When replacing your roof, many overlook the importance of shingle color. It might seem minor, but the right color can boost your home’s curb appeal and even impact long-term satisfaction. At Craftsmen Contractors, we guide you through every decision, including picking a shingle color that complements your home and lasts through Kentucky’s unpredictable weather.
Before you decide, let’s look at what matters when choosing the right color for your roof.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right shingle color can enhance your home’s look while standing up to the weather.
- With the right shingle color, you can lower energy costs, extend roof life, and boost resale value.
- Consult with professionals like Craftsmen Contractors to find shingle colors that boost curb appeal and energy efficiency.
How to Choose the Best Shingle Color for Your Roof
Choosing a shingle color isn’t just about looks. Asphalt shingles come in a wide range of shades, and with so many choices, it’s worth finding one that fits your home’s look and feel. In Lexington, the right color can complement your home while standing up to the elements.
Rule 1: Match Your Shingle Color to Your Home’s Exterior
The goal is to choose shingles that blend well with your home’s overall design. If your home features intricate brick or stone, simpler shingle colors work best.
For homes with more neutral or plain siding, consider shingles with some texture or color variation to add personality. Add some flair with textured shingles like GAF HDZ™ and UHDZ™ Shingles.
Popular choices in Lexington include:
Shingle Colors | Best For |
Charcoal | Modern homes with light-colored siding |
Weathered Wood | Traditional homes with brick or stone |
Pewter Gray | Homes with darker siding or stone accents |
Shakewood | Neutral or earthy-toned homes |
Forest Green | Cottage-style homes surrounded by trees |
Barkwood | Rustic homes or homes with natural surroundings |
Rule 2: Create Contrast Between Shingle and Siding Colors
In Lexington, creating contrast between shingles and siding can help enhance curb appeal. Dark shingles like black or brown create a bold look when paired with light siding, while light shingles with darker exteriors add a soft, inviting feel.
Just make sure the contrast isn’t too stark, or it may overpower your home’s natural beauty. Here are some color combinations that work:
Siding Color | Recommended Shingle Colors |
Light Gray or White | Charcoal, Black |
Dark Brown or Black | Light Gray, Beige |
Red or Brick | Slate Gray, Black |
Beige or Cream | Dark Brown, Slate |
Rule 3: Choose a Shingle Color That Fits Your Home’s Style
Your home’s style should dictate your color choice. Modern homes in Lexington often look best with sleek, darker shingles like charcoal or black. Meanwhile, traditional homes with brick or stone exteriors benefit from warmer tones like weathered wood or brown, which add to the classic appeal.
For homes with a more rustic, cottage feel, earth tones like forest green or warm gray are a natural fit. Consider this style and shingle color guide:
Architectural Styles | Recommended Shingle Colors |
Modern | Charcoal Gray, Black |
Traditional | Weathered Wood, Brown |
Cottage/Rustic | Forest Green, Warm Gray, Red |
Colonial | Slate Gray, Deep Red |
4 Benefits of Choosing the Best Shingle Color
In Lexington, choosing the right shingle color goes beyond appearance. It’s a decision that can significantly impact your property’s overall appearance, maintenance requirements, and even its resale value.
1. Complies with Neighborhood Rules
Before choosing a shingle color, check your homeowners association’s (HOA) rules. Many neighborhoods in Lexington require approval before changing anything on the exterior of your home, including the roof. Some may even prefer traditional colors like gray, brown, or neutral earth tones.
Ignoring HOA rules could mean fines or being forced to change your shingles. Start the approval process early to avoid these issues.
2. Lowers Energy Costs
The color of your shingles directly affects your home’s energy use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, dark shingles absorb more heat, warming your roof up to 50°F more than light-colored shingles. This can drive up cooling costs during Lexington’s hot summers, where temperatures can hit the high 80s or 90s.
Light-colored shingles reflect sunlight, helping keep your home cooler and reducing air conditioning use. This lowers energy bills and extends the life of your HVAC system.
3. Extends Roof Life in Hot Weather
Choosing the right shingle color can help your roof last longer. Dark shingles absorb more heat, which can cause them to wear out faster. This is especially true during Lexington’s warm summers. Lighter shingles reflect heat, keeping the roof cooler and reducing the risk of heat-related damage.
While Lexington sees milder summers than some southern states, the heat combined with occasional harsh winters can still take a toll on your roof. The right color can help it stand the test of time.
4. Boosts Resale Value
The color of your shingles can affect your home’s resale value. Neutral shades like gray, black, and brown are popular with buyers because they fit a range of home styles. In Lexington’s variable climate, lighter shingles offer energy benefits, while darker colors give homes a classic, timeless look.
Opting for a color that complements your home’s design can boost curb appeal and make a lasting impression on potential buyers.
Choose the Right Shingle Color With Our Expert Help
Picking the right shingle color isn’t just about looks—it can impact your home’s curb appeal and even its energy efficiency. Craftsmen Contractors can help you make the best choice for your roof, whether you’re going for a classic look or something bold.
Book a consultation today to explore your shingle options. Call us at (859) 800-5531 and get started on the color that fits your home perfectly.