Does The Color Of Your Roof Matter?
In this particular article, we’ll explain how to choose a roof color that’ll work for your home. And by the end of it, you should have an increase in your confidence when you choose a new color for your roof during a new roof install or Roof Replacement.
Some might say, “Why should choosing the right roof color even matter? The color isn’t going to help protect you, it’s all about the quality of the materials, baby!”
They’re not wrong, and not entirely right either.
Using materials such as Owens Corning or GAF is a must for any roof. But you’d be surprised that the right shingle color can actually help protect your roof and make it even more durable.
If you’re only thinking about materials, you’re going to lose to someone who has both materials and the right color choices 100% of the time, every time.
We’ve got to think long-term when it comes to a significant investment, such as your home, and especially when it comes to your roof.
The right color can increase both the property value and help prolong the life of your roof with a bit of science behind it (we’ll go further into details in a bit).
The truth is, what homeowners are after the most, besides the protective benefits of a roof, is the tremendous value increase on their home property. And choosing the right color that matches your sidings and environment will have every bit of play into that value increase.
Here’s what most professionals and home buyers have to say about color-coordination having a massive impact on the increased value of a property. Based on the roofing magazine:
“Color contributes value! Ninety-four percent of consumers and 91 percent of real estate professionals agreed that a color-coordinated exterior increases the value of a home. Additionally, 91 percent of consumers and 87 percent of real estate professionals agreed that a roof with a color coordinating with the rest of the exterior increases a home’s value.”
Also.
Better Homes and Garden says “Your roof accounts for 40% of the curb appeal.”
But wait!
It doesn’t stop there.
According to the data from remodeling.hw.net, as of 202o, in the southern midwest, you can expect to increase your home’s resale value to increase by an instant $14,526, and be able to recoup at least 65.4% of the cost to install the roof.
The value increase to your property can instantly be increased by a new roof installation alone.
Imagine the combination of choosing your roof colors correctly with your new roof. It’s obvious that you’re looking at a significant return on your investment.
Folks, we’re roofer, not math wizards, but adding it all up, choosing a roof color is not something you should take lightly. Use the tips we’ll offer in this article to help you maximize your gains on your property when it comes time to choosing a new roof color.
Throughout this article we’ll be diving deep into colors:
- Why you need to choose the right colors
- Where to look for inspiration
- What you should look out for
- What you should do if you’re still lost
How to Choose Your Roof Color – The 8 Golden Tips:
1.) Light Colors vs. Dark Color: How To Choose Roof Colors For The Right Weather Conditions
Let’s take you back to science class.
We’ve all learned and experimented in the past that lighter colors will reflect light and reduce heat, while darker colors (such as black) will absorb heat from not reflecting sunlight.
From a professional roofer’s experience out in the field, this is definitely true. Out of the 100s of roofs that we fix and install every year, the roofs that are charcoal, black, and darker colors do feel much hotter on the surface when compared with lighter tan colored roofs.
Why would that be a bad thing?
If more heat is stored on your roof, it’ll heat up your entire home and cause your HVAC system to work much harder than it normally would. In turn, your electricity bill will be a bit higher than someone who has a roof that doesn’t store as much heat.
But is raise in the electricity bill significant enough to label all dark colored roofs as bad?
Depending on where you live, if the temperature does get too hot, it can damage the granules and weaken your roof overall much quicker. In this case, it may be best for you to look into lighter colors.
Here’s some good news.
The new innovative design of asphalt roof makes it so that the granules are able to reflect light with a reflective coat. So you’ll still be able to save some money on your electricity bill if you decide to go for darker colors and avoid damages.
Here’s another thought to consider.
- For darker roofs during the spring and summertime, yes, your electricity bill might be a little higher, but during winter, not as much.
- For lighter roofs during the summer will save you some money on your electricity bills, but may raise it during cold winter months as it reflects all the heat and now your heater has to work much harder.
You have to decide, depending if you get more heat or cold weather where you live.
If you really want to save more on electricity bills, year-round have a look at metal roofs.
2.) Color-Coordination – What Color Roof Will Pair With Your House & Surrounding?
By now, you’re aware that choosing the right color matters for your roof when it comes to increasing your home’s value.
Increasing the curb appeal and value of your home is done through color-coordination.
Color-coordination is basically putting together a color scheme together that’ll work together in harmony to compliment your home and give it a welcoming feel. When the time comes to put your home on the market, the exterior will be the first thing a buyer will and judge, so you’ll want to make an excellent first impression.
