Roof Colors: What to Consider When Picking Your New Roof Color

When it comes to replacing your roof, you have a lot of decisions to make. When should I replace it? Should I upgrade to hail-resistant shingles? Should I seek financing for the roof replacement project?

While those decisions stay under your roof, one decision is very public: the roof color. The color you choose can stunningly improve your home’s appearance as well as save money on energy bills.

Climate, house style and siding color influence your roof color selection. Follow this expert guidance as you wade through the color palette to choose the perfect roof color for your home.

Is a Light or Dark Roof Color Better?

Your local climate influences your roof shade decision.

• Light-colored shingles reflect heat, typically reducing energy costs in summer. You may want to choose a light roof shade if you live in a hot climate.

• Dark-shaded shingles absorb heat, helping reduce energy costs in winter. Consider choosing a dark roof shade of you live in a cold climate.

If you have adequate insulation and ventilation in your attic, the impact of the light/dark decision is lessened. And if you live in a hot, sunny climate, you can upgrade to solar-reflective shingles that absorb less solar energy.

Talk to your roofing consultant about your home’s insulation and heat-reflective roofing options before deciding on which roof shade to choose.

How Do I Pick the Best Roof Color?

Selecting the best roof color for your home from a seemingly endless palette of available shades can be difficult without using a reasonable strategy to narrow down your choices.

Follow this advice to make your roof color choice easier.

Check Your Homeowners’ Association Rules

If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners’ association (HOA), HOA guidelines may significantly narrow your roof color choices right off the bat. The HOA may restrict roof colors, and the association might have to approve the roofing color. So check the guidelines first.

Look at Your Neighbors’ Roofs

You may be able to get ideas or garner inspiration from your neighbors. At the same time, you may see roof colors you don’t care for.

If you want your roof to blend in with your neighbors’ roofs, you can narrow down the colors you’re considering. If you intend for your roof to stand out, you’ll know which roof colors to eliminate from consideration.

Consider Resale Value

When choosing your roof color, consider its impact on your home resale value. Picking the right color can enhance your home’s curb appeal when you decide to sell.

If you expect to sell your home within 5 to 10 years, select a color that’s likely have wide appeal for potential buyers.

Coordinate Siding and Trim Colors

Once you’ve narrowed down you choices, decide which color looks best with your siding and trim.

Your roofing consultant can provide samples and advice to help you make your final decision.

You can also use online technology such as Owen Corning’s roof visualization tool Design EyeQ®. You can upload a photo of your home and try different roof colors to find the one that appeals.

The color of your roof can have a dramatic impact on the appearance and curb appeal of your home. When choosing the color for your roofing project, consider what make the most sense aesthetically and how this decision might affect also the future resale value of your home.

Sears Home Services offers free in-home consultations with our roofing experts. And when you choose Sears Home Services to install your new roof — whatever the color — your project manager will handle every step of the process. Schedule a consultation to begin exploring your options.