When it comes to choosing a new roof, one of the most important parts is choosing a color. The color of your roof can complement your home’s aesthetics or surroundings to create better curb appeal and if you want your home to stand out, you could choose a bright or bold color. If on the other hand, you want your home to blend in with its surroundings, choose a neutral color. As well, you should also consider the colors of your gutters, trim, and siding when choosing a roof color, the more you can get the features to accentuate one another, the better the exterior of your home will look.
In general, it is best to choose a color that contrasts with these other elements. For example, if your siding is light-colored, you might choose a dark-colored roof, nor if you have dark trim, you may want copper gutters to add a luxurious feel to the corners of your home. Our advice is to be sure to consult with a professional before making your final decision. They can help you consider all of the factors involved and make sure that you choose a color that will look great for years to come. There are many factors to consider when choosing a color, so be sure to consider the following suggestions.
Color Contrast
The roof is one of the most important features of a house, in terms of function, size and appearance. The right roof color can help to complement the siding and other exterior features, while the wrong color can make the whole house look mismatched and unfinished. When choosing a roof color, it is important to consider the overall aesthetic harmony of the house.
Generally speaking, a light-colored siding looks best with a dark roof, and vice versa. For example, a white siding tends to pop when paired with a dark blue or black roof, whereas a dark brown or green roof can help to tone down a too-bright siding color. However, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to roof color, so ultimately it is up to the homeowner to choose what looks best.
Subtle vs. Dramatic
One color or design feature can make a world of difference when it comes to subtle or dramatic exteriors. Before you begin looking for siding and roof color combinations, decide if you want the look and feel of your home to be more subdued or striking.
Subtle homes typically feature less contrasting colors, while dramatic homes have more contrast. Neutral colors are great if you prefer a subtle style. A dramatic style doesn’t need bold or bright colors, although those are guaranteed to bring the drama. Instead, you can pair contrasting colors, such as blue siding and a tan roof.
If you want your home exterior to make a statement, consider adding other design elements, such as Shutters, that will reflect your personal style. When it comes to choosing siding and roof colors, there are endless possibilities. The key is finding a combination that works for you and your home.
Warm Tones vs. Cool Tones
When choosing colors for your home, one helpful way to narrow down your options is to choose a color palette. Colors are typically divided into warm and cool categories. It is usually best to pair cool colors with other cool colors, and warm colors with other warm colors. If you want your home to give off a calm vibe, then you may opt for cool colors like blue and green. If you prefer a sense of joy and energy, then warm colors like orange and red might be the best route for you. Another tip is to pair white and gray with cool colors, tan and brown with warm colors, and black with any color scheme. By following these guidelines, you can create a color combination that is both aesthetically pleasing and cohesive.
Contemporary vs. Classic
When choosing a roof and siding color combination, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is between a contemporary or classic design. Contemporary designs are characterized by dark siding, colored metal roofs, and multidimensional materials and colors. On the other hand, classically designed homes usually feature one solid color on the siding, asphalt shingle roofs, and complementary window shutters.
However, it’s important to note that classic designs can still include a bright color palette or unique material combinations. Ultimately, the decision between a contemporary or classic design should be based on your personal preferences and the overall look you want to achieve for your home.
Pattern Contrast
When it comes to choosing the right roof shingles for your home, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to consider the overall look of the exterior of your home. If the siding is patterned, for example, multicolored stone bricks, then you’ll want to choose roof shingles that are a solid color. Similarly, if the siding is a solid color, for example, stucco, then a solid colored roof will look boring.
You’ll also want to consider the material of the shingles. Some shingle materials provide natural color variation, whereas others are naturally solid. For example, asphalt shingles can come in a variety of colors. Finally, you’ll want to take into account the amount of color variation in the siding. The more color variation there is in the siding, the less there should be in the roof. By the same token, if the color of the siding is very uniform, then you can get away with more variation in the roof.
Size Of The House
The height of the house can make a big difference to the overall effect the roof creates. Dark colors are more eye-catching than lighter ones. This means that very dark shingles on a single-story house, such as a bungalow, can make the roof stand out unpleasantly. On the other hand, since the roof can comprise up to 40% of a home’s visible exterior, a very light roof on a substantial, multistory house can make the house look washed out or bland. The best shingle color choice is one that allows the roof to fit together with the size of the house in a way that looks blended and balanced.
For example, dark shingles on a two-story Colonial or Victorian-style home can look elegant, while light shingles may be a better choice for a ranch-style home. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what will complement the other features of your home.
