Today’s asphalt shingles come in a wide array of colors from charcoal blacks and greys to mixed shades of reds and browns. With so many options to choose from, you may be wondering how to choose the right color shingle for your home.
Before we look at aesthetic choices, consider how shingles affect the temperature in your home. In a study by the US Department of Agriculture, researchers found that black painted roofs held higher temperatures for significantly longer periods of time than white sheathed roofs. However, they also found that there was very little difference for grey and brown tones.
It is true that lighter shingles will reflect light more efficiently, and darker shingles will hold light and thus heat more efficiently. If you live in a climate where it feels like summer year-round, lighter shingles may be the better option for you. Alternatively, if you live in a colder climate, where snow and ice dams can cause problems, you may want to consider darker shingles.
But if you live in a milder area, like Maryland, then shingle color won’t make much of a difference for temperature regulation. Ventilation and insulation in your attic will play a much more vital role in regulating the temperature inside your home. A professional roofing company will consider not only the top layer of the roof but will also calculate the exact specifications for proper air flow which will help your home’s energy efficiency.
Now that we know the color of the roof does not play a major role in temperature regulation in Maryland, what should you consider when choosing shingle color?
Neighborhood Considerations
Before you start looking through all of the shingle options out there, make sure your Homeowners Association (HOA) does not have any restrictions on colors. It is also a good idea to look at your neighbors’ homes to see what styles fit well into the neighborhood. Alternatively, you could consider making a statement with a different color so you stand out from the surrounding homes.- Siding Type and Color
Perhaps the most important part of choosing your shingle color is matching it to your homes siding type and color. If you have brick or stone siding, pick a color that matches the accent tones in the stone or brick. If you have fiber cement siding in unique tones like deep blue, you can choose a dark flat grey or black for a modern look. Or, if you have vinyl siding in a muted color, you can consider a variety of color blends from browns, greys, greens, and blues for your shingles. - Architectural Style
Different styles of homes will have different roof pitches, showing more or less of the roof. Darker colors will make your home look smaller while lighter colors will make it look larger. For example, if you have a historical Queen Anne style home, you could choose a warm brown that evokes the aesthetic of traditional wood shakes. - Single Color or Color Blend
There are many different color combinations to choose from, with greys, blacks, and blues or reds, browns, and tans. If you have a home with intricate stone or brick work, choosing a more matte single-color shingle will complement it well. On the other hand, if you have beige vinyl siding, choose from an exciting mix of red, grey, and browns.
- Including Fun Accents
When you are considering shingle colors, also think about the accents that you will choose along with them. For example, copper flashing or a copper awning over a window can be a fun compliment to your new roof, but the shingle color will need to complement these embellishments.
Neighborhood Considerations
There are many different color combinations to choose from, with greys, blacks, and blues or reds, browns, and tans. If you have a home with intricate stone or brick work, choosing a more matte single-color shingle will complement it well. On the other hand, if you have beige vinyl siding, choose from an exciting mix of red, grey, and browns.
Whichever color you are leaning towards, make sure you choose a contractor you can trust to do the install. You should receive a detailed roof replacement proposal (in writing) with specifics on your current roofing system and a proposal for the new package that considers insulation and ventilation as well as your new shingles.
Brothers roofing experts do exactly that, using specific calculations rather than assumptions to give you an honest and accurate proposal. If you are considering a new roof, schedule a free no-pressure consultation today.
