Have you decided it’s time to get a new roof? What about changing up the shingle color at the same time?
It’s a way to add a new pop of color to your home, give your home a new vibe, or generally amp up its curb appeal. But what single color options are there on the market right now? And how can you choose the right shade for your home?
Let’s explore this topic together, and see how to choose a shingle color for your roof.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shingle Color
It’s tempting to think that choosing a shingle color is as personal as choosing paint for your living room. The fact is, it’s not. If you get it wrong, it could turn off potential buyers.
There are a few golden rules when it comes to choosing a roof shingle color.
House Color
The general rule of thumb is that the shingle color should be darker than the color of your house. This gives your house a finished and grounded appearance.
The color of the siding and roof also affect people’s perception of the size of the house. Dark colors shrink houses and light colors make them look bigger. If you have a small house, a new roof in a lighter color will help it to look as big as possible.
House Style
If you have a historical home, it’s best to stick with a traditional shingle color.
Look for a color that contrasts with the exterior of the house. Multi-tone styles can work, as long as they do not jar with neighboring houses. Visualize how your home will sit in the neighborhood with its new hat on.
If you have a new build or a striking modern design for your home, you can try something more daring. But remember, the golden rules of contrasting colors still apply. If you go for a similar shade of shingle to the exterior, the house could look awkward.
A dark-colored roof also adds curb appeal. It draws the eye upwards and gives the house a more grounded, imposing appearance. They are also widely available, don’t stain easily, and come in a huge variety of shades.
Consider the Neighborhood
One mistake people sometimes make is forgetting the neighbors. We’re not talking about asking all the neighbors for their opinion. But it’s important to choose a new roof color that will blend in.
A house with an unusual roof can become a talking point locally. You may receive complaints, and you may struggle when you want to sell the house.
It’s important to check whether there are any bylaws in place that affect your home exterior design choices. Talk to your homeowner’s association about this, if you have one.
Choose a roof color that complements the neighborhood and is appropriate to the style of the house. That will keep everybody happy, and avoid problems down the line.
Room Temperature
Asphalt roof shingles are the perfect roofing material for the West Lafayette, IN, climate. With its cold winters, asphalt absorbs heat and helps to keep you toasty inside.
Asphalt roof shingles do not reflect a lot of heat back into the atmosphere. Darker colors reflect even less. So if you want your home to retain as much heat as possible, a dark shingle color could be really effective.
Dark asphalt shingles can also help snow to melt away more quickly in winter.
View Other Homes
Talk to your roofing contractor about projects they have already completed. Viewing these homes in person will give you a better idea of what your new roof will look like.
It also gives you a chance to see what they’re like on a home with a similar roof style or architectural style to your own.
Finding a Shingle Color Match
The starting point for finding a shingle color match for your home is the exterior paint color. Remember the golden rule – if the siding’s light, go dark for the roof.
Beige or Cream Exterior Walls
Is your home a light color, such as beige or cream? In that case, you can choose from a wide range of colors, as long as the color is dark.
This includes brown, black, blue, green, and grey tones as appropriate to the style and period of your house.
Brown Exterior Walls
Brown exterior walls may suit a lighter roof. However, the usual cautions about lighter roofs apply.
If the brown of your exterior walls is not too dark, then you can go for a darker room. Charcoals, deep browns, and blacks can complement brown siding.
Gray Exterior Walls
Gray has become extremely popular in all areas of interior and exterior design in recent years. If your siding is a light, French gray then as always, go dark for the roofing material.
Black, dark gray, even dark blue, and dark green can make a great contrast to light gray exteriors.
Mixed Materials
Some people combine a mixture of materials in their home exterior design. This could be wood, painted or vinyl siding, wooden windows and doors, and matching window surrounds.
It’s important to take all these factors into account when choosing an appropriate shingle color. This doesn’t mean that it needs to match, but it does need to complement. It should also be in keeping with the period of the property, the surrounding area, and neighboring homes.
Look for a single color that will work well with all the shades involved. This may take some time and work. Making up large panels in the shingle color you are considering and putting them in place can give you a clearer idea of what they will look like.
Some contractors may also be able to offer a computerized mock-up of what the new roof color will look like. Bear in mind though that this is not as realistic as seeing the shingles in place.
Getting the Right Shingle Color For Your Home
There are many factors that influence your choice of shingle color for your new roof. Let your exterior house color be your guide. Go for a contrasting color, that complements the neighborhood, and you’ll enjoy it for years to come.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect shingle color, you need a roofing contractor you can trust.
Freeman Exteriors have years of experience in fitting beautiful shingle roofs in West Lafayette, IN. We’re ready to make your vision a reality.
Contact us for a free estimate today!
