anymore) do two rows then work back the other way.

Your priority is safety!

Find a good location for the ladder on stable level surface, straight up and site evenly on the gutter.

Shoes need to have soles with good grip because you are working on wet cleaned tiles.

Keep checking where the hose is and what it's doing so you don't stand on it or trip over.

As you get to towards the gutter you may feel more secure dropping down on one knee.

Cheers