Copper liquid paint extends the life of old roof shingles
The asphalt shingles on this home are old: A nearby tree has damaged the shingles on one side, nails are beginning to protrude, moss is growing freely and the aesthetic appearance has deteriorated. Usually a homeowner is faced with only one course of action: replace the roof shingles with new asphalt shingles. There is another option to consider.
The copper "paint" on this project originally was designed as a copper liquid coating to weatherproof and restore metal roof panels. See this link to metal copper roofing for an example of the original intention for this product. This copper coating material is relatively new; as a result, other possible uses are emerging. And coating old shingles is one of these uses.
When applied on an old shingle roof, the copper liquid is more than a paint. Copper flakes are mixed into a urethane solution. The combination of these two materials seals small cracks and holes in the shingles. One would expect this weatherproofing capability from any reputable roof coating, and copper liquid represents one of the best products available.
Once the roof shingle surface is cleaned, the application of the copper liquid paint is quite straight forward. The photos below highlight the principal steps in applying this copper paint to an old shingle roof. If there is one suggestion to pass on, use a stiffer brush than usual. Standard roofing brushes or soft paint brushes do not work as well. No primer is needed.
Within a few months, the roof will start to darken somewhat. The photo above was taken three months after the application--the back side in the shade and the front in the direct sun. Eventually, a patina tint will develop because there are true copper flakes in the coating. Meanwhile, the roof shingles will be protected from the sun's effects, therefore this coating will extend the life of these shingles. This work has eliminated concern about any leakage and improved the roof's appearance.
Acrylic is the most popular coating for shingles; check this page.
Product availability and pricing are located at the bottom of this page. If you have any questions, please contact me at 610-941-1051.
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| Existing roof is over 35 years old | Clean roof with pressure washer |
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| ...install capping and flashing | Clip off damaged asphalt edges.... |
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| Begin "painting" with copper liquid | Continue coating around project edges |
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| Example of effective stirring stick | Begin general coating |
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| Work material into roof surface | Continue across the roof |
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| A single application across back roof | and across front roof |