Here are some general roof colors that’ll work well with common house colors:
Popular House Colors and What Roof Color Will Be A Great Fit:
- Asphalt roofing colors that generally go well with white houses
- Light Grey
- Dark Grey blend with lighter Grey
- Blue
- Tan Brown
- Bright Brown
- Asphalt roofing colors that go well with red brick houses
- Charcoal grey
- Black
- Blue
- Asphalt roofing colors that go well with blue sidings
- Dark Grey
- Black
- Charcoal
- light Grey
These are just some of the essential color matchups for you to get the basics and form your own ideas for your roofing and siding color schemes.
For more complex color-coordination, you’ll want to look at your overall property. What color is your sidewalk? What other sidings styles and colors are mixed into the primary siding colors? What are the additional features in your surrounding that compliment your home?
You’ll want to make sure the colors all play well together with the right mixtures of contrast.
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to invest a lot of time into choosing a roof color, then go for: Grey, Charcoal, Black, and Dark Brown colors. From what we’ve seen, these colors stand the test of time and coordinates with just about any exterior.
3.) Observe What Your Neighbors Have on Their Roof, And See What You Like
Are you still having a tough time deciding what your new roof color will be?
Choosing a roof color can be tough sometimes. But if you can’t make up your mind, then it might be best to go with what’s already working for other people in your area.
It’s as easy as taking a walk around your neighborhood to examine what color roofs are popular. Depending on where you live, all roof colors and shingle styles could be the same, especially if you live in communities such as HOAs.
Here are questions you should keep in mind when observing the house around your area:
- What are the popular colors and styles?
- What roofing and siding color scheme worked well together?
- What other exterior features do they have around their property?
- How steep is the slope of their roof?
- Do I want to blend in with the community or stand out with bolder colors?
You can add more onto the checklist, but this should help you get an idea to reach your final decision on a roof color perfect for you.
5.) Use Social Media To Get More Ideas On Choosing The Right Color For Your Roof
With easy access to the world wide web, you can use social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Imgur, Reddit, and many other websites to see what people are talking about online.
Pictures of beautiful homes and roof colors can be found on their social media platform, and you shouldn’t hesitate you use them.
We usually use Pinterest to get more ideas for clients and save them on our boards. Check some of the homes that we’ve found online that had amazing color-coordination: https://www.pinterest.com/hometownroofingatx/homes-roofs/
On Pinterest, you can also view short videos of the houses, so that gives you more of a live view of how the roof colors pair well with other styles and colors.
We encourage you to save a few photos of the houses with similar exterior colors to yours and have a good look at what color roofs they are using.
6.) Checking Out Popular Home & Real Estate Magazines For Inspiration
Maybe you’re out to get some coffee at a local book store or grocery shopping.
There are always great magazine publications featuring top trendy homes on T.V shows such as HGTV.
Don’t just grab a coffee and scroll through Facebook. Grab your coffee and head over to the magazine aisle and have a good look at what color roofs people use for their home in the year recent years. You’ll get insights from professionals and would most likely help you gain insights on curb appeal.
7.) Comply With The Rules & Codes For Roof Colors In Your Area
Are there rules when it comes to your roof?
In individual states, there are rules and codes that you need to work with when it comes to choosing a color for your roof.
These rules are usually related to energy saving.
If you live in a townhouse or part of the Homeowners Association (HOA), there will also be rules and codes that limit you on specific roof colors.
These are just some of the things you, as a homeowner, need to be aware of when it comes time to choosing a roof color for your home.
8.) Ask A Local Professional Roofing Company In Your Town
Are you still stuck selecting a color for your roof?
That’s ok.
How about asking a professional roofer’s (like Hometown Roofing ATX if you’re in the Austin area) for our opinion?
We see and work on hundreds of houses per year and get to see what fits a person’s taste. We also know all the rules that you have to follow here in Austin, TX, when it comes to your roof.
Most roofers tend to stick to traditional colors that have been working for homeowners throughout centuries. These are usually dark Grey, light Grey, a variation of brown shades, blue, and charcoal. If you have a home in Texas, most likely, we would recommend those colors to you because they work and will match just about anything.
But at the end of the day, it’s all up to you and what you want to do. We’ll be here to guide you through your decisions.
Closing Thoughts On How Your Should Choose Your Roof Colors
Choosing a color can be an easy process and it can also be a tough process. It really depends on the type of person you are, what you’re trying to achieve, and how much more you want out of investing in your home.
Some people will just go with whatever color, and that’s also perfectly fine.
But if you’re looking to max out your property value starting with your roof, then we hope this guide gave you some ideas and ways to go about choosing your next roof color.
Remember your roof accounts for 40% of the curb appeal. So, you should do some homework on your own before you commit to one color. There are plenty of resources at the touch of your finger and a few clicks through your devices.
If you’re still stuck, don’t hesitate to ask a local professional roofer for guidance.