How to Choose a Roof Color That's Perfect for Your Home

The home design industry as of 2018 was worth roughly 18 billion dollars. And that number is set to grow by up to 7% in the coming years.

Why? Because homeowners understand the value that quality design brings to the comfort of their homes and to their home values.

If you’re planning on replacing your roof, one of your biggest decisions will be what color to choose – whether you decide on luxury shingles or dimensional shingles. This is not a decision that should be taken lightly. The look of your roof will have implications for the curb appeal of your home.

Below are some of our top tips for making the best decision for your new roof.

Consider How Color Will Compliment Your Architecture

Color can have a profound affect on your home’s perceived size. If, architecturally, your home and the surrounding houses are cozy and rustic-looking, you’ll want to avoid getting a new roof that challenges that theme. You want something that will fit in.

On the flip side, if you’re trying to give your home a more modern, spacious feel, you’ll want to go with a color that achieves that end.

As a general rule of thumb, lighter roof tones make homes look larger. Darker colors make them appear smaller.

Think About the Function of Your Color

Most color conversations come down to aesthetic. That rule doesn’t hold if you live in a hot climate though!

Color can affect the temperature of your attic and your home. So, if you live in a place where temperatures are regularly in the 90s or higher, consider going with a light color for your roof. This can help you control heat in the summer, since light colors reflect heat and keep homes cool.

Alternatively, if you’re concerned about retaining heat, dark colors absorb the sun’s rays and keep your home warmer.

Consider the Value of Standing Out

Sometimes, there’s something to be said for originality. If your whole block is conforming to a particular color of roof shingles, you could boost your home’s value by choosing something different.

The key to standing out is to be tasteful. Many people get too “creative” and decrease their property values by drawing too much attention to their homes.

Another important thing to consider is if you have a homeowner’s association. If so, they might have strict guidelines on what roof colors you can choose. Be sure to clear your roofing project with your HOA before paying to have the work done. There is nothing worse than finishing a project only to be asked to tear it down.

Make Sure Your Roof Color Works with Your Exterior

No matter what roof color you choose, you want to make sure it doesn’t go against the colors already present on the outside of your home.

Here’s a quick color guide to help you:

If your home is brown, white, cream or tan, consider a dark-colored roof.
If your home is green, yellow or red, roof color choices are broader.

Choosing the Right Color for Your Roof

When figuring out how to choose the right color for a new roof, consider your home’s architecture and existing colors. Also, look at the climate you’re in and at any HOA restrictions to which you may need to adhere.

If you live in the Milwaukee metro area and need help with your roofing, call us. We’ve helped our customers increase the value of their properties for over 40 years. Community Roofing and Restoration can do the same for you!