DIY or Hire a Pro? A Deep Dive into Painting Cement Roof Tiles the Right Way

Weather in Australia can be extreme to say the least, from intense summer sunshine to torrential rain, that roof over your head is an important part of your home providing protection. Durable as they are, cement tiles roofs are not exempted from time. At the first sight of dullness, moss or surface wear, most homeowners begin thinking about how they can DIY and make their roof appear and work as it once did. But the big question: Should you do it yourself or outsource the task?

Painting a roof might seem like an easygoing weekend activity, but there’s more to it than just picking up a brush and a tin of roof paint. There is a lot more to it than just prep, materials, and application. Here, we’ll investigate both the DIY path and the professional route so you can choose the best path forward for your home, your wallet and your long-term peace of mind.

Do-It-Yourself Roof Painting It is tempting, as a homeowner, to undertake roof painting for your home because from afar, it seems cost effective. The thought of cutting costs on labor and being at the helm of your own home-improvement project can be liberating. But, there are definitely challenges involved with painting a cement roof, and a do-it-yourself project can easily be come expensive and time-consuming if you don’t do your homework.

There are a few of the basic preparation fundamentals of painting cement tiles. To start, and before any paint can be added, the roof needs to be well cleaned – often pressure washed to get rid of accumulated dirt, moss, lichen and any old peeling coatings. This process in itself is already arduous and hazardous for those not used to roofing work on pitched roofs. If you overlook any surface contaminants, the paint won’t stick, and you risk it peeling or bubbling within months.

If scrubbing doesn’t work, you need to use a cement tile primer to ensure a fresh coat sticks. Not all products are suitable for use on older tiles or the climate in your area of Australia. The paint used for the cement roof tiles will also need to be UV-resistant, waterproof and flexible so it expands and contracts with changes in temperatures. Pick the incorrect product or apply it the wrong way, and you’ll spend hours staring at walls you have to repaint years sooner than you’d like.

And of course, safety is of paramount importance. Hauling paint buckets, a spray gun or rollers up onto the roof can be dangerous, even if you have not been trained, nudged, or are not supplied with fall protection gear. Make one false move and you could get badly hurt. Professional roof painters have the skills to work at heights safely and the machinery that adheres with Australian safety standards.

Though hiring a pro may cost more upfront, it’s generally money well spent as it often brings added benefits that more than make up for the savings you would realize if you performed the work yourself. Skilled professionals have years of experience, and they will spot and remedy issues such as cracked tiles, inadequate drainage or early warning signs of structural problems. These may be issues too subtle for the untrained eye and may cause leaks or more costly repairs down the road.

At United Roof Restorations we have removed all the guess work with painting cement tile roofs. We start by going through a thorough regime of inspecting your roof and repair, and carrying out any cleaning or maintenance required before using our three part coating system consisting of high build flexible primer, roof tile specific sealer and top coat with our high solids cement roof tile paint specially formulated for our harsh Australian climate. The result? A 'as new' and even weatherproof surface that will spiffy up your roof with years and years additional life.

The 2nd benefit associated with professionals is efficiency. What may take a homeowner several weekends can often be completed by a skilled team in a few days. We work neatly, we work efficiently, and we pride ourselves on making it as easy as possible to have construction work done in your home. And the best part is that our services are enhanced with various warranties, so you feel confident that the job will be done right the first time.

Not all roofers are created equal, of course. If you’d rather hire some help, be sure that the company is licensed, insured and experienced in roof restoration and tile painting. Find a provider who writes a quote, uses good materials, and who has a portfolio of jobs that they have completed locally.

The endgame is the same – whether you are a DIYer or professional – you want to condition your roof to look great again, to maintain its durability, to add value to your home and keep everyone inside of it safe. Just take note: skimping now may cost you more further down the line. Be truthful with yourself about your capabilities, tools and time, and feel free to reach out to a reliable roofing pro before starting.

Rely on the Professionals – Phone United Roof Restorations Now

Considering painting your cement roof tiles? Whether you’re still considering your options or ready to book a quote, we’re here to make the process as easy as possible. How we helped australian homeowners refresh and protect their roofs At United Roof Restorations, we have helped hundreds of Australian homeowners protect and rejuvenate their roofs with dependable roofing service and honest advice.

Don’t take any chances with your safety or your home’s value in a do-it-yourself blunder. Let’s give it professional look which lasts for several years. Contact us today for a complementary assessment and quote for your roof.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it worth DIY roofing paint?

Doing it yourself may seem cheaper, but when you factor in the cost of equipment, the risks to safety and the risk of failing, it will usually be more expensive in the long run. A professional job will ensure that the work lasts, and provide you peace of mind.

2. Can I paint any outdoor paint on my concrete roof tiles?

A. No. Cement tiles need a product that is formulated to bond with porous products and to last the harsh Australian weather. The wrong paint can also result in peeling and inadequate protection.

3. How long will it be until I paint my professionally painted cement tile roof again?

A completed and properly prepared and painted high-quality painted cement tile roof can last 10-15+ years or more. Maintenance and positionate also count to the durability as well.

4. When is the best time of the year to paint a roof in Australia?

Spring and fall are generally the best because of the fair and the more limited rain. Note: If the curing and film adhesion is super important to you, paint in cooler or drier polished condition.

5. Do you need council approval to paint your roof in Australia?

For the most part, no council approval is required for painting. However if you're transforming the roof colour or form of a building in heritage-listed areas, it is best to consult with your local council.