Choosing a new roof color can be a lot of fun, but it’s also one of the most challenging decisions for many homeowners. You’re living with the color of your roof for the next 20-30 years, so you want to get it right. Precision Roofing understands, so we’ve put together this color guide to help you decide.
How to Choose the Right Roof Color
Start by considering the exterior of your home. Checking out shingle samples seems like the first step, but your roof doesn’t exist in isolation. It exists alongside siding, stonework, trim, doors, and other decorative elements. Each color should accentuate the others.
Think about it: your roof makes up about 40% of your home’s exterior, and that’s a lot of visual real estate. As a general rule, always aim for contrasting colors, not conflicting ones. For example, light-coloured homes look sharp against a medium- or dark-coloured roof. And darker-colored homes look great with lighter or mid-tone roofing.
When in doubt, neutral colors always win. These are the safest options, especially for resale value, because they coordinate with most exterior colors and can accommodate changes over time. Choose charcoal, dark grey, weathered wood, or black if you’re unsure.
Climate Considerations and Roof Color
Did you know that the color of your roof has a measurable effect on how well your home heats and cools? The best roof color has high solar reflectance and high thermal emittance. That means it reflects sunlight and releases the heat it doesn’t absorb. Those qualities are excellent for homeowners in Maine, where the weather fluctuates year-round.
Maine’s winters are long, and our heating and cooling bills can be steep. A roof that absorbs extra heat isn’t always a bad thing. In New England, darker-colored roofs may actually work in your favor during colder months. Request a consultation with Precision Roofing to explore your options.
Roof Color and Neighborhood Aesthetics
Nobody says you have to match your neighbor’s roof color. But you may want to consider blending in with them. Look at what’s in your neighborhood, and if you have an HOA, check the approved roof color list before falling in love with a design.
The National Association of Realtors says that curb appeal accounts for nearly 10% of a home’s perceived market value. And since your roof is the single largest thing in a potential buyer’s field of vision, it makes sense to choose an attractive, visually cohesive color for your roof. Remember, timeless beats trendy every time.
Roof Color and Maintenance: What You Should Know
Many homeowners might skip over this part, but the color of your roof can determine how much maintenance it requires. Maine’s climate is anything but gentle, so roofs here must work hard to stay in shape. So, while light colors may look great with your home’s exterior, darker colors can help hide staining, moss, and weathering.
Color maintenance is much less of a concern for homeowners who choose copper or standing seam metal roofing. Let us know what your top picks are, and our experts can help you choose the best one.
Choose Your Color Carefully
Always test the color you choose before committing. Colors can look very different on the showroom floor than on your roof in natural light. Ask your contractor if they’ve installed a roof of that color nearby, and request pictures. Seeing your pick on another home could help you decide if it’s the right option for yours.
Precision Roofing is here to provide the expert guidance you need to choose the right color and enjoy your roof for decades. Talk to our team today, and explore the possibilities.