The house’s roofing shingles are a significant part of the overall aesthetic. When passersby, guests, or those living in the neighborhood get a glance from the curb, the roof can either stand out as a premium focal point or detract miserably, considering the state of repair, mismatched style, or severe color contrast.
In that same vein, it is wise to steer clear of trendy colors that might be popular today but could go out of favor by the time the house is ready to go on the market. Homeowners prefer a roof color that is timeless in style and color with no desire to replace the surface because it is an eyesore.
The color decision can be overwhelming, with so many options for the average homeowner. Fortunately, a trusted, qualified roofing company can offer guidance on shingles. Roofers aim to make a subtle statement that complements the house’s features instead of drowning them out with a bold statement.
Let us look at a few factors from a roofing contractor’s viewpoint when selecting a proper style and shade for your shingles.
Which Shingle Color Makes the Whole House Look Complete
When choosing the right hue for a roof’s shingles, they must ultimately contribute to a whole house’s appeal and not stand out as the only thing people notice. The color and style will highlight the house’s natural architecture, bringing attention to the home’s intricate details.
Selecting the right shade can be overwhelming with so many choices and considering trending sensations. Still, it is wise to consider input from a roofing company with experts offering years in the industry.
These qualified professionals will point you toward quality materials that flatter instead of overshadowing with a too-bold color trend – a blend of purple and silver this year.
These might be stunning in the current landscape, but will that transcend the next 20 years? Learn how to make your roof withstand the test of time at https://www.consumerreports.org/roofing/ways-to-help-a-roof-last-longer.
Consider these suggestions from professional roofing companies on how to make a color decision with your home.
- Where are you located?
Your geographical location and climate will be variables to consider with color selection. In the distant past, most people avoided lighter shingles, particularly in humid locations like the southern part of the country.
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Depending on your ventilation and insulation, it is possible that a lighter roofing color could contribute to a more energy-efficient interior. Considering your location, if you are near the beach, you can go with lighter colors that complement the surroundings, like greys or even greens.
- Look at the shade in the natural light.
You will get a better feel for how the hue might look under a natural sky if you look at it in that light instead of in an artificial setting. Natural sunlight boasts a bluish cast in the northern sky, while the closer you get to the south, you will experience more of an orange or red hue, with warmer shades in the outdoors.
If you were to opt for silvery blues or greys for roof color in a southern, tropical location, the roof would disappear under the brilliance of the warm sun. Look at the samples in natural light and at various times of the day. Also, compare it with the coloring of the house.
If you have a vibrant, red brick home, you will need warmth in the roofing colors to bring out the shades in the brick. Go here for guidance on which roofing materials to consider for your home.
- A dark shade will absorb the sun’s heat.
The lighter shade shingles will reflect heat, potentially keeping a house cool. It is important to note that a roof color is not alone in what contributes to energy efficiency. While it might help to a degree, the primary factors are quality insulation and sufficient ventilation.
It is suggested that the darker shades will absorb the heat, possibly keeping the interior warm.
- The neighboring community should play a part in your decision.
In some communities, homeowner’s associations will dictate the color scheme permitted with a home. Each house must fit in with the neighborhood with only so much leeway.
Even if there is no association, it is essential to consider the community when deciding the shingle’s shade. The idea is to generate a pleasant curb appeal that does not stand out or draw attention as an unattractive addition to the community or your own property.
- Is it your goal to highlight or downplay?
Lighter hues with asphalt shingles will help a small home look grand, with any architectural elements highlighted for extra appeal. Darker colors will act as a coverup for flaws you do not want people to focus on when they see your home.
- When you have trouble, you can try a color on to test it.
Some roofing contractors have programs to upload a picture of your home and “try on” different roofing choices so you can see how the house will look with the varied styles and shingle shades.
It is also a good idea to drive through the neighboring community to find homes with colors you like, take pictures, and show these to the roofer for an opinion.
You will be able to take shingle samples home to compare them with your house’s features and coloring, plus look at these during various times of the day to see the changes in varying natural light.
Final Thought
A new roof will add value to your home. It is also possible for the roof to detract somewhat from that value, depending on your shingle color choice. If you go with the year’s color trend, it could become outdated relatively quickly.
Of course, you will not spend thousands of dollars to do a replacement based on the shade. To avoid that problem, it is wise to allow a roofing company to guide you on your color choice. Qualified professionals have the knowledge and expertise to ensure your home presents a timeless elegance the community will envy and is not a neighborhood eyesore.
