If you have decided that a metal roof is the right roof for you, you have already made a choice you will be happy with for many years to come. However, there are still choices to be made as you plan the installation with your metal roofing contractor. One of the most important decisions you will make is the color of your new metal roof. You need to keep a few factors in mind as you consider your color options. You probably want a metal roof that stands out a bit and expresses your unique flair, but keep in mind that the most attractive roofs blend in well with the other homes in the neighborhood and the natural landscape surrounding the home. You want to pick a color that will go well with your house’s architectural style and give you the best energy-efficiency for the climate in your region. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the many color choices available in metal roofing, but take the time to make an informed decision, as you will not be able to change the color very easily once the roof is installed.
In This Article
What Factors Affect the Color Choice of a Metal Roof?
Colors Should Match Your Property
One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a color for your metal roof is your home’s surrounding elements. You will want a color that makes a statement, as it will cover such a large portion of your exterior, but you must also be sure to choose a shade that complements the other parts of your home. The first thing you should do is examine your exterior and note the colors of materials like siding, doors, fascia, railings, trim, window frames, and landscaping. Also, keep in mind that you don’t want your home to stick out like a sore thumb. This may not be an issue if you don’t have close neighbors, but you should select a color that blends in with the overall feel of the homes around you.
Architectural Design
Although there is a bit of creative license involved when choosing a roof color, certain color schemes will work better with your home style than others. If you are struggling with this concept, keep these basic guidelines in mind.
- Farmhouse styles typically look great with a red or white roof.
- Victorian-style homes look best with a color that mimics the classic slate shingles of the time, so grays and charcoals work well.
- Cape Cod homes look lovely with bronze, sandstone, or gray roofs.
- Spanish and Mediterranean styles are best outfitted with terracotta and deep red tones.
- Craftsman homes maintain their traditional look with blue, tan, or gray roofs.
- Ranch-style homes typically look best with roof colors in white, bronze, or charcoal tones.
- Modern architectural designs are very accommodating to colors that make a statement, but homeowners usually lean toward charcoal, white, and matte black.
The Location of Your House
You must consider many factors when choosing the color of your roof. One of the most influential factors is the geographical location of your home. Keep these tips in mind as you decide on the perfect color for your roof.
- Southern states. If you live in the South, you know that there are many different homes around you, so you should keep architecture in mind. Generally, though, Latin styles are popular in the southern states, and roofing color choices tend to lean toward warmer colors. If your home is influenced by Latin or Mediterranean architecture, you should try to mimic the traditional terracotta tiles with similar colors.
- If you live in the Plains states, homes in this region often have roofs that blend in with the surroundings using soft earth tones. Consider shades of brown, beige, and gray.
- Forests and mountains. Many areas of the United States are covered with beautiful forests and feature lovely mountain vistas. When you live in an area like this, you should choose a roof color that blends with the natural environment. Heavier earth tones like gray, blue, bronze, and green are well suited to homes in the woods.
- Tropical regions. If you live in a tropical area, you have more leeway using bright colors that pop and complement the lively pastels used in local architecture. Lighter colors also reflect the sun’s rays better and help keep your home cool. When selecting a roof color for a home in this environment, look to shades of blue, green, copper, and yellow. Metallic colors are also popular choices in these areas.
Curb Appeal
One of the essential elements to choosing the best roof color is creating a look that you will love and making neighbors and passersby envious of your home’s aesthetic. You want to ensure that your roof doesn’t look bland and boring, but don’t go overboard and choose a color that looks out of place for the environment. Keep in mind that dark colors may make the home look smaller, but they create a bold look if the rest of the house is outfitted in neutral tones. The general rule of thumb is that you want a color that makes a positive statement, not one that the neighbors will gossip about when you’re out of earshot.
Choosing the perfect color for your home can be a tedious undertaking if you go into it blind, but if you educate yourself on the factors you should look at when choosing a color, it is not that hard. A reputable metal roofing contractor will also be able to advise you on the best color choices for your home if you are struggling to make a decision.