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How To Choose The Right Color Shingles For Your Home

Shingles are outer exterior slates that cover the foundation of your roof. They can be thought of as an aesthetically pleasing part of your home, but, the reality is they are the protective first line of defense to your home. When purchasing shingles, you not only have to account for color, pricing, energy efficiency, and the material composition and durability. 

Not only will you need to account for the variables listed above when purchasing new shingles for your home, but additional variables and factors within those variables. Read on to learn more about what to consider when choosing shingles for your home.

Compliment Pre-Existing Colors And Architecture

A home’s roof accounts for 25 to 40 percent of its exterior, which is quite a sizeable fraction so it’s important that you love the way they look! One of the biggest considerations, from a visual standpoint, will be how well the shingles accompany the preexisting color palettes and architectural design of your home. Experts generally recommend the following palettes: lighter greys, blacks, greens, and blue shingles for more beige homes and darker hues of those colors for brown or brick foundation homes. Homes with white siding tend to have more flexibility when it comes to coordinating colors.

When it comes to the shutters on your windows, you want your shingles to share a sharp color contrast with them. In regards to architecture, don’t contrast too harshly, but don’t blend features too much. A classic Victorian or Spanish style home, for instance, will look better with classic shingle color stylings as opposed to a contemporary design.

If you still aren’t sure about what direction you are going based on these recommendations, the naked eye is always a useful asset. Check out your neighbor’s shingles and determine what does (or doesn’t) speak to you design wise. Keep in mind each type of shingles vary in durability. While scalloped shingles may be your favorite look, they can create additional structural vulnerabilities.

Consider Climate

It’s important that the coloring of your shingles will withstand the climate you live in. There are two fundamental rules to note: darker colors absorb heat, and lighter colors reflect it away. Ultimately, which option is better for you depends on the surrounding climate of your area; darker shingling is better suited for regions with wintry weather and efficiently melting snow and ice. In warmer areas, lighter colors are your best bet for peak energy efficiency. According to the EPA, these “cool roofs” can save homeowners up to 40% off of their heating bills. 

Along with color, another key element of efficiency is the material of the shingles. In this case, asphalt is the most well rounded option for durability and insulation, slate is typically more insulated and less expensive, clay is prone to cracking, and while wood shakes are durable, they are a fire hazard. For these reasons, certain areas may regulate what colors and materials for shingles are permitted for use; always evaluate local laws before purchasing. 

Accentuate The Strengths, Weaken The Weaknesses

A little shingling can go a long way to highlight the most appealing elements of your home’s exterior. By achieving that perfect shutter, siding, and shingle blend on your roof, your home’s features appear larger and taller than they are. If you are more concerned with concealing the obviousness of cosmetic damage and wear, then darker colors are the way to go, but again, your rights to use them may be limited by law.

With flat roof homes, this is somewhat less of a concern. You don’t need to go all out on shingling spending and it allows more energy efficiency, but by consequence, repairs are often slightly more expensive. Additionally, less of an incline means less drainage for weather precipitation.

Be Open To Feedback

Don’t hesitate to seek out a certified roofer or contractor near you for advice on a roofing design. Visit our Contact Page for the finest roofing service and consultations in the Tri-State area, or dial 215-470-1615 for 24 hour emergency service, seven days a week.

2729 Berkshire St.
Philadelphia, PA 19137

(267) 343 8469
phillysphinestroofers@gmail.com