Picking the perfect shade: A 10 step guide to selecting the best colour for your asphalt shingle roof

Your home’s roof is one of the most important parts of your property, and it deserves to be both functional and beautiful. A new roof can completely transform the look of your home and increase its value, but selecting the right colour can be a daunting task. With so many colours and styles available, how do you choose the perfect shade for your asphalt shingle roof? In this article, we’ll provide you with some helpful tips to make the process easier.

1. Match the colour of your shingle roof to the style of your home

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a colour for your asphalt shingle roof is the style and colour of your home’s exterior. Your goal should be to select a colour that complements and enhances the overall aesthetic of your home, not one that clashes with it.

When choosing a colour, avoid selecting the same colour as your home’s siding. This can make your home look monochromatic and boring. Instead, opt for a colour that contrasts with your siding. If your home’s facade has multiple colours, select a plain shingle that won’t compete with the other colours on your home.

It’s important to remember that your shingle roof is a part of your home, but it shouldn’t be the star of the show. If you choose a bright and bold colour, it can detract from the overall look of your home and even make it difficult to sell in the future. Most home buyers prefer a more conservative look that blends in with the neighbourhood.

2. Consider the orientation of your home

When selecting a colour for your asphalt shingle roof, you should also consider the orientation of your home. The direction your home faces can have an impact on how the colour of your roof appears over time. If your home is primarily on the north side, for example, you may want to avoid light colours as they can show dirt and stains more easily.

If your home is facing the south or west, it may receive more direct sunlight, which can cause the colour of your roof to fade over time. In this case, you may want to select a darker colour that won’t fade as quickly. However, it’s important to note that darker colours may also absorb more heat, which can lead to higher energy bills during the summer months.

3. Discover the colours that will hide dirt and mildew stains better than others

Another factor to consider when selecting a colour for your asphalt shingle roof is its ability to hide dirt and mildew stains. In general, darker colours are better at hiding stains and dirt than lighter colours. They also tend to fade less quickly in the sun, which means they will retain their colour for longer. With the life expectancy of the new architectural fiberglass shingles that have been on the market for the past few years now exceeding 35 years, the choice of colour for your roof becomes even more important. If you want your shingle roof to stay clean for almost its entire life, choose black, charcoal gray or dark brown.

If you live in an area that receives a lot of rain or humidity, you may want to select a darker colour that won’t show mildew stains as easily. Black, charcoal grey, and dark brown are all great options for homeowners who want a roof that looks clean and fresh for years to come.

4. Use the visualization tools offered by the manufacturers

It’s not easy to imagine an entire roof from a single colour samples. One of the best ways to select the perfect colour for your asphalt shingle roof is to use the visualization tools offered by manufacturers. Many manufacturers such as BP and IKO offer web-based tools that allow you to see how different colours will look on your home in real-time.

Using a photo of your home, you can test out different colours and see how they will look once they’re installed on your shingle roof. This can help you make a more informed decision and ensure that you select a colour that you’ll love for years to come.

5. Take into account the climate in your area

The climate in your area can also play a role in the colour of shingles you choose. If you live in a warmer climate, lighter coloured shingles can help reflect heat and keep your home cooler. On the other hand, if you live in a cooler climate, darker coloured shingles can help absorb heat and keep your home warmer. Additionally, if you live in an area with high winds, consider choosing a shingle colour that won’t show damage or dirt as easily.

6. Think about the resale value of your home

As mentioned earlier, most buyers prefer a conservative look for their homes, including the colour of the roof. While you may love a bright and bold colour for your roof, it may not be appealing to potential buyers. Choosing a neutral or classic colour for your shingles can increase the resale value of your home and make it more attractive to buyers.

7. Consider the architectural style of your home

The architectural style of your home can also help guide your shingle roof colour choices. Traditional homes with more classic designs often look best with neutral-coloured shingles like black, gray, or brown. Modern homes with a more minimalist design can pull off more unique and bold shingle colours like blue, green, or even red.

8. Look at the colour of your neighbours’ roofs

While you don’t want your home to look exactly like your neighbors’, it’s important to consider the colour of their roofs when choosing your own. You want your home to fit in with the neighborhood and not stick out like a sore thumb. If all your neighbors have neutral-coloured roofs, it may be best to stick with a similar colour.

9. Don’t forget about the trim and accent colours

When choosing a shingle colour, it’s important to consider the trim and accent colours of your home as well. The colour of your shingle roof should complement these colours and not clash with them. If your home has a lot of warm colours, like reds and yellows, consider choosing a shingle colour with warm undertones. If your home has cool colours, like blues and greens, consider a shingle colour with cool undertones.

10. Get input from a professional roofer

Ultimately, the decision on the colour of your shingle roof is yours, but it doesn’t hurt to get input from professionals. A roofing contractor can provide you with valuable advice and help you make an informed decision. They can also provide you with samples of different shingle colours and show you what they look like on your home.

In conclusion, selecting the perfect colour for your asphalt shingle roof is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the overall look of your home. It is important to choose a colour that complements and enhances the style and architecture of your home, while also taking into consideration factors such as the orientation of your home, the climate in your area, and the resale value of your home. Using visualization tools offered by manufacturers and getting input from professionals can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you select a shingle roof colour that you will love for years to come.

Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions. We’re more than happy to help and provide answers.