Metal roofs have become a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. However, one of the biggest decisions when it comes to metal roofing is choosing the right color.
In this guide, we will go over the factors to consider when picking the right metal roof color, and how to choose a color that will complement your home’s architecture and surrounding environment.
1. Consider Your Home’s Architecture and Style
The first factor to consider when choosing a roof color is your home’s architecture and style. Your roof color should complement the style of your home and its architectural elements. For example, a traditional colonial-style home may look best with a classic dark gray or black roof, while a contemporary-style home may look better with a lighter color such as light gray or beige.
Roof steepness or pitch is another important factor to consider. A roof with a shallow slope will look somewhat more prominent with a darker color, while a steeper roof on single-story home ranch house may look overpowering with a darker-color.
Tip: Make sure you look beyond the color, and consider the style or profile of metal roof itself. For example, metal roofs for homes come in different profiles and styles including standing seam, metal shingles, tiles, and more. For a more traditional look, you will want to go with either metal shingles or tiles, while standing seam will be more suitable for highlighting modern architectural lines of your home and/or for that rugged cabin look.
2. Take into Account Your Home’s Surroundings
Another important factor to consider is your home’s surrounding environment. You want to choose a roof color that will blend in well with the natural surroundings and not clash with the surrounding trees, flowers, and other landscaping elements. For example, if your home is surrounded by a forest, a dark green metal roof color may blend in well, while a bright blue roof may stand out and look out of place.
3. Think About Energy Efficiency
When choosing a metal roof color, it is important to think about energy efficiency as well. Lighter colored roofs reflect more sunlight, which can help to reduce your home’s cooling costs during the summer months. On the other hand, darker colored roofs absorb more heat, which can make your home’s interior feel warmer during the winter months.
Tip: Look for CoolRoof SRI (CRRC solar reflectance index) rating. The higher the score for your group/category of metal roofing products, the more energy-efficient a given color will be, helping keep your home cooler and more energy-efficient.
4. Look at Your Home’s Existing Colors
Another factor to consider when choosing a metal roof color is your home’s existing colors. You want to choose a color that complements your home’s siding, trim, and other exterior features. For example, if your home has a brick exterior, a red metal roof color may complement the brick well, while a yellow metal roof may not look as good.
5. Check Your Homeowner’s Association Guidelines
If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, it is important to check their guidelines before choosing a metal roof color. Some homeowner’s associations have strict rules about roof colors, so you want to make sure that your chosen color is allowed before making a final decision.