Outfitting the roof of your home with shingles is a very popular choice for homeowners nowadays. They are lightweight, cost-effective, easy to install, and durable, with the ability to resist extreme temperatures such as ice, wind, fire, and rain. The upside to roofing shingles is that they come in a wide variety of colors that can fit a variety of tastes and match the varied architecture of homes.
So, how do we choose the right shingle color that will give your property that all-important curbside appeal? As a homeowner, you need not stick with the predictable or your contractor’s recommendation. Reroofing is a big investment, so you might as well choose the color that you prefer to complete the look of your house.
As you embark on that all-important journey for the perfect shingle color for your roof, ask yourself these vital questions.
Scenario 1: Loving Your Current Shingle Color?
If you are reroofing, are you satisfied with the current shade of your roof? A “yes” answer doesn’t mean that you sign up for the exact same color of shingle. You now need to ask your contractor for options:
- Available shingles of a similar shade or color to that of your existing roof
- Shingle types with performance features that have been improved to update not only the look of your roof but to increase durability and protection for the rest of your home
Scenario 2: Narrowing Down the Palette
If you are building your dream home or reroofing, then how do you choose the right shingle color for your house?
Light or Dark?
In the vast sea of shingle colors, let’s narrow down the choices by determining what best suits your home goals. Do you want to make your house look larger or smaller? Do you want to showcase certain features of your home’s architecture? Lighter-colored shingles can make unique features of your structure stand out, while darker-colored shingles can mask imperfections or draw focus onto the parts of your house you want to highlight.
While home insulation and ventilation are the main determinants of home energy efficiency, your choice of roof shingle color can also help. Lighter-colored shingles contribute to home cooling because of their ability to reflect heat and sunlight. Darker-toned shingles help make the home warmer because they tend to absorb and retain heat.
Community and Environment
When considering what color to choose for roof shingles, the landscape surrounding your home also has to be considered. Let’s tackle the various aspects of this matter and widen the perspective for the best choice in shingle color for your home.
Landscape and natural lighting conditions in your area. Allowing your home to blend in beautifully with your surroundings is an important consideration when choosing a roof color. Sunlight makes colored shingles cast a different hue, depending on your location. For example, if you put brick-colored or burnt-orange shingles against a backdrop of an ever-sunny landscape, the result will often be a washed-out look for your home.
The landscape and nature’s reaction to your shingle color is best tested by asking your contractor for actual samples of your preferences. Take them with you and view them at different times of the day to get a sense of how the color complements your home exterior and natural lighting. Harmonize your color choice with the natural environment — trees, water, mountains — so that your roof makes your home more aesthetically pleasing, not just functional.
To complement other properties or stand out from the rest? In a community, we are always mindful of our neighbours and any community standards or homeowner building codes that need adhering to. The last thing you need is for your home to stand out for the wrong reasons. When expressing your personal color choice, always aim for cohesion and maintaining a visually attractive vibe in your area.
Home Aesthetics
Design and Architectural Style
Theoretically, a color might work with particular shades of exterior and siding. But your home’s façade also consists of architectural features. Do you have window or door frames you would like to complement? Is there a roof on a smaller structure on your property, such as a gazebo or outdoor kitchen, that you would like to match? Do you have other smaller sections, such as a pool area or a patio with a deck? Take all these aspects of your home into account so your choice of shingle color brings them all together.
Material of Home Exterior
The material and color of your home’s exterior also affect the shingle color you choose for your roof. The elements of your home’s exterior will guide your color choice, especially when reroofing, because it can’t be changed easily if you are using vinyl, stucco, or brick. Here are some recommended pairings generally followed by contractors to help you choose:
- Reds — Grays, Greens, Dark Brown, Dark Greens, Black
- Wood / Wood-toned sidings — Brown, Green, Black, Gray
- Creams / Beiges — Blue, Green, Gray, Brown, Black
- White — Almost any color
- Lighter Grays — Darker Gray, White, Blue, Green, Black
In rare cases, you can choose your shingle color and then repaint your exterior. This is an option if your home is outfitted with wood sidings that can easily be repainted. It is surely a costly way to go, but it is possible if you have the desire and budget to achieve a certain look.
Express Your Preferences
With the factors mentioned above, you now know how to choose the best color of shingles for your roof. Always remember that there are many colors and shingle styles available. Make use of brochures, pamphlets, and websites for your preliminary color selection to make full use of your time. Explore your options and see your shingle choice by asking for samples. Communicate your options to a reliable contractor and installer.
A perfectly chosen roof color is not only pleasing to the eye but also raises your home’s market value. Have a great time choosing!