When it comes to reroofing a home, many homeowners pay attention to materials and roofing quality but not so much to how their roof looks. This includes shingle color. However, since a roof lasts a minimum of 15 to 20 years, the shingle color you choose can change everything about your home. You will want a color you won’t get tired of seeing.
Neutral tones are a favorite, such as gray or brown. However, there are so many different colors you can pick. Black is a strong, modern look but you can also go for white or opt for shades of blue, green, or red. You may want to choose according to your house’s style or your own preferences, but there are other factors to consider.
These include the weather conditions where you live, and of course if there are any regulations in your village or neighborhood that you need to follow. Here are some guidelines as you choose your next shingle color.
Key Takeaways: What You Should Know
- There is such a thing as the “right” shingle color to increase your home’s appearance and overall value.
- Shingles and house exteriors go together. Eye-catching colors match modern homes, while neutral tones go with more classic architecture.
- Neighborhood guidelines are always a factor to consider. You don’t want to re-shingle after learning a restriction late.
- Climate counts in this decision. Light colors lead to cooler homes, while dark colors fade faster in hotter weather.
- Consider that shingle colors will inevitably fade, so plan for shingle colors that will still look fresh after 20 years or so.
- Neutral colors appeal more to buyers and improve resale value, although stronger colors may appeal more to you individually.
- Picking the right color is part of your roof investment. Choose the right one!
Why Is Choosing the Right Shingle Color Important?
The shingle color is more than just about looks. Your home’s value, aesthetic, and overall appearance are all changed by this seemingly simple choice.
First of all, the roof is immediately noticeable. You want to make sure it matches your house’s exterior, complementing its beauty. Paying attention to your shingle color also makes it easier for different aspects of your home design to come together, including landscaping, siding, and trim.
Things to Consider:
● Architectural Style: Shingle colors go with various styles..
● Neighborhood Guidelines: Rules about shingle colors would need to be followed.
● Longevity: Long-lasting colors have the best effect.
You may not want to spend too much time choosing your shingle color, but the benefits will affect everything about your home in the long run. You might as well give it the time it needs.
Understanding Roof Shingle Colors
There are many shades and colors available especially for asphalt roofing shingles, which are the most common roofing materials for homeowners. Because the roof is so noticeable, the color can be used to pull the whole look together.
Choose a color that matches your house’s architectural style, overall neighborhood placement, the surrounding environment, and your plans for your house. The right choice will make a difference whether you are aiming for resale or your own enjoyment for many years to come.
How to Choose the Best Shingle Color for Your Roof
What are the long-lasting features of your home’s exterior? Are there elements such as brick, or stone? Choose your roof shingle color in such a way that such features are enhanced instead of made to look out of place.
Complementary Colors: Matching Shingles to Your Home’s Exterior
Your perfect shingle color complements how your home looks. Modern designs and a wider array of colors may call for a more neutral shingle color to make these elements stand out and balance the whole look.
However, classic or neutral tones as your home exterior may call for something different to appeal to the eye, a little bit more color or a brighter or deeper shade of roof shingle.
Here are some color choices and how these shingles can help you and your home.
| Shingle Color | Description | Best For |
| Charcoal Gray | A sleek, modern look that adds sophistication to any home | Modern or contemporary homes with light siding |
| Weathered Wood | A blend of warm tones that mimics the look of natural wood | Traditional or rustic homes with brick or stone |
| Slate Blue | Offers a cool, refreshing vibe with subtle hints of blue | Homes with white or light-colored exteriors |
| Summer Harvest | Features a mix of earthy tones like brown, gold, and gray | Homes with neutral or earthy exterior elements |
| Forest Green | A bold choice that blends well with natural surroundings | Cottage or rustic homes with lots of greenery |
A shingle color that matches your existing home perfectly creates an overall pleasing and attractive look for your house. If you are planning to update your home exterior anytime soon, make sure you pick your shingle color accordingly.
Architectural Style: Aligning Shingle Color with Your Home’s Design
Architectural style should be one of the most important factors in your shingle color decision. While you can change your home exterior’s colors and designs to align with the roof shingles, the architectural style is a persistent part of the design.
Modern homes are more minimalist in style, and call for darker gray or black to pull the look together. Traditional homes have a little more movement to the lines and styles, and demand a neutral or weathered tone including wood or brown.
