The best advice when choosing a shingle color for your roof is to pick the one you like the bes, you are going to have to live with the decision for 20 to 30 years or more! No matter if your roof is metal, slate, or asphalt, there are a number of color choices to pick from in different shades and hues.
Here are some tips to picking the color of your roof’s shingles:
Consider The Climate
Your roof’s color can alter the temperature of your attic by 20 to 40 degrees and effect your home’s overall heating and cooling. The greatest difference is found when comparing dark vs. light roofing colors, while the in-between grays and browns do not show as big of a difference in tempature. Typically lighter shingles reflect sunlight more and keep home temperatures down while darker shingles absorb heat and help warm a home during the colder months.
Know Your Home’s Style
Your home’s style is an obvious sign as to which shingle style and color you should lean more towards. There are a number of companies today that offer roof planning tools to assist in finding the best roofing option for different styles of homes. These are typically software based and involve providing a picture of your home or similar style selection to view different colored roofs. When shopping for your roofing material make it a point to inquire about these helpful tools to assist in your roofing decisions.
Complement The Colors of Your Home
The color of your roof plays an important role in the overall tone of your house. The goal is to complement the colors of your home rather than to match them exactly which can leave your exterior feeling monotone and boring. Brick, paint, and existing siding colors should all be considered before deciding on the color of your shingles. Place the samples on your roof where these elements meet together in order to compare all the colors of your home at once.
If the other elements of your home are busy with multicolor tones, then consider a single shingle color that will not be too overwhelming to the eye. In comparison, if your exterior is already feeling monotone, a vivid, multicolor shingle can add some visual interest and curb appeal. Typically, dark gray or black shingles work well with blue or white colored homes for the more traditional feel while green, red, or yellow painted homes allow more flexibility to choose between brown, gray or black shingles.
View Different Shingle Samples
Examine your top shingle choices in person. Compare your choices with your current roof shingles to see how they might differ or vary. View your samples in both the sun and shade to make sure you like the color in all forms of lighting.
Consider Your Neighbors
Your surrounding neighbors can potentially be greatly impacted by your choice of roofing style and color. It is important to consider how your home’s roof will complement your neighborhood as well. This is both for the good of your overall neighborhood as well as the resale value of your home. If you plan to sell your house, an eye-catching brightly colored roof may deter future buyers. On the other hand, try not to clone your closest neighbors with home style and roofing color creating a duplicate feel in the neighborhood. It is best to be harmonious and not clash while still staying individual.
Conclusion
Take your time choosing the color of your roof’s shingles, it is just as important as any other exterior element of your home and will outlast most of the other choices you make. EMA Construction’s qualified roofers are able to advise you on the different color options and what compliments your home best.