How to Pick a Shingle Color for Your Home

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While a lot of choosing the color of your roofing material comes down to preference, expert Salem roofers can provide you with several more objective points to consider.

Picking a shingle color can be a difficult task– especially if you’re afraid of commitment. Roofs are generally replaced no earlier than 15 years after installation. With this in mind, you will be stuck with the color you choose for quite a while. In this post, we are going to break down some of the ways you can ensure you’ll end up with a shingle color you’re happy with from the first day to the last one you have the roof.

  • Firstly, check with your homeowners association if you are a member of one. Some of them have regulations on the types and colors of roofs, so it’s best to be cognizant of that.
  • Look at other homes in your neighborhood that might have similar exteriors. What color roofs do they have? Do you like the aesthetic, or no?
  • Keep in mind, black shingles can absorb heat up to 10 degrees more than otherwise identical white shingles.
  • Ask your Salem roofers if they have any recommendations. They are professionals, after all!
  • Use roof planning tools on shingle manufacturers’ websites. Some will even allow you to upload a picture of your home and simulate different roof types and colors all online.
  • Get a full-sized sample of each shingle color you’re interested in so you can get the full picture of the varying granule colors.
  • Consider resale value. If you’re planning to sell your home within the next 5-20 years, you will want to find a marketable color. Probably something more neutral like a brown or gray, for example.
  • If parts of your roof are shaded, look at the samples under both direct light and shade to see if you still like the color in both circumstances.

These are just guidelines. Everyone’s taste is different, and it’s important you find the right roof for you. With that in mind, we would love to be your go-to Salem roofing company, so if you’re in need of a new roof or roof repairs in Salem, Oregon, give us a call today at (503) 585-2338.

Written by
Terry Slate
Terry is the Vice President of Slate & Slate Roofing and has over 28 years of experience with both residential and commercial roofing. He specializes in metal roofing, composition roofing, and PVC membrane roofing.