Start with matching your architectural style before you decide on your roof shingle color. Allow the color to complement first the architecture and then the home exterior. Here are some ways to match the colors to the styles.
| Architectural Style | Recommended Shingle Colors | Description |
| Modern | Charcoal Gray, Black | Sleek, sophisticated colors that enhance clean lines |
| Traditional | Weathered Wood, Brown | Warm tones that add a classic, elegant look |
| Cottage/Rustic | Forest Green, Warm Gray, Red | Earthy tones that blend well with natural surroundings |
| Colonial | Slate Gray, Deep Red | Rich, timeless colors that match brick and wood accents |
Matching your shingle color to the architectural style creates a welcoming and harmonious appearance.
Color Contrast: Creating Visual Interest with Shingle Colors
Color contrast makes different aspects of your home stand out. Dark shingle colors and lighter-colored siding contrast against one another to define the lines of your roof and home. Lighter shingles give a home a warmer look, especially when seen against a darker home exterior.
Here is how you can combine colors to get the perfect contrast for your home look.
| Siding Color | Recommended Shingle Colors | Effect |
| Light Gray or White | Charcoal, Black | Sharp, modern contrast that draws attention to the roof |
| Dark Brown or Black | Light Gray, Beige | Soften the look and create a balanced appearance |
| Red or Brick | Slate Gray, Black | Complements earthy tones and adds sophistication |
| Beige or Cream | Dark Brown, Slate | Provides a warm, inviting contrast |
More than just having the shingle color you prefer, choose what will give your home the best possible aesthetic appeal for decades to come.
Homeowners Association Regulations for Shingle Colors
Your Homeowners Association (HOA) may be the reason for uniform shingle color choices across your neighborhood. Make sure you know their requirements for shingle colors, or even if they have any rules about changing shingle colors at all.
If they have a list of approved village colors that you can choose from, it will narrow down your choices effectively. Make sure you know about these, if there are any, before you are forced to reshingle your roof. .
How Heat Exposure Affects Your Shingle Color Choice
Your shingle color affects your home’s temperature. The darker your shingles, the warmer your home. The hotter your climate, the hotter your home will be. If you live in a warmer place, lighter shingles can cool down your home by reflecting sunlight. Your roof will be less affected by the heat, and can even lower your energy bills.
Dark vs. Light Shingle Colors: Impact on Roof Temperature
Dark shingles on a dark roof absorb and hold heat, causing your roof temperature to rise. A hotter roof means a warmer home. The U.S. Department of Energy calculates that a dark-colored roof can get up to 50°F hotter than light-colored roofs. Lighter-colored shingles hold less heat, reflect sunlight away from your roof, and keep your home cooler.
How Shingle Color Affects Roof Longevity in Hot Climates
Your roof lasts longer when you keep it at the right temperature for your climate. Hotter climates go well with lighter-colored roofs, and the roofs last longer. Darker colors are better for cooler climates, as they degrade and require more repairs in the long run.
Choosing Shingle Colors with Resale Value and Curb Appeal in Mind
Since roofing is a rather large investment in your home, consider the resale value before you choose your shingle colors. Neutral tones add to resale value and appeal to a wider range of potential buyers. Choose gray, black, or brown, as they also go well with most architectural styles and exterior designs.
How Shingle Color Can Influence Home Resale Value
Potential buyers can see the roof at first glance, so it automatically affects their first impression of your house. Your shingle colors should be neutral and classic, including gray, black, and brown. Buyers will immediately see the curb appeal and can freely plan for their own exterior design.
For sellability, emphasize lighter roof shingle shades in warmer climates and darker shingle shades in colder climates. Energy efficiency and savings are a clear part of the investment. Shades of green blend naturally well with the environment, and can be both elegant and appealing.
Get Expert Help Choosing the Perfect Shingle Color
You don’t need to make the decision alone. Barrier Roofs can give you the best possible options for your home design and environment, supporting recommendations with real-life experience and combination samples to give you the best possible options.
Connect with us today at 859-605-1079 or through our online form for recommendations about your shingle colors.
Choosing the right shingle color can be challenging, but Barrier Roofs is here to help. Our experts will guide you through options that match your home’s style and climate, providing samples and visual tools to ensure you’re confident in your choice.
Ready to find the perfect color for your roof? Call us at 859-605-1079 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation today!
