Just like how a chef carefully selects each ingredient to create a delectable dish, selecting the perfect shingle color for your home requires a discerning eye and a bit of know-how. In this article, we'll delve into the world of roof shingle colors and help you choose the perfect hue for your home's unique flavor.
Consider Siding Color Before Choosing Roofing Shingle Color
The color of your house's siding and paint will affect the color of your roof. In fact, it should be the same or similar, so that your home's overall look is consistent with its surroundings. If your home has light-colored siding and paint, choose a light color for your roof such as white or tan. Conversely, if you have a darker house color, go for darker shingle shades like black or dark brown. The key is to find something that will complement the existing colors of your exterior without overwhelming them.
Use Google Images To Find Houses With Similar Colors
Googling "houses with brown roofs in Colorado Springs" or "houses with green siding in Colorado Springs" will help you find different types of houses with various types of styles. If you can find one that looks similar to yours (that you like), check the roof. What color shingles are they using? What material? This should be a good starting point for choosing your shingle color.
Consider high-def shingles vs standard Shingles
High-definition shingles offer more depth, texture, and color variation than standard shingles. High-definition shingles come in a variety of colors and styles that can give your home's exterior an updated look but they do come at a higher price. When selecting a shingle color, consider the hues and styles of both high-definition and standard shingles in order to find the best option for your home.
Confirm Your Color Choice With A Sample Board of Roofing Shingles
It’s important to see the shingle color in person and the real shingle itself. You can get a sample board of shingles at the home improvement store, or ask your roofing company for one. If you choose colors from pictures alone, you may discover that they look very different once you see them in real-world conditions, instead of studio lighting and potentially color-altered images.
Test Drive A Color With A 3D Virtual Home Design Tool Like An App Called HOVER
You can also try a color out before you buy it in the form of a 3D virtual home design tool called HOVER. This app allows you to see how your home will look with different colors and combinations on it so that you can get an idea of what works best for your house.
The great thing about this tool is that it allows you to see how the color will look on your house in different lighting conditions, which is something worth considering if you want to choose a bold shade that might not look great if you have a shade-covered home.
Different Colors
Dark Brown
Dark brown shingles provide a warm and inviting look for your home's exterior. This color is often used on homes in the Southwest, as it offers some protection from the intense sun rays. Dark shingles can also be used to create a more dramatic look when paired with lighter colors, such as white or cream.
Light Brown
Light brown shingles offer a more subtle and classic look than dark brown. This color is often used in older homes, as it can help them blend in with their surroundings and appear timeless. Light brown is also a great choice for homes in the Midwest, as it offers some protection from harsh weather conditions. Lighter-colored shingles in general are not as durable, so they may need to be replaced more often than darker colors.
Dark Gray
Dark gray shingles are a popular choice for homeowners who want an elegant and sophisticated look. Darker shades of gray are often used on modern houses, as they provide a subtle yet stylish design aesthetic. Dark gray asphalt roofing shingles are also great for homes in the Northeast and other areas with extreme temperatures, as they can provide some protection from both hot summers and cold winters.
Light Gray
If you want to use gray shingles but don't want them to be too dark, light gray is a great option. Light gray shingles are a popular choice for homes in the Northwest, as they provide more of a subtle and muted look than their darker counterparts.
Beige
Beige shingles are a great choice for homes in mild climates, as they offer a warm and natural look. Beige shingles are often used on homes located near a beach, as they can provide a sunny and inviting look for any home. Beige shingles are also popular in the South, as they offer a classic look that's suited for any climate.
Green Shingles
Green shingles are a great way to add some natural color to your home. This color is often used in coastal areas, as it creates a subtle and calming look. Green shingles also offer some protection from harsh weather conditions, as they can deflect intense sunlight or heavy rains.
Different Roofing Materials
When it comes to selecting a roofing material, there’s more than just color to consider. Different materials provide different levels of durability and insulation, meaning that your choice may have an impact on the temperature of your home during different seasons.
For example, asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials on the market and provide decent levels of insulation. However, they don’t last as long as other materials if exposed to extreme temperatures. On the other hand, metal roofing is one of the most durable options available, but it tends to be more expensive than asphalt shingles.
Curb Appeal
The color of your roof shingles can have a big impact on the overall appearance of your home. The right shade can help enhance the look and feel of your house, while the wrong one may make it appear dull or unappealing. Combining wood siding with black shingles, for example, can create a modern and stylish look. Or, pairing beige or light brown with white trim can provide a timeless and inviting look for your home's exterior.
It's important to take into account how different colors will look in different lighting conditions, as well as how they'll match with the other exterior elements of your home. Additionally, different colors may require more maintenance or be more prone to damage from wind or weather, so it's important to take these factors into consideration when selecting a color for your roofing shingles.
Consider Your Neighborhood's Rules And Guidelines
Consider your neighborhood's rules and guidelines. Before you decide on a roof shingle color, you should check with your local municipality, homeowner association, and neighbors. These groups may have rules about the colors that can be used on houses in the area. The insurance company may also have guidelines for which colors are allowed on homes to prevent any issues when filing claims for hail damage or other problems affecting roofs.
Your House's Energy Efficiency.
Finally, you should consider the energy efficiency of your house when selecting a roofing material and color. Darker colors absorb more heat from the sun, meaning that your home may get warmer in the summer months. Lighter colors reflect heat and can help keep your home cooler in hot weather. Additionally, certain materials such as metal or terra cotta can provide more insulation than asphalt shingles, meaning that you may be able to save money on energy bills in the long run.
Choose The Right Roofing Contractor For Your New Roof Shingle
As you choose a roof shingle color, you may think that the importance of how it looks on your home is a matter of personal taste. However, there are other factors that should be considered in addition to your personal preference.
The color of the roof shingles can affect resale value, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. A lighter-colored roof may reflect sunlight and help keep rooms cooler during the summer months while darker colors tend to absorb heat more readily creating an oven effect inside the house during those same months. This can become even more pronounced if there's not enough shade from trees or nearby buildings blocking direct sunlight from hitting certain areas on your property. Another factor is how well different shades will complement each other when used together on one house; for example, if all three sides have some combination of white/light grays but only one side has brown/dark grays then it would look out of place unless those two elements were kept similar in tone (e.g., tan vs light gray).
There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding on your house's roof shingle color in Colorado Springs. Your choice will affect the look and feel of your home, so it's important to choose wisely. If you have any questions about your roof or want to know about the shingle options available please feel free to reach out, we would be happy to help.