When replacing your roof, homeowners must make a lot of individual decisions about the style of roof, the types of shingles, and the overall budget of the replacement project. The color of your roofing material is also an important decision. Not only will it affect how you see your house and curb appeal for years to come, but also, the color can impact energy efficiency. When looking at color samples, keep in mind the following situations to narrow in on the right roof for you and your home.
How standardized are roof colors in your neighborhood?
Sometimes a pop of color is pleasantly noticeable. However, most homeowners and buyers would rather reserve that for an accent or trim color. Don’t stand out too much. If the majority of the roofs in your neighborhood have the same color, it’s ideal to do the same. If you’re wanting a change, double-check with your city guidelines and homeowners’ association rules before breaking the trend to avoid violating any regulations.
How much heat does your roof get?
Everything from the angle of your roof’s slope to the overall surface area impacts your house’s heat absorption from the sun. Your roof’s color affects absorption as well. Darker shingles will reflect less light and energy, holding in and sending heat through your attic and upper levels of your home. If you have harsh winters but mild summers, choose a darker shade for your roof to retain more heat. Choose lighter shades if you live in a sunny, hot region to reduce excessive heat retention.
Do you have trees near your house?
Although trees offer a great deal of shade to reduce how much the sun beats down on your house, it also provides leaves and debris. Every fall your roof will face a cascade of leaves, twigs, and tree sap. Depending on your individual taste, you might want a darker roof that matches the tone of the tree, so debris doesn’t contrast too greatly against a light background.
No matter what roof color you pick, make sure it’s one you won’t mind seeing for the next couple of decades. With the right materials and quality installation, a new roof is a permanent change. Contact us for more tips or to get started on this exciting project.
