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How to Choose the Right Shingle Color for Your Roof

Choosing the right Shingles

When it’s time to reroof, most homeowners are focused on finding durable, high-quality materials but don’t give much thought to shingle color. It might seem like a small detail, but the right shingle color can make a huge difference in how your home looks—and how much you love it!

Your roof is one of the longest-lasting features of your home, often sticking around for 15 to 20 years or more. So, picking the perfect color is a decision that’ll be with you for a while.

Most people go for safe, neutral tones like gray or brown, but did you know there’s a whole spectrum of colors to choose from? You can opt for classic black, crisp white, or even make a statement with bold blues, greens, or reds. It’s like picking out an outfit for your home that’s going to last for decades.

While there are fun tools and quizzes to help you find a roof color that matches your style, there’s more to consider than just your favorite shade. 

Think about how it complements your home’s exterior, what works best for your climate, and whether there are any neighborhood rules to follow.

Here’s what you should keep in mind when choosing the best shingle color for your roof.

Key Takeaways: What You Should Know

  • Choosing the right shingle color can impact your home’s curb appeal and value.
  • Match the shingle color to your home’s architectural style. Modern homes look best with sleek shades, while traditional styles suit warmer tones.
  • Check neighborhood guidelines before making a decision. Some areas have restrictions on shingle colors.
  • Consider the climate when choosing a color. Light colors reflect sunlight and keep your home cooler, while darker shades may fade faster in intense sun.
  • Opt for shingle colors that resist fading to maintain a fresh look over time.
  • Neutral colors like gray, black, and brown are safe choices for resale value. They appeal to a wider range of buyers.
  • Taking the time to pick the right color ensures your roof looks great and lasts longer.

Why Is Choosing the Right Shingle Color Important?

Choosing the right shingle color is about more than just aesthetics. The color of your roof can significantly impact your home’s curb appeal, value, and overall look. 

It’s one of the first things people notice about your home, so you want to make sure it complements the exterior and enhances its beauty. A well-chosen shingle color can also help you create a cohesive look that ties together elements like siding, trim, and landscaping.

  • Architectural Style: Different styles suit different colors.
  • Neighborhood Guidelines: Check if there are any rules about shingle colors.
  • Longevity: Choose colors that won’t fade quickly.

Things to Consider:

Taking the time to pick the right shingle color can pay off in the long run, affecting everything from how often you need maintenance to your home’s overall value.

Understanding Roof Shingle Colors

Roof shingle colors refer to the wide array of hues and shades available for asphalt roofing shingles, the most common roofing material in residential construction. These colors can significantly influence the overall look of your home. 

With so many options available, it’s crucial to select a color that complements your home’s exterior design, architectural style, and surroundings. 

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless appeal of classic roof shingle colors or the bold statement of modern hues, the right choice can enhance your home’s curb appeal and value.

How to Choose the Best Shingle Color for Your Roof

When choosing a roof shingle color, think about your home’s overall look and how it fits with long-lasting features like brick or stone.

Complementary Colors: Matching Shingles to Your Home’s Exterior

Finding the perfect shingle color starts with understanding what complements your home’s exterior. For homes with busy designs or multiple colors, a subtle shingle color can tone things down and create balance. 

On the other hand, if your home’s exterior is more neutral or monochromatic, a shingle with color variation, like Duration Designer Shingles in Summer Harvest, can add a touch of visual interest.

Here’s a table to guide you through some popular color choices and their descriptions:

Shingle ColorDescriptionBest For
Charcoal GrayA sleek, modern look that adds sophistication to any homeModern or contemporary homes with light siding
Weathered WoodA blend of warm tones that mimics the look of natural woodTraditional or rustic homes with brick or stone
Slate BlueOffers a cool, refreshing vibe with subtle hints of blueHomes with white or light-colored exteriors
Summer HarvestFeatures a mix of earthy tones like brown, gold, and grayHomes with neutral or earthy exterior elements
Forest GreenA bold choice that blends well with natural surroundingsCottage or rustic homes with lots of greenery

Choosing a shingle color that complements your home’s existing colors will help you achieve a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look. Keep in mind, if you’re planning to repaint or change your exterior soon, pick a color that works with different future options.

Owens Corning: Trusted Shingle Solutions

At Tadlock Roofing, we trust Owens Corning for our roofing projects. Known for their durability, energy efficiency, and wide range of colors, Owens Corning shingles are a go-to choice for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s curb appeal and performance. 

With a history of innovation and a focus on quality, Owens Corning products offer the perfect balance of style and strength, making them a reliable choice for long-lasting roof protection. Here are some of Owens Corning’s most popular shingle colors:

Shingle ColorDescription
Onyx BlackA bold, classic black that provides a sleek and modern look for any home
Estate GrayA versatile gray that complements both contemporary and traditional homes
TeakWarm, earthy tones that bring a natural, rustic charm to your roof
Desert TanA soft, neutral beige that blends seamlessly with lighter exteriors
Pacific WaveA cool, refreshing blue-gray that adds a coastal or modern touch

Energy Star Rated Shingles: Efficiency and Performance

Owens Corning’s Energy Star® rated shingles provide energy savings by reflecting more sunlight, keeping your roof cooler and your home comfortable, especially in Florida’s heat. This reduces heat transfer, lowers energy bills, and eases the strain on your air conditioning.

