Selecting the right roof color

By Lori Jerome, PABCO Roofing. 

Learn how to balance long-term value with personal taste with the right color tools and considerations. 

Choosing a roof color can feel like a daunting and overwhelming task. This is likely a choice that only has to be made a handful of times per roof, but it can completely change the feel and environment of a home. Further, it can impact that home’s curb appeal and long-term value for years. This is why roofs are often neutral tones, as these colors tend to offer both versatility and a timeless appeal. Here at PABCO Roofing, we have a personal liking for black, as a sophisticated option that can add beauty to many different styles of homes.  

Black may not seem like a typical neutral, but like shades of gray, beige or brown, black can seamlessly complement a variety of exterior styles and colors. Whether a home features bright, bold siding or a more subdued, natural look, a black roof creates a sleek contrast, adding elegance without overpowering the design. And because the roof accounts for up to 40% of your home’s exterior, the right color choice can significantly enhance its visual appeal.  

Considerations for choosing a color 

1 – Is the home going to be sold? 

If a homeowner plans to stay in the home long-term, choosing a roof color that matches their personal style and home’s design is a good idea. But if selling is in the future, neutral colors like black offer flexibility to potential buyers. Black provides a clean slate, allowing future owners to add their own touches without clashing with the roof.  

2 – What's the architectural style?  

A black roof can accentuate a range of home styles, from traditional to modern. For example, black shingles create a striking contrast on a home with white or light-colored siding, while they can provide a harmonious blend with darker, earth-toned exteriors.  

3 – How does the climate affect color?  

In warmer climates, light shingles can help reflect heat, while in cooler areas, dark roofs like black absorb warmth, helping to reduce heating costs. However, ventilation and insulation play a more significant role in the home’s energy efficiency, so don’t be afraid to opt for darker colors even in sunny climates.  

Elevating black asphalt shingles  

PABCO Roofing Product’s Antique Black is a great option for homeowners seeking a true black with extra visual depth. Unlike other black shingles on the market, Antique Black offers a subtle sparkle and texture that adds dimension and sophistication to your roof. This color is one of our top selling colors for a reason – it combines the classic versatility of black with a little extra visual interest. Available in several shingle lines, this color option works across various home styles, from classic to contemporary.   

• Cascade™ shingles: Perfect for historic styles, Cascade shingles are uniquely diamond-shaped to honor your home’s heritage. Featuring Algae Defender® technology, Class A fire resistance and our Limited Lifetime Warranty, this shingle accentuates roofs that are steeply sloped.  

• Paramount Advantage® shingles: Approved by many homeowners' associations (HOAs), this top-of-the-line shingle sets the standard for premium roofing products. These shingles offer a bold, heavyweight option with a classic appearance and high-performance ratings.  

• PABCO Premier® shingles: Reliable and long-lasting, these shingles are a favorite among homeowners and contractors alike. PABCO Premier offers fire and algae resistant qualities and is available in an array of neutral colors.  

Other factors that affect color choice  

1 – Climate and geography 

Colors like blacks and grays tend to blend well in forested or mountainous areas, while lighter colors may suit sunny, southern regions. In forested areas, a black roof can blend into the surroundings, while in more open landscapes, it adds contrast and sophistication.  

2 – Energy efficiency  

Darker roofs absorb more heat, which can be a benefit in cooler climates but a drawback in warmer climates. However, proper insulation and ventilation can balance out temperature differences, allowing you to choose the color that best matches the home’s aesthetic without compromising its energy efficiency.  

3 – Homeowners’ associations  

If the home is in a neighborhood governed by an HOA, you’ll need to check to see if there are restrictions on roof color. Black is often a safe, approved choice, as it pairs well with most architectural styles and maintains the visual appearance HOAs often require.  

Seeing is believing: Visualize the new roof  

Seeing how a color will look on a home before investing in a full roof replacement is crucial. PABCO Roofing Products offers a Design Your Roof tool that allows you to explore various shingle colors and styles by either selecting a sample home image or uploading a photo of your own home. This way, you can see how Antique Black or any of our other popular colors will look in real life, taking into account lighting, angles and other factors that may affect the appearance of your roof.  

Viewing a physical shingle sample can help make the right decision. Many roofing contractors offer sample boards or larger swatches to help homeowners get a better sense of how the colors will look. It’s important to consider things like how sunlight and shadows might play on the roof throughout the day.  

Original article source: PABCO Roofing