Does Shingle Color Matter?

Does the color of shingle roofs matter? Yes; the color of your roof’s asphalt shingles can affect not only your home’s curb appeal but also your household electricity bill. It’s common knowledge that your roof—which comprises more than 40% of your exterior—will have an impact on your curb appeal. But how are shingle color and energy efficiency related? 

Heat and Shingle Color

In general, contractors would recommend choosing a light roof color if you live in a sunny climate and a dark roof color if you live in a temperate climate zone. That’s because the closer a color is to pure white, the more heat it reflects, and the lower your cooling costs. The opposite is true for dark colors: the darker the shade is, the more heat it absorbs, and the lower your heating costs. 

Roof Coatings and Energy-Efficiency

If you’re looking to further improve your home’s energy-efficiency, roof coatings can provide another layer of protection against damaging ultraviolet rays as well as natural wear and tear, all of which can shorten your roof’s lifespan over time. 

Roof coatings are also highly recommended for shingle flat roofs. Asphalt shingles can also be used for commercial roofing systems, but due to their low slope, they’re vulnerable to standing water, which can magnify UV rays. 

Curb Appeal

As mentioned earlier, your roof forms part of your home’s curb appeal, which is why it’s important to choose a color that complements the rest of your exterior. 

Here’s a design tip: To quickly narrow down your options, you should start with the classic color combinations. Here’s an overview: 

• Red exterior – Dark brown, black, grey and green
• Light grey exterior – Grey, black, green, blue and white
• Beige exterior – Brown, black, grey, green and blue
• Brown – Grey, brown, green and blue
• White – The best thing about a white exterior is that it goes well with almost every color

Keep in mind coordinating colors can be tricky. If you’re having trouble choosing a color, don’t hesitate to consult your roofer. 

Vista Roofing Inc. offers a wide range of professional exterior services, including roof repair and installation services. To request a quote, call us at (803) 391-4604 or fill out this form.