When it’s time for a roof replacement, most homeowners prioritize getting the best roof they can afford. After all, the roof is a crucial protective element of your home.
While quality is one of the most important considerations, choosing a color is also a priority. The roof color is something most people will need to live with for decades, and it contributes to a home’s curb appeal.
With quite a few asphalt shingle roof colors available, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by the choices. If you’ve settled on asphalt roofing, you should know which colors are most popular and how to select the right one for your home.
In this article:
- What Are the Most Popular Asphalt Shingle Roof Colors?
- Should Asphalt Shingles Be Light or Dark?
- How to Select the Right Color Roof for Your House
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Most Popular Asphalt Shingle Roof Colors?
The most popular shingle roof colors will depend greatly on where you live. What’s popular in one state or neighborhood might be decidedly less so in another region. Drive around your area to see what seems to be popular; if your goal is to blend in, you’ll want to choose from what you see.
That being said, some colors will be a popular choice in most places.
Neutral shades like gray and brown are classic. They don’t detract from the color of the home and can be used with any other color. Also, if you plan on repainting or replacing your home’s siding with a different color, choosing a neutral shade will mean it will complement the new color, too.
These are also good for a wide range of architectural styles. Whether you have a ranch-style home, a Colonial, a bungalow, or a Victorian home, you really can’t go wrong with something neutral.
There are a lot of shades to choose from within this theme, of course. You might want a darker or lighter shade, which we’ll discuss below.
Other colors you might want to consider include tan, terracotta, or black. If you want to make a statement with your roof, you might even consider green or blue.
These colors can complement certain types of homes. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of Mediterranean-style homes, you might notice more tan or terracotta asphalt shingles, as these earthy tones complement that style.
Should Asphalt Shingles Be Light or Dark?
There are pros and cons to choosing either light or dark asphalt shingles. Some of it will come down to personal preference, but the climate and the architectural style of your home might also be factors to consider.
Light Colors
In a hot climate, a light-colored asphalt roof can reflect some of the sun’s heat, keeping the home cooler. That can lead to better energy efficiency, particularly if you live in a place where the summers are quite hot. You might notice lower air conditioning bills thanks to the solar reflection.
Another benefit to lighter colors is that they’ll fade less. Over time, the sun’s rays can lead to fading, and darker colors can show that wear as the years pass. However, if you start with a lighter roof, the fading will be less noticeable.
Your home’s style might also benefit from a lighter-colored roof. These often look modern and can look nice on a contemporary home. They can also complement homes on the coast or those with pastel exterior palettes.
Dark Colors
While light colors tend to reflect the sun, dark colors tend to absorb the heat. If you live in a cooler climate, particularly one that gets a lot of snow or ice, a darker roof can help melt it faster. Depending on how much sun your roof gets, the extra melting can reduce the formation of ice dams, which can damage the roof.
While darker shingles can keep your roof warmer and perhaps lead to less heat loss during the winter, they can also cause the roof to absorb too much heat in the summer, leading to higher electric bills. This is just something to keep in mind if your climate is cold in the winter but hot in the summer.
Home styles that may benefit from dark shingles can be contemporary, rustic, or anything in between. The shade you choose can look cozy or bold, so just keep in mind your home’s style and color when choosing.
How to Select the Right Color Roof for Your House
Choosing the right roof color comes down to personal preference, the climate, and the surrounding homes. If you live in an HOA, you may have a list of colors you can choose from. If not, it’s still a good idea to look at the houses around you and choose something that blends in or complements the neighboring homes.
Your roofing specialist will be able to help you decide which color to choose when it comes to your asphalt shingles. At Erie Home, we’ve been in business for nearly 50 years, and we’ve helped countless customers choose the right roof colors for their houses. We can help you, too!
Call us today at 1-800-862-6400 or visit us online for a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do asphalt shingle roofs last?
An Erie Home asphalt shingle roof will last around 25 years. The specifics will depend on the grade of shingle you choose, how skillful your roofing installation crew is, and whether you have periodic maintenance and inspections done. Climate also plays a part.
Are asphalt shingle roofs the best type of roofing available?
Asphalt is the most common type of roofing available, and it stands up well to the elements. Metal roofs last longer and can be a better investment. For example, at Erie Homes, we carry stone-coated metal roofs that mimic the appearance of asphalt and will last for 50 years.
How do I know when to get a new asphalt shingle roof?
Periodic inspections will be able to tell you when it’s time to get a new roof. If the shingles are curling, cracking, or going bald, this might indicate that it’s time to have them replaced.
Extreme weather like hurricanes or tornadoes can damage a roof before its typical lifespan is up, so an inspection after a storm is a good idea. Leaks, holes, sagging, and missing shingles also indicate that it’s time to consider replacing the roof.