How to Choose the Best Color for an Asphalt Shingle Roof

Posted by Marcos Bicalho

in Roofing

How to Choose the Best Color for an Asphalt Shingle Roof

If you need to plan for a roof replacement project, there is a lot you need to know about asphalt roofing shingles. In addition to all the other details, picking the best color for your asphalt shingle roof can affect aesthetics and functionality of your home. It can impact 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. Discover key factors to think about when choosing the best shingle color for your new roof.

Consider Your Home’s Style and Color Scheme

The color of your roof should complement your home’s exterior. For traditional-style homes, classic colors like black, gray, or brown work well. For more modern homes, you might consider bold colors like shades of blue or green. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Traditional Homes: Black, dark gray, brown
  • Modern Homes: Blue, green, light gray
  • Cottage or Farmhouse Style: Soft shades like light brown, weathered wood

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.

Think About Climate and Energy Efficiency

Your roof color can impact your home’s energy efficiency. Light-colored shingles reflect heat and help reduce your cooling costs, which makes them a better choice for warmer climates. 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.

Darker colors absorb heat, which can help keep your home warmer in the winter, making them ideal for cooler climates. For those in cooler climates, darker colored asphalt shingles can be particularly advantageous.

Darker colors naturally absorb more heat from the sun compared to lighter colors. This heat absorption can be beneficial in cooler climates as it helps keep your home warmer during the colder months. Dark shingles absorb sunlight and convert it into heat. This heat is then transferred to the attic and upper levels of your home. The absorbed heat helps in maintaining a warmer indoor environment, reducing the reliance on heating systems, and potentially lowering your energy bills during winter.

Choosing darker shingles can improve your home’s energy efficiency in colder climates. With a warmer roof, your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable, which can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.

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.

And while you want your home to stand out, it’s also important to consider the overall look of your neighborhood. A bright blue roof might look out of place in a sea of neutral-colored roofs. Matching your roof color to common shades in your area can help your home blend seamlessly into its surroundings while still looking unique.

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.

Consult with a Professional

Roofing professionals bring a wealth of experience and expertise that can be invaluable when choosing the best color for your asphalt shingle roof. They have an in-depth understanding of how different colors and materials perform in various climates. For instance, a professional can explain how darker colors might benefit homes in cooler climates by absorbing more heat, whereas lighter colors might be more suitable for warmer climates due to their reflective properties. This insight ensures that your roof color not only enhances your home’s appearance but also contributes to its energy efficiency and durability.

Moreover, roofing professionals can provide tailored advice on which shades will best complement your home’s architectural style and exterior color scheme. They can offer samples and even digital visualizations to help you see how different colors will look on your home. This personalized guidance can be crucial, especially when considering factors like neighborhood aesthetics and long-term satisfaction. Professionals can also inform you about the latest trends and innovations in roofing materials, ensuring you make a choice that is both stylish and functional.

In addition to aesthetic and climatic considerations, professionals can advise on the practical aspects of roof color selection, such as maintenance requirements and potential longevity. Certain colors and materials may require more upkeep or be more prone to showing dirt and wear. With their extensive knowledge, roofing professionals can help you weigh these factors and make a well-informed decision that balances beauty, performance, and maintenance. Consulting with a professional ensures that you invest in a roof color that will enhance your home’s curb appeal and stand the test of time.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best color for your asphalt shingle roof involves balancing aesthetics, practicality, and long-term satisfaction. Roofing is a long-term investment, so choose a color that you’ll be happy with for years to come. Consider your home’s style, climate and neighborhood, and seek professional advice so you can find the perfect color that will enhance your home’s beauty and efficiency for years to come.

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