Replacing your roof is one of the big expenses for a homeowner, so you want to make sure to get the right one for your home. Of course, the most important factor is for your roof to provide long-term protection, but it also needs to fit your home’s style. Today there are so many different colors, textures, and materials to choose from. Here are five tips from professionals to follow when choosing the right roof shingles.
1. Consider Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is very important when it comes to your home’s exterior. A roof is a big factor when it comes to curb appeal. Just changing the roof shingles can make a complete change to your home’s curb appeal without an entire exterior remodel.
Take a walk around your neighborhood and see which homes have great curb appeal. Take note of their roof style and color. A red brick colonial would look great with slate gray shingles or a white farmhouse would look appealing with a green or charcoal color shingled roof.
2. Keep Cool Without Compromise
This can be true, especially in a warm climate. A roof can keep a home cool and nowadays even dark shingles can keep the heat away. You can now choose any color and your roof will keep your home cool.
The roof stays cool due to reflective shingles that do not absorb the sun’s rays. Colors like charcoal, sagewood, hickory, and stone gray are available in reflective shingles as well as shingles that will give off a more dimensional look. Having a cool roof has its benefits like more comfortable interior temperatures, lower electric bills, and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Go Bold With a Color Blend
Along with shadow effects, multi-color shingles can also improve your home’s architectural look. Examples of this would be to take a touch of turquoise and rich gold and add it to a cool gray. The blended-color shingles can create depth and give a striking contrast.
4. Shake Things Up With a Wood Look
A very popular trend that has been seen throughout the years is a wood shake roof. This unique shingle is known for its rugged appearance and texture. If you want this look without the high maintenance of wood shake, then an ultradimensial shingle gives the look of real rood without the high maintenance.
5. Make a Color Statement
The current trends allow for more unique color choices. Instead of using a traditional neutral, choose a vivid shingle color. A deep red shingle on a pale siding exudes warmth and richness adding a contrast. If you want your house to blend in with the natural trees surrounding it, then a nice rich green shingle would be a good choice.
Remember to consider these tips when choosing the right shingle for your house. If you are unsure or cannot visualize what a certain shingle would look like on your home, then you can virtually try it out on a picture of your home at the GAF website.
