Six Things to Consider When Choosing Your Roofing Shingles

 Homes have their own personality, and, though it's often not really thought about -unless you need a new roof - a roof is a big part of your homes appearance.  It seems like in our area many, many homes have the high sloping roofs which means that actually a large part of the appearance of your home is the roof.

There is more to picking a roofing shingle than just determining which color you like.  The right color and style of roofing shingles will also make a great first impression and enhance its curb appeal, potentially boosting its resale value.

Here are a few things you might want to keep in mind:


1.  The climate in your area - a roof can determine how warm/cool your home stays in the summer/winter.  The color of your roof can make a 20-40 degree difference in the temperature of your attic which can have quite a large affect on the heating of your home.  Light roofs reflect sunlight and keep the temperature of your home cooler, while dark roofs absorb the heat.

So, not only do you want to consider what you think looks the best, you'll want to consider which you want for your house - something that is going to help keep it cool, or something that will help keep it warm.  That being said, a lot still depends on your insulation and ventilation.

2.  Shingle color coordination - with colors found elsewhere - in the bricks, wooden siding, stone, stucco or trim on your home. This table shows some general guidelines, but again, you need to match according to your individual home:

HOUSE COLOR	BEST MATCHING ROOF SHINGLE COLOR
Red	Dark Brown, Black, Grey, Green
Light Grey	Grey, Black, Green, Blue, White
Beige/Cream	Brown, Black, Grey, Green, Blue
Brown	Grey, Brown, Green, Blue
White	Almost any color including Brown, Grey, Black, Green, Blue, White
Weathered Wood or Log Houses	Brown, Green, Black, Grey

It can sometimes be very appealing to match your roof to trim, but you would want it to be something that is permanent.  If the trim could be painted over, you might end up with a roof that looks out of place on your house.  For that reason, roofs are generally matched with colors in the stone, brick, etc.

3.  Your architectural style - and colors of your home should be kept in mind. Dark colors make a home look smaller and light colors make a home look larger.

4.  Whether or not to “make a statement” - you could pick an unusual color combination with your home or you can to be more traditional.  Sometimes a contrast can really make a statement and make a house stand out.  Be sure if you go that route that it doesn't conflict with the houses around you.

5.  Neighborhood considerations - such as homeowner’s association and subdivision rules and covenants. Again, It’s also nice if your roof doesn't clash with your next door neighbor's roof.

6.  View what the color will really look like - virtually and, preferably, in real life. Owens Corning, a shingles company, has a color visualizer tool, that you can use to see what different color roofs might look like on a home like yours.  You can also actually upload a photo or your home, or you can look at photos of homes similar to yours, so that you have a good idea of what you would like.  

Either before, or when you have a good idea of the color of roof you prefer, contact a professional roofing contractor like Lowry Roofing Co.  We can let you know the process as well as the cost and what to expect.  We can give you a professional and efficient installation that will keep your home beautiful and protected from the elements for years.  Call us at 469.412.4364 for a free estimate or inspection.  

Our goal is to exceed your expectations!

Lowry Roofing Co 

- Since 1923

• Free Roof Inspection
• Family Owned and Operated
• Quality Work Completed in a Timely Manner

(469) 412-4364