Terracotta tiles are a beautiful choice for a property. Their reddish colours provide warm tones for properties that benefit from them and they’re a hardy material that can last for 60 years (if properly cared for).
Because of their popularity around Melbourne, and the susceptibility of the clay material to attract moss, lichen and damage over time, they’re one of the most common roofs we work with.
But, sometimes you want a change. If you’ve done a home reno and you feel your roof could benefit from a change in colour, maybe you’re considering painting your terracotta tiles. But can you?
Can you paint terracotta roof tiles? Let’s take a look…
What are Terracotta Roof Tiles?
Terracotta tiles are a reddish-brownish tile made from clay. We have some information about terracotta tiles, how they’re made and what you should know about them here.
As we said, they’re one of the most common roof types we attend to. They cope really well with Melbourne weather and they look timeless.
Their main drawbacks can be that over time they become more brittle and can fracture when walked on. And, if not cared for they can attract moss, lichen and grime.
Can You Paint Terracotta Roof Tiles?
Technically, yes. But should you – No.
Whether your terracotta tiles are glazed, or unglazed, we’d strongly advise against painting them and it’s not a service we would offer. Here’s why:
Durability: Terracotta tiles are known for their durability and longevity, and painting them can compromise this. The paint may chip or wear away over time, leaving you with a poor finish.
Maintenance: Painted terracotta tiles may require more maintenance than unpainted tiles. If the paint chips or peels, you will need to touch it up, and this can be time-consuming and costly.
Aesthetics: Terracotta tiles have a unique natural beauty that may be diminished by painting over them. You may find that the natural look of the tiles is more appealing than a painted finish.
Whilst this might be frustrating to hear, if you were planning on painting your roof, you might find that a roof restoration could be the answer to your problem.
Restoring a roof can help it look new again and the results can be incredible.
We are proud to be Melbourne’s leading roofing experts and we don’t wear that badge lightly. It’s important to us that we provide the best advice and services to our clients. It’s what’s lead us to hundreds of 5-star ratings online and kept our customers coming back for years.
If we don’t think painting terracotta tiles is a good idea, trust is – don’t paint your tiles.
Instead, speak to one of our roofing experts about refreshing your roof, or restoring it to its former glory. It could be just the change your property needs.
Get in touch 1300 833 399
Can I paint terracotta roof tiles?
Yes, technically you can, but it’s not a good use of time. Due to the nature of the organic, porous clay material, overtime your paint will flake and peel off. It will end up being a waste of time and money and you’ll then have to repaint or remove the paint.
