When it’s time for a new roof, one of the choices you’ll need to make is the type of roof you want. With a shingle roof, you will need to choose the type of shingle as well as the color of your roof shingles. Many homeowners use this opportunity to change the color of their roofs and give their homes a whole new aesthetic.
How should you go about choosing a roof shingle color? There are a few things you’ll want to consider.
How Roof Shingle Color Affects Your Home
The color of your roof isn’t just about looks. It’s also about function. Lighter roof colors tend to deflect sunlight away from the home, while darker shingles absorb heat. You might notice a lighter roof reduces your energy costs in the summer because it helps to keep your home cooler. However, a darker roof can be beneficial in the winter, when you want to keep your home warm.
Areas that see a lot of snow typically have homes with darker roofs because it helps with snowmelt. In Alabama, this isn’t a huge need.
Last but not least, consider the appearance of your neighboring homes. Is there a certain aesthetic of the neighborhood that you should maintain (e.g., all homes have light roofs, red roofs, etc.)? Veering away from this aesthetic might affect your home’s curb appeal and potentially its value when it’s time to sell.
Bottom line: don’t just choose a roof shingle color based on looks alone. Consider the overall impact of color, then start exploring color options in your preference of light or dark roofs.
How to Choose the Best Roof Shingle Color
Ready to discover your options for a new roof color? Here are some factors that can guide your decision:
YOUR HOME’S COLOR AND MATERIALS
Some roof colors naturally pair well with certain home colors and materials. For example, brown homes look great with earth-toned roofs and accents. White or grey homes can handle just about any color roof. But you wouldn’t normally see a red roof on a red brick home. The color of your roof should contrast the color of your home, not try to blend with it. Play around with different color combinations until you find an aesthetic you like.
THE COST OF THE SHINGLES
Cost isn’t everything, but it is something. Shingle color and type can influence the cost of your roof. It’s best to explore options within your budget before choosing a specific color. Narrow your color preferences to see what’s available in your price range.
SHINGLE COLOR UNDER VARIOUS LIGHTING CONDITIONS
The color of your roof shingles may look different in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Ask your roofer for samples so you can see different shingles under different lighting conditions.
PERSONAL STYLE
You need to be able to love the way your home looks after getting a new roof. Personal style matters in choosing roof shingle color because it affects the overall appearance of your home. Work with your roofer to see how different colors might look on your home to create the image you want.
Get Help Choosing New Roof Shingles
At Alabama Roofing Professionals, we put our expertise to work for you in every possible way, including choosing roof shingle colors. We take your home’s color into account and other factors, then make recommendations to you so you can make an informed decision.
Is it time for a new roof? Schedule a free inspection today!
