6 Tips for Choosing the Color of Your New Metal Roof

You have made the decision to install a high-quality metal roof on your home to enhance your curb appeal and protect your family from the elements. Homeowners love metal roofs because they have a longer lifespan than traditional asphalt shingles and offer savings in energy efficiency and maintenance costs. Now that you have chosen a metal roof, you get to move on to the exciting stage of choosing your roof color. Metal roofs come in a wide variety of styles and hues that allow you to customize a unique look for your little corner of the world. Consider these factors as you review your roof color options.

Style of Your Home

The exterior design of your home is one of the main things to consider when choosing the best color for your metal roof. The existing outside color of your home, along with the windows, doors, trim, and even your landscaping, all contribute to the look you are incorporating your new roof into. The overall look should be balanced and unified.

Once you have narrowed your choices down to a few colors, look at samples at different times of the day, as outside lighting changes. The roof will have a different look in bright daylight than it will in the evening hours and on cloudy days, so choose a color that you enjoy in each scenario. Your metal roof will last and maintain its color for years to come, so this is a decision you don’t want to take lightly.

The Aesthetic Effects Your Roof Create

Various design styles call for different effects from the roof. One of the benefits of metal roofing is that it is available in such a vast array of colors that you can achieve effects that other roofing materials can’t offer. This is where you get to make unique choices that express your personality and make your home uniquely yours.

If your architectural style is ultra modern, the sleek look of bare metal is an option you may want to consider. Roofing materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, stainless steel, and titanium. Each of these metals is different and can be used to create a special look.

Lighter colored roofs are often a great option for low-pitched roofs, as they create the illusion of a taller roof. On the other hand, if your roof is steeper, a dark color can be used to make it seem less imposing. Colors that are complementary to your home’s exterior color build a look that is classic and comfy, whereas a roof that stands out in contrast to the color of the house really pops and makes the home an attention-getter.

Trends in Your Neighborhood

While you want your home to stand out and show your personality, you still want to be sure that it blends in with the overall look of your neighborhood. The art in making the perfect choice is finding a way to toe the line between uniqueness and neighborhood flow – without offending the neighborhood. Take a walk through your community and observe the choices others have made with their roofing design. You can even take a few pictures of homes that capture the look you wish to achieve and use them as you consider your roofing color choices.

If you live in an area with an active Homeowners Association, make sure to check the bylaws about what you can do with color choices for your roof. Some HOAs are very lenient but others are sticklers for matching colors throughout a neighborhood.

Effects Of Color on Energy Efficiency

One of the perks of a metal roof is its high energy efficiency rating. Although all metal roofs are energy-efficient, some colors are better suited to helping you save money on energy utility bills. When you choose a metal roof in a lighter color like light blue, green, or peach, it will reflect the heat from the sun much better than a darker colored roof. This is especially important if you live in a sunny area with a hotter climate. Choosing a metal roof in a lighter color will lessen the burden on your home air conditioning system and can save you 20%-30% on your utility bills. When you live in a colder climate, the choice of a darker roof will not have the same effect, so you have a bit more flexibility in color options.

Available Style Options

Metal roofs are a favorite among homeowners because of their versatility, durability, and style options. The colors you have to choose from cover the entire spectrum. Custom colors are available to give you even more possibilities than standard options. As production evolves, even more unique options are available. Homeowners today can select variegated and two-tone colors for their roofing, which allows for an even more unique style. Once a color is selected, custom levels of gloss can also be applied to achieve a shine that suits your tastes.

Fading and Chalking

Two important factors to consider when choosing your roof color are fading and chalking. The sun’s rays and the elements react with the pigments in the paint color, which causes it to change over time. This process is known as fading. Your roofing contractor will be able to give you examples of how the color you choose may change. Chalking is the appearance of a white “chalky” look that can develop on a metal roof over time. This is caused by the breakdown of resin in the paint. Each paint color is unique, and the elements within the paint will determine how long it takes for chalking or fading to become apparent.

Designing a metal roof that will showcase your home’s eye-catching properties and a bit of your own personality is an exhilarating experience. This is one of the best opportunities you will get to create spectacular curb appeal and make your home stands out from the crowd. Take these factors into consideration as you make decisions on your roof color. Work closely with your roofing contractor to make choices that you will love for many years ahead, as you enjoy the beauty of your home.