So you’ve decided to re-do your roof to add value to your property and lifestyle?
A new roof is a big investment that you – and your neighbors – will have to live with for many years.
Where do you start? Choosing the right shingles is as much about quality and value as it is about personality. Depending on the style of your home and the color of the roofing shingles you choose, you can create a warm, welcoming vibe or a bold, dramatic statement. You can opt for traditional elegance or an ultra-contemporary urban chic.
Here are some tips and tricks to choose the right shingles that will complement your home and meet the needs of your property.
Consider Light Conditions
When choosing a shingle color to match your home, always look at actual samples in different light conditions. Remember that natural light varies considerably by location and season, not just time of day. A savvy homeowner will choose shingles based on the outer material of the structure but also consider the brickwork, trim, and accents like shutters, doors, and eavestroughing. It should all work together.
Think about the color of your house and exterior elements
Shingle colors for beige or cream-colored houses include brown, black, grey, green, blue in solid colors or an exciting color blend, as long as it doesn’t clash with the other exterior elements.
Shingle colors for brown houses include grey, brown, black, green, and possibly blue.
White houses allow the roof to be a truly blank canvas. Almost any color will look fantastic; it comes down to other variables, such as your neighborhood, home’s architectural style, and your personal preference. Shingle colors for white houses include brown, grey, black, green, blue, and white.
Shingle colors for weathered wood or log houses include brown, green, black, grey. Consider a shingle with a high-definition profile to mimic the look of natural wood shakes.
It’s also important to let your home’s exterior elements guide you in matching shingle colors since many of them are permanent fixtures. While wood or vinyl siding can be painted, most facings are there to stay and can’t be easily changed, such as brickwork, stone or masonry, cedar logs, stucco, etc.
Keep in mind the functionality
Darker colors absorb heat, which is ideal in colder climates or houses that are mostly shaded year-round. Lighter colors reflect heat and may help keep your home cooler, although you have to take what some say about energy savings with a grain of salt. Adequate ventilation and the quality of your home’s insulation are what really determine its energy efficiency. It’s worth noting that this may require highly reflective colors in some areas to meet environmental codes. A local roofing contractor will know if this applies and can guide you in selecting a shingle color.
Be mindful of your neighbors
You don’t want your home to stand out for the wrong reasons, especially when it comes time to sell it, so choose a shingle color that harmonizes well with the houses around yours as well as with the natural surroundings and your landscaping. Staying cohesive will add value to your home and the properties around you. You don’t want to clash!
Try before you buy
Would you choose a paint color without taking sample chips home and looking at them against the walls to be painted in various lighting conditions? No, you wouldn’t! The same applies to new roofing. Always look at actual shingle samples at different times of day against all of your home’s exterior elements to ensure that what you see is what you’ll get, and you can make an informed decision. It’s also a good idea to look at existing roofs in your area that have the same shingles and color blends for inspiration – and confirmation – too.
Pick a shingle with a good warranty
Not all asphalt shingles are created equal. Be sure to choose a shingle with at least a 25-year warranty (the average lifespan of shingles). Work with your roofing contractor to understand what the warranty will cover and any proration periods included.
There will be several warranties- the manufacturer’s warranty for the product(s) and the roofer’s. Chances are the roofer’s warranty will be less than the products used, so make sure you understand the different warranties and what they mean.
Asphalt shingles are by far the most common roofing shingle available. They are cost-effective and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Choosing the right shingles for your home is an important decision. While we recommend that you do your research when it comes to picking your asphalt shingles, it’s also essential to have a conversation with your roofing contractor about your options.
Are you still stuck on ideas or having trouble visualizing your choices? Contact us today to discuss your roofing needs and how we can work together to complete your roofing project to your complete satisfaction.