Can You Paint Terracotta Roof Tiles?

It’s widely understood that while it is possible to paint terracotta roof tiles, it is not advised to do so. There are many other roof tile materials that can be painted, such as metal or cement tiles, however, terracotta is different due to its manufacturing process. 

After terracotta tiles are created, they’re often glazed with a special coating and then fired at extremely high temperatures. This process causes the glaze to melt and bond with the clay of the tiles. The tiles are glazed because untreated terracotta clay is highly porous and prone to damage from rain and the sun. This glazing or baking works to create extremely strong tiles that can last well into the future, but it also means that the hard smooth surface that is created on the tiles is not ideal for painting.

If you have terracotta tiles on your roof and you’re looking for a change but you don’t want to commit to an entirely new roof, there are a number of alternatives you can undertake to give your roof a new lease of life and some more character. 

If you were to attempt to paint over glazed terracotta tiles, your paint wouldn’t be able to bond to the glaze properly and it’s highly likely that it would begin to flake and fall off within a very short period.

Sometimes all your roof needs is a good cleaning to look new. Often, our roofs will get covered in dirt, debris and bird and animal droppings, which can lead to your roof looking old and worn. Before you commit to a major change or remodel, give your roof some TLC and see how it looks afterwards.

If you’re still not happy with the state of your tiles after a thorough clean, you can always consider restoring your current terracotta tiles. It’s possible to undertake work such as moss and lichen removal, rebedding and repointing of tiles, as well as replacing your roof flashing to have your roof tiles looking like new again. These tactics are a great way to revive a tired roof and can often be completed without having to undergo extensive renovations on your home.

If you want to get that new tile look but you have terracotta roof tiles, you still have plenty of options. Consider undergoing a thorough cleaning and some restoration work and you’ll be amazed at how fresh your roof looks afterwards. If you need assistance bringing some life back into your terracotta roof tiles, give us a call today.