If you choose to install a traditional shingle roof, picking a shingle color can seem daunting. Going with the most popular shingle color may be a bad choice, but sticking with something you know may not turn out the way you expect. There’s an art, and some science, behind choosing a roof color. This article breaks down how to go about picking a color that suits your home.
Most Popular Shingle Color Families
Colors are separated into two “families” – warm and cool. Warm colors include shades of brown and red. Think tan, terracotta, and beige. Cool colors include shades of blue, white, and black. Think charcoal, navy, and pewter.
The location of your house will influence the color family of your roof. If you live in a warmer climate, consider lighter colors such as light gray, tan, and white because they will absorb less heat. If you live in a colder climate, consider darker colors such as dark gray, dark brown, and black.
What to consider when choosing a shingle color?
- House Texture: The shingle tiles should go with the colors and textures of your house, whether it’s siding, brick or stone. The design of your home will also impact your decision. If your roof is hipped, the roof will be one of the first things people will notice.
- Accent: Your roof should complement your home, not overwhelm it. A roof that overpowers the house will draw attention away from the landscaping, the siding, as well as other features, thus ruining the aesthetics.
- Classic: Shingles typically come in variations of neutrals – black, brown, and gray. Blues and greens are also available. Choosing a shingle color that’s a little out of the box may limit your choices if you ever want to repaint your house to a different family of colors.
- Replaceability: A more unique color may mean it will become a hunt to replace a portion of shingles should they come off in a storm or become damaged. This could lead to increased costs and delays, as special-order shingles may not always be readily available. Opting for a more common shade might ensure easier access to replacements in the future.
- Location: In warmer climates, it is more common to see lighter colored shingles so that the roof reflects the sun. In colder climates, you can expect darker colored shingles to keep the house warmer in the colder months.
- Architecture: In some cases, the architectural style will dictate the roofing color. Certain house styles do not work with certain colors and will look odd. This will detract from the aesthetic of the house.
How to choose a color:
- Figure out which color family works with your house.
- Look around and research your house’s architecture to see what other people have done.
- Understand the climate in your area and calculate potential energy savings.
- Consider the surrounding landscape to choose a color that complements natural features like trees, mountains, or nearby buildings.
- Avoid overly trendy colors that might date your home over time, opting instead for classic shades with lasting appeal.
- Check your HOA or local guidelines, as some neighborhoods may have specific rules about roofing colors.
When it comes down to choosing which specific color shingle you’ll be installing on your house, compare different shingle samples to help you make the final decision. Take them outside and view them in natural light at different times of the day to see how they complement your home’s exterior.
In Kentucky’s varied climate, consider how the color will look in all seasons, from bright summer sunshine to overcast winter skies. Consulting local contractors or suppliers who understand regional styles and trends can also provide valuable insights for your choice.
