Your roof can total up to 40% of your home’s visual exterior. So knowing how to choose a roof color is important.
In fact, choosing a roof color is as noticeable as your home’s interior design. Read on to learn tips for choosing the right roof color for your home.
Consider your Geography
Where you live can impact your roofing color choice. If you live in sunny California, you may want to opt for lighter color shingles because these will help keep your home cooler.
If you live in Wisconsin, darker roof tiles will help insulate your home and keep warm air inside during winter.
Of course, proper insulation and ventilation are the main factors that determine energy efficiency. But the color roof you choose can help.
In some states, there may be set environmental codes for that region. You may be required to choose colors that are very reflective, for example. Bartlett Homes and Roofing can guide you in selecting a shingle color for your area.
Look at Roof Colors in Natural Light
When choosing a roof color, it’s a good idea to take the samples outside and examine them in natural light.
Depending on what part of the country you live in, the sunlight will have a different cast to it.
In the north, sunlight has a blue, cool tint to it. The more south you are, the more reddish the light will seem.
In a Pacific Northwest state like Oregon, you may wish to choose roofing shingles in shades or combos of grey, brown or green to reflect the natural environment of sea and evergreens. These same colors will look dull and washed out in Florida.
Take a Look at Your Neighbors
When choosing a roof color, it is a good idea to look around your street. You don’t want to choose a color that is vastly different from all the others in your neighborhood.
Standing out with a roof color that is very different is not a good thing for your home. It can make your home hard to sell down the line.
Though there is room for individualization, you want to be in harmony with the houses around you as well as your natural surroundings.
Consider your Home’s Architectural Style
An important consideration for how to choose a roof color is to think about the home’s architectural style.
Historic homes in styles such as Colonial, Victorian, Plantation and Queen Anne look best in traditional colors. Solid colors enhance the genuine, historic look of the house.
Modern homes can benefit from the latest and trendiest styles in roof colors. You may opt to combine two or more colors for a mosaic look.
Keep in mind that light colors will make your home seem larger. On the other hand, a darker roof will create a focus for the property and can hide imperfections.
Now let’s look at how to match brick and stone with your perfect roof color.
How to Choose a Roof Color for a Brick House
When you look at a brick house, you may quickly categorize it as red or brown brick. But really, you need to look at the cast.
If the cast of your brick home is tan, brown or gold, the roof will look best in a warm color. Or you can choose to blend the tiles and include the cast color in the roof.
If the cast of your brick home is grey, choose cool shades for your roof selection. If you choose to go for a blend of colors, make sure gray is featured in the combo.
Let’s say your brick home has a white cast. Then a mid-tone roof color will work best. Avoid a dark color.
The best roof color for red brick houses is dark brown, black, grey, or green.
The great thing about choosing a multi-color blend for your roof shingles is that you can choose up to seven colors. This makes it easy to pull in the primary cast color from your brick into your roof without making it match too much.
Matching Stone with Roofing Colors
If you live in a stone house, you can also find the color cast of the stone. Typically, stone falls into one of four colors: gray, blue, gold and peach.
Then, just like with brick, look for a color or blend of colors that include the cast color of your stone. The end result will be a pleasing visual display that complements your home.
You never want to choose the exact same color as your stone for your roof. If you do, you end up with a boring-looking house.
Don’t Forget your Outbuildings
When you are choosing a roof color for your home, don’t forget about other structures on your property. Detached garages, tool sheds, gazebos, barns, guest houses, and even dog houses can benefit from a matching roof.
When all your outbuildings have the same roof color as your main residence, your property looks and feels put together and cohesive.
Final Word on How to Choose a Roof Color
We hope this article has given you the insight you need to know how to choose a roof color that will enhance and compliment your home.
Remember, if in doubt, consult with a roofing specialist to help you choose the right color for your home.
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