Does Roofing Shingle Color Matter?

Shingle color makes a big difference when it comes to curb appeal and energy efficiency. Roof shingles are offered in an assortment of colors, thicknesses, and materials to suit various preferences, architectural styles, and climates.

Here’s a look at the impact of roof shingle color, dark vs light shingles, and considerations with shingles made from different materials.

Roof Color’s Impact on Heat Transfer

Choosing the right roof color will have a direct impact on your home’s energy efficiency and, in turn, will affect your energy bills.

Light-colored roof shingles absorb less heat because they reflect light. This is beneficial for homeowners living in warmer climates. Dark shingles soak up more of the sun’s rays, which is advantageous for homeowners living in cooler climates. For example, you may consider white roof shingles to cool down your home in sunny Florida, as white roofing products reflect about 60-90% of sunlight.

If you live in a cooler region of the country, consider darker-colored shingles. A study comparing white shingles to black shingles revealed that on sunny midafternoons, black-shingled roofs are 5°C to 10°C warmer than white-shingled ones.

Reaching out to an expert shingle roofing company will help you choose the most energy-efficient roof shingle colors for your area.

Dark vs Light Roof Shingles

The most important decision is whether to go with dark or light roof shingles. From there, choose the tone that best matches your home and neighborhood.

Dark Roof Shingles

Dark shingles are offered in shades ranging from black and charcoal to deep brown and walnut. Here are some pros and cons of a dark-colored shingle roof:

Pros of using a dark roof color:

• Dark roof shingles add a modern and sophisticated look to a home’s exterior style.
• Dark colors used on your roof will absorb more heat, making the inside of your house warmer. These colors are better for colder climates, increasing your home’s energy efficiency by warming the home naturally and reducing the need for additional heating in the colder months.
• Dark colors for roofing are less prone to solar degradation, which will maintain the color and integrity of your roof and its appeal longer.

Cons of using a dark roof color:

• Dark-colored shingle roofs will retain more heat than light-shingle roofs. This is a disadvantage for homeowners living in hot or humid states.
• Dark-colored roofs may be restricted in certain parts of the country if they are not up to code requirements related to reflectivity. In hot climates, cities often require roofs with specific solar reflectance values to combat the heat island effect and save energy.

Light Roof Shingle Color

Light-colored roof shingles have both aesthetic and functional benefits. Here are some pros and cons of light-colored shingle roofs:

Pros of a light-colored roof:

• A light-colored shingle roof will reflect light, reducing the amount of heat entering your home. This is beneficial for homes in hot and humid areas.
• Lighter shingle styles are neutral and classic in appearance. They give your home a clean and crisp look.
• A light roof shingle color will instantly boost curb appeal, as they are less common and call attention to your roof.
• A light roof color is aesthetically pleasing, making your house appear bigger and more expansive. This improves curb appeal, not only for casual spectators but also for potential buyers if you sell your home in the future.

Cons of a light roof color:

• A light-colored roof will bounce off more sunlight than darker color roofs, reducing heat absorption. This is not ideal for homeowners who live in moderately to very cold climates.
• A light-colored roof will show more stains and be vulnerable to weather discoloration. The homeowner may need to clean their roof or have it maintained more frequently (important note: never try to fix a roof yourself; call a professional roofer for this).

Color Considerations With Different Shingle Materials

Color considerations with shingles must also take into account the material from which the shingles are made.

• Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles are affordable and reliable, and are offered in a range of colors. Black asphalt shingles are dramatic in appearance, while light brown shingles offer a neutral look. Asphalt shingles are traditionally thought to be best for colder climates, but new technologies enable these shingles to withstand hotter climates effectively as well.
• Wood shingles: Wood shingles are made from natural wood materials like redwood or cedar. They give the home a rustic look. Wood shingles offer good heat resistance as a result of their natural insulation and lower thermal conductivity. They are durable and insulate efficiently, but require more upkeep than asphalt shingles.
• Slate shingles: Slate shingles are available in an elegant range of colors, such as bluish-green and gray, lighting up any home’s roof with sophistication and class. Slate shingles are made from natural stone materials and are heavier and more durable than wood or asphalt shingles. Due to their natural composition and heat-resistant properties, they provide superior defense against extreme outdoor temperatures.
• Metal shingles: Metal shingles can be purchased plain or painted. Unpainted options such as galvanized steel reflect light but are still less energy efficient than painted metal if you want to keep your home cool. Aged copper with a patina is another unpainted option that is aesthetically pleasing and blends well with the surrounding vegetation. Once the patina develops, the copper roof will no longer reflect sunlight. However, it adds visual interest to the structure.

The best paint colors for metal shingles to keep your home cool are light tones like Polar White, Arctic Blue, Evergreen, Dove Grey, and Sandstone. Darker paint colors will absorb more heat, which may be preferred in cooler climates.

House Color Coordination

It’s important to take into account the architectural style and color of your home when deciding what color you should use for your roof. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best tone for your roof shingles:

• Traditional homes may be better suited to darker shades like greys, blacks, or charcoal, as these colors blend easily with any home style and color scheme.
• Southwestern or Mediterranean homes work well with shingles in a terra cotta color, which combines a blend of vibrant bright red-orange and reds. These colors are reminiscent of Spanish colonial homes.
• Minimalist homes combine well with light-colored shingles, such as beige or light brown. Lighter shingle colors are good for homeowners seeking a more modern and updated look.

Always choose one shingle color for your roof. Choosing multiple colors will make your roof look busy, disorganized, and off-putting to onlookers. A single color for your home’s roof will create a uniform feel and appear more professional.

The Right Shingle Color for Your Home

Selecting a great shingle color for your roof involves making sure it matches up with your home’s aesthetics and energy-saving needs. Light-colored shingles are optimal for homeowners in hot climates, as they don’t absorb as much heat. Dark shingles soak up more heat rays from the sun and will be more energy efficient for homes situated in cooler parts of the country.

Asphalt, slate, wood, and metal shingles are all excellent choices for roofing and are available in a range of stunning colors. Your roof sets the tone for your entire home. Choose a color that reflects your personal style while creating a welcoming and inviting first impression for anyone who stops by.