Choosing a Hue for You: The Right Color For Your Roof

Whether you’re remodeling or simply starting new, there is one home improvement that is frequently overlooked: color. Even if you swap the colors on the inside as frequently as you change socks, the exterior of your home could use a little love, too. Before you go picking out paint and colored shingles, however, let’s have a crash course in home aesthetics:

Color Psychology

The effects of color are both physical and psychological, and they aren’t insignificant.  According to researchers at the University of British Columbia, color can affect everything from our mood to our perception, and has strong ties to our emotions. While it’s safe to say that everyone may have different ties to certain colors over others, there are a few general rules:

• Green sparks creativity
• Blue is the most widely-accepted color
• Yellow isn’t usually a favorite
• White, while it has a modern appeal, may also lead to boredom if it’s the only color there

Another sage piece of advice is to use a color wheel to ensure your color schemes match. While red and green may make you think of Christmas, they are complimentary colors; and even if electric blue and olive green are your favorite colors, they may not pair as well as you would hope.

While color is easy enough to swap out on the interior of your home, the exterior is more of an undertaking. Since swapping a coat once you get bored isn’t the easiest option, ensuring you have the color you want before painting is essential. Here are a few things to consider beforehand:

• The roof, driveway, chimney, brick detail, et cetera, are details that won’t be painted but have an impact on what color you choose. For a neutral, stone façade, a more lively color may brighten your home’s appearance; likewise, a home that features vibrant details—like a terra cotta roof—may want a neutral color to bring balance.

• Landscaping will also play a role, because you’ll want your home to harmonize with the surrounding environment. If your home features desert-style minimalist landscaping, a bright blue paint job may be too busy. For inspiration, look at your neighborhood’s homes: while your color doesn’t have to exactly match your neighbor’s, it should compliment.
• Also consider the strength of the paint you choose. You’ll want a durable, environmentally-friendly, fade-resistant paint that prevents you from having to touch up coats too frequently.

Top it Off

If you’re looking for a new roof, you don’t have to confine yourself to the traditional brown-colored shingles of previous homes. Depending on the style of roof, you may be able to select colored shingles that come in shades from Weathered Wood to Sheffield Black. Colors may vary according to your region, so be sure to check with your roofer before setting your heart on a specific design.

For the best curb appeal, match your roof color with the color scheme of your exterior. For example, a darker roofing color would blend well with muted neutral or vibrant cool colors, whereas a beige roof may blend with warmer paint colors.

If you’re having trouble deciding where to start, contact us! We can help you find a roof that matches your style as well as your home’s needs.