A new (or replacement) roof is a big budget project that can impact your home's value and curb appeal. Knowing that you'll have this roof for decades, it's important to review your roofing material options and coordinate the color of your roof with the color of your house.
In addition, there are many other factors to consider when you're trying to choose a color for your new roof. Below are some important points to take into consideration when choosing the right shade.
1. The Climate In Your Area
Dark colors absorb more heat, while light colors reflect heat into the atmosphere. On a hot summer day, shingle color can change the attic temperature by 20 to 40 degrees.
This can make a big difference in your home's heating and cooling costs. In the summer, a dark roof makes cooling your house more difficult. In the winter, a dark roof absorbs heat which prevents your attic from becoming quite so cold.
Choose a roof color based on the climate in your area, and whether your home spends more time in the heat or the cold temperatures. Doing this will reduce the burden on your home's HVAC system.
2. Color Coordination
To keep up your home's curb appeal, coordinate with colors found elsewhere on your home. Start by getting samples of the roofing materials you're considering. Look at them next to your house at different times of the day.
Check and recheck the color of the roof against the color of your siding and other relevant colors (such as your home's trim, or the garage and shed and other outlying buildings).
Still not sure? Drive around town and look for homes similar to yours. What color roofs do they have?
Neutral colors appeal to the most buyers because neutrals give homeowners the most flexibility when they repaint or replace the home's siding. If resale value is on your mind, consider a neutral color like gray or gray-brown.
3. Complement, Contrast, or Match?
Beyond the color of the roofing material, you'll also have to decide whether you want a roofing material that contrasts with or blends into your home's siding. Dark colors will make a home look smaller, light colors can make a house look larger.
Remember that matching the roof color to the home's exterior creates a softer look, while choosing a high contrast color creates a captivating silhouette. You decide.
4. Go Beyond The Shingle
Shingles come in a range of colors, but they aren't the only roofing material available. Clay, concrete, and slate tiles offer a wide array of choices, while aluminum and steel roofs come in a wide variety of colors and are built to last a lifetime.
Ever considered installing a copper roof? This lovely natural material brings a distinctive appearance to any home. Over time, your copper roof will develop an old-world patina.
5. HOA Rules
If you live in a subdivision with a homeowners association, your HOA might have rules regarding roof colors. Check the rules of your agreement with the homeowner association, or send an email to your homeowner association representatives. Either way, get the information in writing.
Even if you don't have an HOA, your neighbors will appreciate it if your roof doesn’t totally clash with theirs. Consider the roofing materials on properties around your home before making a final decision.
6. Roof Pitch
The higher the pitch, the more visible the shingles will be from the street. Selecting a roof color that compliments your architectural style will draw attention to your roof and make it a focal point of your property. Keep the roof pitch in mind when choosing the color that's best for your home.
7. Availability of Color
Not every color is available in every market. Especially now, shortages of building materials can impact what colors homeowners are able to select for their new roof. Check with your local roofer to confirm color availability, and keep in mind that you may need to be flexible when making your final decision.
Ready to Select Your Roofing Material? Call Today.
Pickard Roofing Company in Raleigh NC, and Durham NC, have been serving the Triangle's homeowners for over 90 years. We have a lot of experience helping customers choose the right roofing materials for them. Call today to get started with your re-roofing project.
At Pickard Roofing, we think Design. Craft. Renew. We are experienced in all types of roofing systems- and provide the right roofing design and selective craftsmanship for renewing our customer’s assets. We invite sustainable building customers to give us a call for your free evaluation. For over 90 years Pickard Roofing Company has installed countless metal, tile, slate, TPO, EPDM, and all types of shingle roofing in the Triangle. Our services include residential, commercial, custom architectural metal fabrication, and historical renovation.
