Asphalt shingles are still the most popular choice for residential roofs for good reason. They are the least expensive of material choices and nowadays, with all the colors and styles available, they can look as great and even better in some cases, as some their more expensive counterparts! It’s true, today’s asphalt shingles aren’t your granddaddy’s shingles.
The choice of shingle color can affect your home’s appearance dramatically, after all your roof is at least 40% of the visual appeal, so when it’s time to choose, you want to be sure it’s right.
It can be daunting with the vast array of choices available, but taking into account a few tips, we can help break it all down without driving you nuts.
If you have a Homeowners Association (HOA) to answer to, check with them first!
Especially if you’re new to the neighborhood, some Homeowners Associations have very strict rules when it comes to appearance of home, regulating everything from the mailbox style to the color of your roof. Reviews these rules first to avoid any potential problems.
Consider Your Home’s Architectural Style
Many styles use standard colors that look great and creates a look of consistency for potential future home buyers should you sell later on. Talk with your roof contractor to determine the style of your home and what shades look better on that style.
For instance:
Cottage Style homes typically use lighter colors like whites, brown, or grey.
- Farmhouse Styles use greens and blues to bring out their charm.
- Contemporary Styles look great using whites.
- Colonial Styles lean more toward the dark colors or greys.
Consider What Compliments The Exterior Of Your Home
Brick Exteriors
Brick homes usually bring to mind the traditional red bricks common to many houses in the South but they certainly aren’t the only color. Taking into consideration the color of your bricks or the color they are painted when choosing shingles can narrow down the choices to be made.
One example would be choosing a light color to compliment a traditional red brick home. A light tan that matches the grout (the material between the bricks) can make an otherwise “regular” brick home, stunning. A light brick home (such as Blonde Bricks) would look great paired with dark brown or dark gray shingles. If it’s really light (such as pained white), darker colors such as dark gray or even multicolored shingles would look fantastic! If possible, bring (or have your roof contractor bring) sample shingles to the house and compare them so you know how it will look.
Siding Homes
Siding comes in a large variety of colors, pretty much any color you want. This makes choosing the right shingle a bit more challenging. Depending on the color of your siding the color of the shingle can either compliment or clash with it. Having sample shingles on hand to compare on site can help make this decision much easier. With siding, the option for shingles expands with choices including variegated colors, solids and even metallic tones with antique finishes.
If your home is neither brick nor siding, the basic rule of thumb is to take into consideration the color of your home and architectural style and choose a complimentary shingle to achieve the look you’ve always wanted. Some homes have many choices while others (such as Stucco) will be limited.
Whatever shingle you choose, choose the highest quality you can afford and familiarize yourself with all warranties and keep all paperwork. Replacing a roof is one of the most important and expensive decisions you will make about your homes quality and appearance, be smart, do your homework, and choose wisely.
Want to see what shingle colors and styles are available to you? Click on the manufacturer links below to see what available in your area now!
Certainteed Shingle Colors & Styles
Atlanta Roofing Specialists has a large variety of shingle options to complement any style home (or business) and bring sample materials and examples to help you visualize your new roof. Call us at 770-419-2222 for your estimate and shingle choices today!