Architectural Style
When choosing a roof color, homeowners should take into account the style and period of their home. For example, grand 19th-century homes look most stylish when paired with black and dark brown roof materials. These attention-drawing dark colors look appropriate to the traditional majesty of this style. On the other hand, natural clay tones, like rusty reds and oranges look great on the more modern, stucco-sided homes that are iconic of Florida and the Southwest. Ultimately, the right roof color can help to enhance the curb appeal of any home.
Environment
The colors of the rest of the house are not the only factor to consider when choosing an attractive roof color. The colors that dominate in the surroundings can also make a big difference in how the roof color sets off the overall look of the house. For example, blue roofs blend into the surroundings nicely when a home is situated near the water, making blue a great choice for beach houses.
Similarly, homes nestled in spaces where greenery dominates, such as a cottage tucked away in the woods, look like part of the environment when a deep green roof is selected. In this way, taking cues from the surrounding landscape can help to create a harmonious and visually pleasing overall aesthetic.
Climate
Most people choose the roof for their home based on aesthetic considerations. After all, the roof is one of the most visible features of a house, and it can have a big impact on curb appeal. However, there are also some practical considerations that should be taken into account when selecting a roof.
For example, the color of the roof can have an impact on the cost of heating and cooling a home. Dark roofs absorb heat, while light roofs reflect it. As a result, a dark roof can make the attic of a home up to 40 degrees hotter than the temperature in an adjacent one with a lighter roof on a hot day. Homeowners in a hot climate can significantly lower their AC costs by choosing the lightest roof color that works well with the aesthetic features of their home.
Neighborhood Guidelines
The style of your home’s roof can say a lot about the overall design of your house. If you live in a neighborhood with mostly historic homes, your roofing style might be quite different from the houses that are being built today. When choosing a new roof, it can be helpful to look at the architectural style of your neighborhood for inspiration.
However, in some cases you may be required to follow certain guidelines set forth by your Homeowners Association. In these cases, it is best to choose a more traditional or neutral color for your roof. If you live in a stricter neighborhood, be sure to ask permission before choosing an off-brand color. By following these tips, you can ensure that your new roof will complement the style of your home and neighborhood.
Siding Colors
House sidings come in a variety of colors, and each color has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Some people might prefer a light color because it makes their home look bigger, while others might prefer a darker color to hide any dirt or stains.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a house siding color. First, think about the surrounding neighborhood. If most of the houses in your neighborhood are white, you might want to choose a different color for your house so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. Second, think about how the color will affect your home’s resale value. A light blue or green might not be as popular as a white or black siding, so keep that in mind if you’re thinking about selling your house in the future.
If you are looking for a bright and bold color, then you may want to consider using a color like yellow or red. These colors are sure to grab attention and make your home stand out from the rest. However, if you are looking for something more subtle, then you may want to consider using a light tan or green. These colors will help your home blend in with its surroundings, while still adding a touch of personality.
No matter what color you choose, be sure to research the different types of siding that are available. There are many different materials that can be used for sidings, so you will want to find the one that will best suit your needs. Vinyl siding is a popular choice because it is durable and easy to maintain, but there are also many other options available.
Finally, think about the climate where you live. If you live in a hot climate, you might want to avoid dark colors, which can trap heat and make your home uncomfortable. Conversely, if you live in a cold climate, you might want to choose a dark color to help keep your home warm.
Professional Advice
The final piece of advice for choosing a roof or siding color is to seek professional guidance. A reputable roofing company can be invaluable when making this decision, as they can offer insightful tips and suggestions based on your home’s style and design. In addition, contractors will usually have plenty of photos of past projects to show you, which can give you a good sense of how the roof will look in real life. Ultimately, by taking the time to consult with a professional, you can be confident that you are choosing a roof color that will complement your home and provide lasting beauty and protection.
A new roof is a big investment, so you want to be sure to choose a roof color that will complement the design of your home and boost its value. A good place to start is by looking at your home’s exterior paint colors and choosing a roof color that will accent or contrast with those colors. You can also look at other houses in your neighborhood for inspiration. Online blogs and design magazines are other great sources of inspiration. When in doubt, ask your roofing contractor what they recommend for the best roof color. With a little bit of research, you can be confident that you’ll choose a roof or siding color palette that will give your home the perfect finishing touch.
Reach out to us to learn more about how Exteriors Plus can help with your new roofing or siding project!
