Should I paint roof to better match house?

Q: I have enjoyed your column for some time, and I now have a question about the composition shingle roof on a house we just purchased. The roof is only 5 years old and is in good shape, but we want to paint the house. Unfortunately, the existing roof color will contrast poorly with the paint colors we've chosen. Is there any kind of paint or other surface coloring that we can use to darken the shingles? --Pat W.
more stories like this

A: As you're probably aware, a composition shingle gets its coloration from the thousands of tiny mineral granules used in its construction. Even in a roof with a uniform color -- white or black, for example -- you will find a lot of variation in the color of the individual granules. Any type of surface coating you could apply would have a uniform color to it, so it would actually appear rather odd compared to what a normal composition roof looks like. Also, since these are surface coatings -- similar to paint -- they will wear off relatively quickly and may also void the manufacturer's warranty.

I did speak with a representative from the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer's Association, who said that they get this question fairly often, and raised the same concerns I mention above. His only recommendation was the Brewer Co. -- www.brewercote.com -- that apparently makes a coating with a variegated coloring meant to mimic the colors in composition shingles. I tried to contact them to ask about this but received no reply, so I don't have any more information for you on that particular product.

All in all, I would strongly recommend against trying to color your roofing, and would suggest instead that you look at some other color combinations for the exterior of the home that might go better with the existing roof color.

Q: I had a water feature installed, made from brick and cinder block. The rubbery coating the contractor applied as a sealer has formed thousands of blisters, and has pulled away completely in one area. The contractor says that in spite of this, the block is still sealed, and he won't do anything about it. It's not leaking, but I'm very concerned about it, especially in freezing weather. What do you think? --Patty P.

A: From what you describe, it sounds like the surface of the block was not prepared correctly prior to the application of the coating. With most types of surface coatings, bubbles in the finish indicate the presence of moisture. I don't know what type of product was used in your case, but it sounds like the block may not have been completely clean and dry at the time of application. It could also be a defect in the product itself.

"

Real Estate Designers offers totally innovative solutions for your software
development, Internet programming,

real estate web design and hosting needs. Our service includes domain name
registration and real estate web design. Real Estate Designers provides the
complete solution including design, application development and marketing."

Real Estate Designers offers totally innovative solutions for your software development, Internet programming, real estate web design and hosting needs. Our service includes domain name registration and real estate web design. Real Estate Designers provides the complete solution including design, application development and marketing.

source: boston.com