Your roof is one of the most vital parts of your home’s exterior. In fact, its style and color is one of the first things people notice when they pass by your home. So, when it’s time to replace your roof, don’t neglect one of the most important decisions: choosing the right shingle color.
Why Shingle Colors are an Important Consideration
The color you select affects aesthetics and functionality. It can impact your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and your roof’s longevity. So, it’s important to consider things like your home’s architectural style, the climate in your area, and your personal preferences. But, the roofing industry offers a huge variety of shingle products, color variations, and upgrade options. The choices can make a homeowner feel overwhelmed. Read on to discover key factors to think about when choosing the best shingle color for your new roof.
Architectural style
You should consider your home’s architectural style when selecting a shingle color. Traditional homes look better with classic colors like earthy tones or shades of brown. On the other hand, you can use bold color choices to complement modern designs.
Your personal preference should play a key role in your decision, however. It’s important to select a shingle color you like and will work well with your home’s exterior elements.
So plan your exterior color scheme appropriately. Coordinate your colors with your siding and windows. Choosing a bold shingle color for your roof might not always be a good choice. Your roof is the biggest surface of your home. A dark gray or black roofing shingle will look great with a gray or blue house. A brown, cream, or tan colored house might match better with brown roof shingles or a mixture of cream and brown.
Energy efficiency
Energy-efficient roofing can save you money on heating and cooling. Light-colored shingles reflect heat and help reduce your cooling costs, which makes them a better choice for Florida homes. White, light greys and beiges can all help reflect the sun’s rays. This reduces the amount of heat the roof absorbs. The less heat, the better your HVAC system can keep your property comfortable during the hottest parts of the year.
While color does play a role in helping your roof be more energy-efficient, your attic ventilation is more important. A properly ventilated attic, including an attic fan, helps move air around in your crawlspace, preventing your roof from becoming super-heated. Without ventilation, roof temperatures can reach over 150°. When your roof gets this hot, the materials can begin to degrade or disintegrate. Your roof is more susceptible to leaks, damage, and premature replacement when this happens.
Durability
It’s important to understand some shingle colors are more durable than others! For example, some colors fade or show wear more quickly. However, if you are installing high-quality shingles and working with a reputable roofer, you do not need to worry about your darker shingles being damaged by the heat. Modern roofs are made with innovative materials engineered to withstand high temperatures and UV rays. Look for shingles with UV protection to help maintain their color over time.
Regardless of the color of your roof, you should schedule annual roof maintenance. This becomes even more important the older your roof is. During your maintenance visit, your roofing contractor will let you know the current condition of your roof and whether the roof’s color is contributing to any repair issues they find.
Resale value and neighborhood considerations
If you plan to sell your home in the future, keep in mind your choice of shingle color can affect its resale value. It’s best you stay away from unusual color combinations that may go out of style quickly. Neutral colors tend to be more appealing to potential buyers.
If you live in a community with a homeowner’s association, there may be requirements for what you can use on your roof. Check your HOA documents to make sure you can select the product you want for your roof.
Samples
Before making your final decision, get some shingle samples. Your roof color needs to coordinate with all the other exterior colors so they don’t clash. The color also needs to align with the style of the home and your exterior elements. Once you’ve selected the roofing company you will be using, request large samples of all the shingle colors you are interested in. Check how the samples look at different times during the day. You can also use online tools to help you visualize how different colors will look on your roof. This will help you make a more informed decision.
Choosing the right shingle color is a crucial step in the roof replacement process. Make sure to consult with roofing professionals for expert advice and installation to ensure a successful roofing project.