Choosing the Right Shingle Color for Your Roof

You should use high-quality, long-lasting roofing materials when installing a new roof. But, the color of your roof is an aspect that you should not put aside. The color of your roof, as the color of your bricks and siding, can have a significant impact on your house's appearance.

A well-maintained shingle roof can endure anywhere from 15 to 20 years, excepting any unanticipated damage. Besides, a re-roof is one of, if not the, most long-lasting improvements you will make to your house. Thus, you should proceed with caution when performing this project. This means that you have to select cautiously materials, roofing contractor Shreveport LA, and appearance you want for your home.

The range of shingle colors varies from white to black. The most popular choices are grey tones. But, there are many other colors to choose from as well. For example, you can find several options such as reds, blues, greens, and browns.

In each color group, there are quiet tones and others that are livelier and high contrasting. Availability of options will not be a problem since all of them have many color variations.

Instead, the issue may be choosing the best for your home among such that variety. To ease choosing, some tools let you visualize how your home will look with different shingle colors. Even it is possible to get color suggestions for your roof based on your personality assessments.

But, there are crucial problems to address beyond only choosing a color you enjoy. Thus, here are some things to have in mind when selecting a new roof color.

• Complementary Colors

Choose a color for your new roof that harmonizes with the rest of your home. Also, this color should complement your home’s architectural style. If you chose shingles with the same color and tone as your home’s current paint and siding, you will get a monochromatic and washed-out look. You will not want that appearance for your home.

Thanks to their color variation, the Duration Designer shingles match any home’s current style easily. These types of shingles have several complementary colors. This feature makes it easy to match your home’s exterior color scheme with one of the variable color styles.

Does your home color scheme and style is eclectic? Then, a good alternative for you is to go with a more subdued shingle color.

Your options for a complimentary roof color are more limited if your home’s façade is more permanent (brick or stone, for example). Likewise, you may have no immediate plans to modify the color of your home.

On the other hand, you may want to modify the paint color of your house in the future. So, make sure the color you choose now complements any future paint colors you decide to use on your house.

Besides, if you are part of a homeowner’s association, check the paint color standards this organization sets. Consider how your shingle selection will look with them.

• Homeowners Association Regulations

Those who live in a community with a homeowners association will have to check the criteria and regulations on shingle color options. Also, make sure if you need the association's approval before start working on your new roof.

• Heat Exposure

If you live in Louisiana, the temperature on your roof is a critical factor to consider when choosing a shingle color. In this respect, the U.S. Department of Agriculture carried out a study.

This research concluded that, under the same weather conditions, dark-colored shingles get from 10 to 15 degrees warmer, on average, than light-colored shingles. The reason is that light energy transforms into heat when absorbed by dark colors. In contrast, clear colors reflect or scatter light, absorbing less heat.

This is crucial to remember due to some motives. To begin, a darker shingle will keep your attic and house warmer since it absorbs more heat. Furthermore, the prolonged exposition to high temperatures might shorten the lifespan of your shingles. Because of the increased heat, your shingles may degrade more quickly and fracture.

Indeed, the USDA’s scientists looked at temperature retention. They found that black shingles held temperatures over 120 degrees during periods almost five times longer than bright shingles.

• Resale Value

Do you plan to sell your house in the next 20 years before a complete roof repair is necessary and warranted? Then, the resale value of your property is a significant factor to consider. Moreover, keep in mind that not all buyers will like vivid colors or high-contrast shingle color patterns.

You have many alternatives when it comes to shingle color. But, keeping these factors in mind will allow you to focus your search.

Besides, you can reach us by email at Alpha Roofing and call us toll-free today at 318-373-5942 for more information on any of our roofing material alternatives.