In this blog we will discuss design features and factors to consider when choosing between a darker or lighter roof color for residential and commercial properties. There’s no denying that a well-built home or business with an attractive roof has a long-lasting impression on visitors and passers-by. But your roof isn’t just there to get the attention of admirers, it serves an important purpose of keeping your home and roof dry. If you’re installing a new roof, you shouldn’t just weigh-in on the aesthetic impact, but also on the advantages that certain colors give.
Contrast
When it comes to dark or light design features on your home, including a roof color, a design principal to reference is the concept of ‘contrast’. A dark roof will look great in contrast to siding or trim in a lighter color, and vice versa. As we all know, curb appeal is not only critical to you enjoying the aesthetics of your house but it’s equally critical if you ever decide to sell it. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you may have to stick to specific guidelines. Otherwise, it’s just best to look at your home and find a roof color that will best compliment your architectural style, and the colors you’ve already chosen for the exterior of your home.
Surrounding Environment
From an aesthetic standpoint, roof color preferences may depend on where you live. It might be hard to imagine a black roof on a colorful South Florida home with pink or teal exterior design elements, or a white roof on a log cabin in the mountains of Colorado.
There are so many options these days that will allow you the flexibility to choose a color appropriate to the surrounding environment.
Climate
If you’re in a colder region of the United States, you’ll notice that most roofs will have darker shingles. The darker color of shingles will help absorb heat faster than lighter colored shingles. If your home is situated in an area with cold weather, having darker shingles is preferred since it will help melt off snow which might add weight to your roof. Moreover, this will also stop the formation of ice dams as it will cause leaks to form.
If you’re not comfortable with darker colored shingles for your roof, there are always alternatives such as solar panels that are able to absorb heat and use it to melt off snow from your roof.
Homes that are situated in warmer states in the United States tend to have lighter colored roofs. Most houses that are situated in LA, SA, Nevada, and some parts of Texas tend to have light colored shingles. Scientifically, light colors can help reflect off UV light which can transport heat.
Commercial flat roofs tend to be white because they are solar reflective and many states are now requiring it as government mandates under green building ordinances and initiatives like the cool roof challenge.
Ultimately, there’s no right answer on which of the two shingles are better and will depend on many factors. Naturally, you shouldn’t also leave out the durability, longevity, cost, and overall quality of your roofing installation. The roofing professionals at Gen 3 Roofing have the experience and expertise to provide you with guidance on choosing the right roof for your residential and commercial circumstances. Schedule your no cost, no obligation roof inspection today or give Gen 3 Roofing a call for more information at 303-923-5039.
