Are you thinking about a new roof? Congratulations! A new roof helps largely with the curb appeal, energy efficiency and longevity of your home. Your next big decisions after deciding to get a new roof are material and color. Both are important decisions. A new roof is an investment, and we want you to love your new roof for years to come!

Choosing a roof color may seem like a tedious task, but we hope you use it as an opportunity to have fun with the exterior design of your home! 

General Rules of Thumb 

Get a Large Glimpse

First, when possible, try to look at roof samples that are larger than a single tile, shingle or square of metal. A small sample makes it difficult to judge the color appropriately. Instead, ask your roofer for large samples. Typically, a roofer will have large sample tiles in their office. 

Secondly, take your roof samples outside to see what they look like in the sunshine and the shade. Lighting can affect the undertones and hues of a roof color, and you don’t want the first time you see your roof color to be when your new roof is complete! 

Consider Your Siding 

Use your siding, shutters and other exterior colors as a guide. In some cases, you may not want to choose the exact same color as your siding if you are striving for a contrasting, modern appearance that makes your roof or siding stand out. However, the opposite may be true if you are looking to achieve a monochromatic, traditional look. 

Match Your Home’s Style

Your roof contributes a lot to the style and look of your home! You’ll want to consider the style of your home when choosing between a metal and shingle roof. For a Craftsman style home, consider a red, natural brown or green roof. If you have a ranch home, think about a brown, black or beige color scheme. For traditional homes, consider a dark gray or black roof – a classic! Live next to the coast? Consider a blue, white, silver metal roof to match the coastal vibes. 

The options are endless. Whichever color and material you choose, Big D can help make it beautiful. 

Check with Your HOA First 

Do you live in a neighborhood? Your Homeowners Association may have specific requirements about your roof color, style or material. The last thing you want is to put on a new, beautiful roof that does not comply with HOA standards. Take a look at the regulations beforehand to avoid an expensive mistake. 

Your Homes Natural Surroundings 

What are the surroundings of your home like? Do you live in a wooded area? Perhaps pick a darker roof color that will make your house pop. Do you live in an open area? Think about choosing a lighter, more neutral color to harmonize with your surroundings and blend in. 

If you live in a neighborhood, you may also want to consider the color of your neighbor’s roofs. You want your home to stand out for the right reasons. Choosing a roof color that is cohesive with your neighborhood can help with resale value! 

Reflectivity 

Did you know that your roof can impact your energy bills? It’s true! Some roof colors and materials are more reflective than others to reduce heat, called “cool roofs.” When a shingle or metal roof is designed to be reflective, it can help reduce the temperature in your attic, decrease the amount of heat absorbed by your home, and lower your cooling bills. 

Metal roofs have a emissivity and solar reflectance index. Solar reflectance index is the ability of the surface – in this case, the roof – to reflect the sun’s heat (reflectance) and heat (emissivity). In Florida, this is extremely important to consider when choosing a roof. Typically, lighter colored roofs are the most heat and energy reflective. 

Need Help Choosing a Roof Color? 

When it comes to choosing a roof color, we understand that the options can seem endless. Luckily, the roofing professionals at Big D are experts at helping you identify the perfect color for your roof. 

If you are ready to get started, give us a call today! We’d love to chat with you about your new roof needs and give you a free estimate.