Did you know your roofing system is your home’s most prominent exterior element and can occupy up to 40% of your property’s visual space?
While some roofing styles are more visible than others, all roofing can enhance (or detract) your home’s architectural style and curb appeal. While getting caught up in the roofing materials, brands, and accessories, many homeowners overlook the importance of a tiny but crucial decision — the color of their roof!
7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Color for Your Roofing Shingles
There is more that goes into choosing a roofing color than just personal preference. Here are some essential factors to consider when selecting the perfect shingle color for your roof.
1. Energy Efficiency
Homeowners in warm climates should generally opt for lighter shingles with warm undertones, while those in cold climates should choose darker shingles with cool undertones.
Dark shingles absorb heat, so on a summer day, the surface of a dark roof can be up to 40 degrees hotter than a roof with light shingles. While this might be ideal for trapping heat in the winter, it can result in higher energy bills in the summer.
2. The Surrounding Environment
If you’d like your home to blend into its natural surroundings, look at the scenery around it. Is your home situated by a lake? Consider a cool blue roof. Is your property nestled in the forest? Think about a deep green roofing system.
However, choosing a color that will make your home stand out in its natural surroundings is another option. For example, a homeowner in a forested area may select rust-colored shingles since red and green are complementary colors.
3. Contrasting Colors
Generally, choosing roofing shingles that are opposite of the color of your siding will allow your home to “pop.” So, if your siding is lighter, a darker roof is ideal (and vice versa). Ideally, find a roofing color that complements your windows, doors, shutters, and trim.
Pattern contrast, in addition to color contrast, is also essential to keep your home from looking too “busy.” For example, a house with a solid siding shade might benefit from shingles with subtle color variations. In contrast, a single, consistent roofing shade might be best for a home adorned with colorful bricks.
4. Your Home’s Architectural Style
Allowing your home’s architectural style to guide you when choosing a color for your roofing system is a great idea.
Historic homes, like Colonial, Victorian, and Queen Anne, look best with black, gray, or other intense roofing shades that create a more formal appearance. Modern or rural home styles, like Ranch, Farmhouse, or Contemporary houses, often lean on rust, brown, or other warm-toned colors to create a laid-back vibe.
5. Property Size
Larger homes, like multi-level properties, benefit from having an eye-catching roofing system, whereas smaller homes, like single-story houses, tend to do better with more subtle features.
Darker colors are more eye-catching than light ones. Homeowners with a larger roof might want to consider selecting a stronger roofing color to keep their properties from looking “washed out.” In contrast, those with a small roof should opt for lighter shingles to prevent their roofing system from becoming too overpowering.
6. Local Roofing Regulations
Regardless of your preferences, your HOA might have regulations on the colors of shingles you can install to blend into the neighborhood, and your city, region, or state may have requirements to meet environmental codes.
Always do your homework before a roof replacement, and if you have questions, reach out to a local contractor to guide you on the best practices for your local area.
7. Personal Preference
Of course, after considering important factors like your climate, neighborhood, and home’s architectural style, thinking about what colors will make you smile is just as important.
Color can influence mood and perception — for example, blue is a calming, soothing shade, whereas grey symbolizes neutrality and balance. Thinking about the psychology of color and the overall “vibe” you want your home to give off is crucial when choosing a roofing hue.
Explore Roofing Shingles and Styles from LeafGuard of Cincinnati
With these factors in mind, you should be able to choose a roofing color that complements your home’s architecture, practical needs, and overall style with ease!
Explore the dozens of roofing shingle styles and colors we offer at LeafGuard of Cincinnati, and when you find one you love, call us to get started on your roof replacement.
