Roof painting cost guide 2024: what you need to know

We explore the potential costs associated with painting your roof in 2024 and other factors to take into consideration to get you started!

Overview

• Average costs to paint a house roof
• What to take into consideration before hiring a roof painter?
• How much does roof painting cost?
• Roof Tile Paint Costs
• Roof Painting Price Estimates 
• Paint Product Options
• What might affect the roof painting price? 
• Can I paint my roof myself? 
• Tips to get an accurate roof painting quote 
• How to Hire a Roof Painter
• Roof painting FAQs

Average Costs to Paint a House Roof

Expect to pay anywhere between $2,000 – $10,000 to paint your house’s roof, including labour and materials. 

What to take into consideration before hiring a roof painter?

1. Size of the job
2. Accessibility
3. Qualifications of the tradie
4. Their reputation

Take a look at the size of the job you have and the level of expertise required to finish the job to the standard you require. Is the roof easily accessible, or will it require extra equipment to reach heights? Most importantly, how does the tradie interact with their potential customers? Will this make the job a stressful or enjoyable experience?

How much does roof painting cost?

Typically, an hourly rate is charged for the painter's time and skill at $35 – $55 per hour, depending on the state you live in. 

Low-end roof painting hourly rates: $25 – $35 per hour

Generally, you will find a roof painter who has just finished their trade and is starting out in the industry will charge a lower rate, between $25 – $35 per hour. 

Medium-end roof painting hourly rates: $35 – $50 per hour

Roof painters charging $35 – $50 have typically been in the industry for 1 – 5 years and have an established clientele. You are paying more for increased security on their level of workmanship, and they will likely be a lot faster at completing a job than someone who is just starting out. 

High-end roof painting hourly rates: $50+ per hour

Within the higher-end range of $50+ per hour, you can expect to receive a premium service. These extremely experienced painters with years of experience have a strong clientele to back them. Communication will be exceptional, the workmanship will be to the highest possible standard, and you can rest assured that you are investing in a service that will withstand years to come. 

Roof Tile Paint Costs

Paint products are a considerable factor in the cost of a roof painting service and the desired outcome. Different brands and different quality paints will fluctuate in price, so we've provided below an estimated average roof painting costs as a guide.

Average Roof Paint Prices 

Roof Exterior Paint (Dulux Roof & Trim) 

• $223 for 10L 

Heat Reflective Roof Coating (NXT CoolZone) 

• $346 for 20L 

Nano Technology Coating (Nutech Tileflex) 

• $212 for 20L

Exterior Acrylic Emulsion Coating (Nu-Flex)

• $179 for 20L

Exterior Acrylic Roof Paint (Ecolour Eco Weather Proof) Low Sheen/Satin

• $173 for 10L 

Surface Filler (QA high Build Filler)

• $140 for 20L

Roof Painting Price Estimates 

Roof Paints and Primers 

As seen above, there is a multitude of paint and primer product options to choose from. Typically, a high-quality paint product for a roof exterior will cost $250 for 10 litres. Surface fillers cost around $250. Heat-reflective coating will further the price by $150. If you're searching for a more affordable price, exterior acrylic emulsion coating is approximately $179 for 20 litres. 

Roof Respray 

Respraying a roof typically costs more than painting a brand-new roof, so we recommend enlisting an expert to provide the most accurate quote. The associated labour costs with this service are anywhere from $35 to $85 per hour. 

Colorbond Roofs 

The cost of repainting your Colorbond roof varies from state to state, depending on individual roof painter’s labour costs. Colorbond roofs are commonly sought after due to their minimalist design, durability, and affordable price. We recommend hiring a painter with experience in Colorbond repainting.

Paint Product Options

Polyurethane Roof Coating 

As a member of the “cold liquid applied” roof coating family, this product is applied to roofs as a cold liquid that transforms into an elastomeric waterproof membrane. Polyurethane roof coating is a foam insulation comprised of two components: isocyanate and polyol. It is a popular roofing and insulation material that has been trusted for over 45 years. 

Polyurea Roof Coating 

This option is also applied to roofs as a cold liquid that transforms into an elastomeric waterproof membrane. Polyurea roof coating cures in a shorter time period and is extremely sturdy and waterproof, perfect for the Australian climate. It's often used as a repair material on many concrete surfaces. 

Polymeric Roof Coating 

Another member of the “cold liquid applied” roof coating family, it features rapid curing all year round and is a  cost-effective winner. 

