What’s Over Your Head? Selecting the Right Materials & Color For Your Roof

Posted on Oct 18, 2015 in Home Improvement, Home Ownership, HomeFit Magazine Article, Outdoors

Does your roof need to be replaced? It can be a difficult choice when deciding the color and which materials to use.

Picking the wrong color can cause regret for the duration of time you reside in your home and choosing the right roof is not only important for aesthetic reasons, but it may also impact your energy bills and home’s value.

Roofing Materials

There are numerous options when investing into a new roof. Your decision can be easier when you understand how to pick the best roofing materials.

Here are different types of roofing shingles that you may opt for depending on the climatic conditions of your area.

• Asphalt shingles is the most popular roofing material. It comes in a variety of texture and colors to match different needs and taste.
• Custom made asphalt shingles enhance the unique look of custom homes. On the other hand, standard asphalt shingles are very economical as compared to other roofing materials.
• Synthetic slate tiles & shake shingles are highly durable and cheaper when compared to genuine slate tiles. They also prevent mildew and mold growth.
• Metal shingles offer unique and durable options that most homeowners look for in roofing shingles. It can be the ultimate protection against harsh weather conditions.

Energy Efficiency

Going green helps you save money by reducing your utility bills and enhancing your home’s overall appeal.

Some roofing materials are better insulators than others and can help air conditioning units run less frequently.

Tile is an ideal option for energy efficient roofing materials in some states. If you want something more economical you can go for cedar shingles, they are naturally denser and insulating wood-types.

The Right Roof Color

Most roofing materials come in multiple colors, therefore you should consider the style and siding of your home when making your decision.

Consider the Climate

Where you reside will influence your roof color choice since it can affect your energy bills drastically.

Temperatures in your attic can be influenced by your roof color by 20-40 degrees; this means it can make a huge difference in your home’s heating & cooling aspects.

There are perfect roof colors for both cold and warm climates. For instance, lighter shingles can reflect sunlight and keep your home’s temperature cool whereas dark-colored shingles are good heat absorbers and keep houses at warm temperatures.

If you reside in extremely hot or cold areas, you can consider these facts to help save on your utility bills.

Color Matching

The color of your roof should match other exterior elements of your home. Your roof color should coordinate with elements such as siding, window shutters, pillars, garage door e.t.c. By taking your time to evaluate which roof color will match these elements of your home, you will come up with a perfect blend of colors that will create harmony.

Some examples of roof colors that blend well:

• A light green slate roof that matches the color of your window shutters embraces a countryside exterior.
• A fine orange clay-tiled roof on a Mediterranean, French country or Spanish style home.
• A forest green metal roof on cottage-style homes with coordinating siding color.

Stone or Brick Homes

Stone homes, brick homes or a combination of both look wonderful with custom-colored roofs.

A subtle brown or dark gray is suitable for such homes. Avoid weird colors or patchy styles such as reddish pink.

The key is to maintain simplicity when choosing colors for stone or brick homes.

Architectural Style

Your home’s architectural style will dictate whether you should pick a neutral or bright color. If you have a Spanish-style home that is white in color, you can opt for a black or dark gray roof.

You don’t want to choose brown or dark orange since these colors will make the roof stand out much more than the house itself.

Picking a color for your roof shouldn’t be done on impulse. Take enough time and consult several experts before making your choice.

Whether you like asphalt or metal shingles, you will find a roof color to match your beautiful home.

From Volume 1 Issue 10 of HomeFit Magazine.

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