Storm damage, the passage of time, just plain ugly—there are a number of reasons to get new shingles. After determining that new shingles are needed, the next step is choosing the right colored roofing shingles.
With so many color choices, how do you know which one is right for your house? You don’t want to get done with this huge project, stand out front, look at your home, and think: What have I done?!
To set yourself up for success, use these helpful tips to select the perfect shingle color for your house.
3 Don’ts when it comes to shingle colors
To kick things off, let’s begin with what not to do when picking those new shingles.
- Don’t mix warm tones and cool tones. For example, if your siding is a warm beige color, a cool gray roof won’t match, even if they are both considered neutral colors.
- Don’t match the roof perfectly to your siding colors. You want there to be some contrast. Think of the color of your trim or other accents (like stone or gutters) and consider matching one of those elements to make the whole house tie together.
- Don’t get too busy with patterns. If your house color is patterned, like multicolored brick, don’t choose a multicolored or patterned shingle.
Best sellers
The most popular colors among our customers are black, weathered wood, gray, and burnt sienna. These are CertainTeed colors, but similar shades are available from other manufacturers as well. If you want a standard architectural shingle, however, CertainTeed is one of our most popular manufacturers.
The least sold colors among our customers are blue, green, and red.
Popular color combinations
A picture is worth a thousand words. Here are examples of siding and shingle color combinations that people love.
Dark blue siding pairs well with grays and some browns
Light blue siding looks great with a dark gray/black roof
Brown or wood siding looks best with multicolored shingles that include green, brown, or gray hues, adding texture and dimension
Light or medium gray siding goes great with any dark color like gray, green, blue, or black
Red brick or siding really pops with a dark brown, black, or gray roof
Beige, tan, and off-white siding go well with darker colors like a dark brown roof
What would your house look like with a different roof?
Borrow shingle samples!
In sunlight, your shingles could have a different hue depending on how far north or south you are. Northern sunlight has more of a cool blue hue. In the south, it’s warmer and redder. This could impact the overall look of your home, which is why it’s important to see your shingle color in your natural surroundings before making any decisions.
Ask Hopkins if you can borrow a sample of the colors you’re interested in. This will give you a better idea of what the color will look like in real life compared to a color brochure.
Look at the sample next to your house in the shade and direct sunlight. It is important to see the color in natural lighting (not just in the store under artificial lighting) to get a true idea of the hue.
Lighter vs. darker colors
You may have heard that if you live in a hot, sunny climate, a light-colored roof will reflect the UV rays, keeping your home cooler—and a dark color will absorb the heat.
The truth is, even light-colored roofs in steamy climates will get very hot. Whether your shingles are dark or light, there will not be a huge difference in your heating or cooling bill if they are installed and vented correctly.
If you live in a wetter climate, however, darker roofs can hide algae growth and moisture stains better.
Check out the neighborhood
Hop in your car and take a drive around your neighborhood or city to see real-life examples. Pay attention to the other houses in your neighborhood—what colors do they have and how can your color make the neighborhood more cohesive? What elements do you like about your neighbor’s curb appeal?
Ready to get started?
For help finding the perfect shingle color for your home, contact us at Hopkins Roofing today and get the support you deserve from a roofing contractor. We can provide you with samples and help you find the best option for you.
See for yourself
Upload a photo of your house to see what different roof colors would look like on your home. Or select a house like yours to get an idea of the look.
CHECK YOUR ROOF
36-point visual roof inspection self-checklist