Bituminous Coatings 

These are extremely sticky and strong organic liquids primarily used when waterproofing roofs. This product is extremely adaptive and can be applied to asphalt, asbestos (to encapsulate it), concrete, cement, or metal. It can last 10 – 20 years. 

Water-Based Acrylic Roof Paints 

The most affordable option of the water-based roof paint products. Water-based acrylic roof paints lay on 5 – 10 times thicker than ordinary paint products, providing a highly reflective, UV-resistant product that is easy for painters to manipulate. 

Eco-Friendly Silicone Paints (Most Expensive Option) 

Optimal for metal roof paint, eco-friendly silicone paints are moisture-cured coatings comprised of liquid silicone. The benefits are that it is elastomeric, environmentally friendly, highly UV-resistant and suitable for any climate.

What might affect the roof painting price? 

With all roofs being extremely different, there are a number of factors that can affect your roof painting price. 

Roof Size and Design

The size of your roof is an obvious determining factor, as roof painters charge by the square metre — the bigger the roof, the more you will be charged. The complexity of your roof design will affect the price, as this impacts how difficult or intricate the painter's job is. For example, Victorian homes have intricate details that would require more precision and time from a painter, whether you are painting over tiles or combining colours and so forth. 

Average complete roof painting cost estimate based on roof size:

• Small Roof Costs: $2,000 – $3,500 
• Medium House: $3,000 – $5,000
• Large House: $5,000 – $15,000

Roof Painting Materials 

As touched on, roof painting materials vary, and this can impact your price. Service.com.au recommends trusting a painter who uses top products as a cheap roof will not last nearly as long. 

Pitch of Your Roof 

The steepness of your roof may impact the access and safety requirements for the painter. For example, extra precautions such as using a hoist may become necessary. 

Single-Storey vs Two-Storey House 

As a general rule, single-storey roofs will cost less as it is easier and faster. Two-storey roofs (or beyond) require more safety measures, time, and work.

Can I paint my roof myself? 

Roof painting is extremely dangerous, especially for someone untrained and inexperienced in the matter. We strongly encourage hiring a professional to uphold the highest safety standards and ensure your work is done to the best quality. 

Tips to Get an Accurate Roof Painting Quote 

1. Obtain Multiple Quotes 

Getting different quotes from multiple tradies will give you a clear range of how much your specific job will cost, accounting for litres of paint required and labour hours involved. 

2. Ask About Roof Cleaning and Repairs 

A frequent unexpected cost that can catch homeowners off guard is the cleaning and repair costs involved in roof painting. Not all painters will include this in the quote. 

3. Check Your Paint Products 

Find out which paints are highly recommended for your job, climate, and goal. Compare values and determine what paint products are best for you. 

4. Quality Over Price 

We always recommend investing in a higher-quality product/service to see long-term results that last. While the allure of a low quote may be tempting, consider the recurring costs that may be involved with a lower-quality product.

How to Hire a Roof Painter

Choosing the right roof painter is essential to ensuring the quality and cost of your roof job. Ensure you check painters' certifications prior to receiving a quote. A key qualification you should look out for is the CPC30611 Certificate III in Painting and Decoration. Check their experience, references, photos, and guarantees.

Roof Painting FAQs 

How much does it cost to paint a roof?

Expect to pay between $35 per hour to $50 per hour on average, depending on the state you live in. This may vary depending on the steepness of your roof, condition, and other factors. A roof painter will usually provide you with a square metre rate. 

How much does it cost to get roof tiles painted?

Typically painters will charge between $35 to $45 per hour for roof tiling, and this may be subjectable to location, materials used, condition of tiles and if any need replacing. 

Can you paint your roof tiles?

Yes, roof paint can be applied to any kind of roof, whether that has concrete tiles, Colourbond, or terracotta tiles. 

Can you paint concrete roof tiles?

Yes, you can certainly paint concrete roof tiles. The cost is subjective to the kind of roof you have, but roof painting is a great option for freshening up your house’s exterior. 

Do concrete roof tiles need painting?

No, it is not necessary; however, some experts may recommend a sealant. 

Do concrete roof tiles become porous?

No, concrete roof tiles should not become porous if they have been properly laid. The correct way of laying them ensures water runs off the tiles as opposed to into the gutter. 

Further Reading

• How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Exterior Painter? | Cost Guide
• How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Pool? | Cost Guide
• 7 Things You Can Do to Maintain the Look of Your House Paint

All the costs quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are to be used as an AUD cost guide and may vary locally, and are subject to market changes.