Why Choose Energy Star® Rated Shingles?

  • Lower Energy Bills: Less heat means your AC works less, saving on energy costs.
  • Cooler Home: Solar-reflective granules keep your roof and home cooler.
  • Eco-Friendly: Reduced energy use cuts down on CO2 emissions.

Available in various colors, these shingles combine style with energy efficiency.

Architectural Style: Aligning Shingle Color with Your Home’s Design

Your home’s architectural style plays a big role in the shingle color you should choose. For a modern home with sleek lines and minimal ornamentation, go for a color like charcoal gray or black for a streamlined look. Traditional homes, on the other hand, often pair better with warmer tones like weathered wood or brown, which enhance their classic charm.

By choosing a shingle color that aligns with your home’s design, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing exterior. Here’s a quick reference to see which shingle colors typically work best for different home styles:

Architectural StyleRecommended Shingle ColorsDescription
ModernCharcoal Gray, BlackSleek, sophisticated colors that enhance clean lines
TraditionalWeathered Wood, BrownWarm tones that add a classic, elegant look
Cottage/RusticForest Green, Warm Gray, RedEarthy tones that blend well with natural surroundings
ColonialSlate Gray, Deep RedRich, timeless colors that match brick and wood accents

Choosing the right color based on your home’s architectural style ensures a harmonious and polished appearance.

Color Contrast: Creating Visual Interest with Shingle Colors

Creating visual interest is all about using color contrast to highlight your home’s best features. For example, pairing a dark shingle color like black or brown with light-colored siding can make your home’s roofline pop and give it a striking look. Alternatively, light shingles with darker exteriors create a soft, welcoming vibe.

Here’s how different color combinations can create contrast and enhance your home’s curb appeal:

Siding ColorRecommended Shingle ColorsEffect
Light Gray or WhiteCharcoal, BlackSharp, modern contrast that draws attention to the roof
Dark Brown or BlackLight Gray, BeigeSoften the look and create a balanced appearance
Red or BrickSlate Gray, BlackComplements earthy tones and adds sophistication
Beige or CreamDark Brown, SlateProvides a warm, inviting contrast

When choosing shingle colors, it’s not just about picking something you like—it’s about creating a look that makes your home stand out in the best possible way.

Homeowners Association Regulations for Shingle Colors

Before choosing a shingle color, make sure to check if your HOA has any rules or restrictions. Some HOAs require approval for any changes to your home’s exterior, including shingle color. 

They might even have a list of approved colors to choose from, so be sure to get that info before making any decisions. This will save you from having to redo your roof if it doesn’t meet the guidelines.

How Heat Exposure Affects Your Shingle Color Choice

Shingle color can affect how hot your roof gets. Dark shingles, including a dark colored roof, can make your roof and your home warmer, which can be an issue in hot climates. Light colors reflect more sunlight, keeping your home cooler. This not only helps with energy bills but can also extend the life of your roof.

Dark vs. Light Shingle Colors: Impact on Roof Temperature

Dark shingles, especially those on a dark roof, absorb more heat, which can raise roof temperatures and even make your home warmer inside. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, dark roofs can get up to 50°F hotter than light-colored ones. Light shingles, on the other hand, help keep things cooler and can lower your cooling costs.

How Shingle Color Affects Roof Longevity in Hot Climates

Choosing the right shingle color is crucial for the long-term durability of your roof. In hot climates, darker colors can speed up wear and tear, leading to more repairs down the line. Lighter colors help reduce this issue by reflecting more sunlight and keeping the roof cooler.

Choosing Shingle Colors with Resale Value and Curb Appeal in Mind

Thinking about selling your home in the next few years? Go with neutral roofing shingle colors that appeal to more buyers. Classic shades like gray, black, and brown are safe bets and work well with most home styles.

How Shingle Color Can Influence Home Resale Value

Shingle color can make or break a home’s first impression, which is why it’s important for resale value. Neutral and classic colors like gray, black, and brown are more appealing to buyers. They’re versatile and work well with various exterior finishes. For warmer climates, lighter shades are better for energy efficiency, while darker shades are great for colder areas.

Green shingles offer a modern and unique look that can complement various home styles and natural surroundings, adding elegance and enhancing curb appeal.

Get Expert Help Choosing the Perfect Shingle Color

Choosing the right shingle color can be challenging, but Tadlock Roofing is here to help. Our experts will guide you through options that match your home’s style and climate, providing samples and visual tools to ensure you’re confident in your choice.

Ready to find the perfect color for your roof? Call us at 855-694-7376 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation today!

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Tadlock Roofing

Tadlock Roofing has provided quality service to the North and Central Florida area since 1980. All of our work is personally guaranteed. We provide solutions to fit any roofing budget, and are your source for residential or commercial roofing needs – from new construction to repairs, re-roofs, maintenance and insulation. We also specialize in low slope and steep slope roofing systems. All of our work includes the very best manufacturer-certified warranties with up to 50-year non-prorated system coverage.

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