How to choose the best shingle roof color for your home
Choosing the right shingle roof color is more than just a design choice. It affects your home’s appearance, energy efficiency, and overall harmony with its surroundings. With so many roofing options available, the right color can enhance your home’s style while boosting comfort and even resale value.
Below, we’ll cover the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect shingle color for your home.
1. Coordinate with your home's exterior
Your roof should complement your home's siding, trim, and architectural style. For instance, a beige house pairs well with dark brown or black shingles, while a gray or blue house might look best with charcoal or slate-colored shingles.
The goal is to create a cohesive and balanced appearance.
>>> Download our free Inspiration Book to help you determine which shingle would suit your style.
2. Consider climate and energy efficiency
The color of your shingles can affect your home's energy efficiency. In warmer climates, lighter-colored shingles reflect sunlight, helping to keep your home cooler. In colder regions, darker shingles absorb heat, aiding in snow melt and lowering heating costs.
While insulation and ventilation reduce the impact of color on indoor temperatures, the right shade can still make a noticeable difference in energy efficiency.
3. Observe neighborhood trends
Your roof should reflect your personal style, but it’s smart to consider neighborhood standards. This ensures your home doesn't stand out in an unintended way and may help maintain property values. Some homeowners' associations may also have guidelines or restrictions on roof colors.
Checking neighborhood trends ensures your home blends in while still standing out in the right way.
4. Use visual tools and samples
Before making a final decision, obtain physical samples of your preferred shingle colors and view them against your home's exterior at different times of the day. Lighting can significantly affect how colors appear. Additionally, many manufacturers offer online visualizer tools where you can upload a photo of your home and experiment with different shingle colors. This can provide a clearer picture of the final outcome.
>>> More detailed information on the easy-to-use IKO Roof viewer can be found under point 8.
Request up to 3 A4-sized shingle samples to help you choose the right roof shingle for your project!
5. Match shingle style to home architecture
The style of roof shingle you choose should align with your home's architectural design. For example, architectural shingles with varied tones and textures can add depth to traditional homes, while modern homes might benefit from sleek, uniform shingle styles.
Consider how the shingle style and color will interact with other elements like brickwork, stone accents, or wood siding.
6. Factor in landscaping and surroundings
Your home’s setting also plays a role in color selection. Homes surrounded by lush greenery might look harmonious with earthy tones like browns and greens. In contrast, urban settings might favor more neutral tones like grays or blacks. Your landscaping, including trees, gardens, and lawns, should complement your roof color to create a polished, unified look.
7. Consult with professionals
Engaging with roofing professionals or design consultants can provide valuable insights. They can offer recommendations based on experience, regional trends, and technical considerations. Additionally, they might provide addresses of homes with similar shingle choices, allowing you to see the color in a real-world context.
Getting expert advice can save you costly mistakes and help you feel confident in your decision.
8. Visualize with IKO Roof viewer
One of the best tools for making a confident decision is the IKO Roof viewer, an intuitive online tool that allows you to visualize how different shingle colors and styles will look on your actual home.
How to Use IKO Roof viewer:
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Access the Tool: Visit the IKO Roof viewer
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Upload a Photo: Click on the option to upload a clear, well-lit photo of your home, ensuring the roof is prominently visible.
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Define Roof Areas: Use the tool's interface to outline the roof sections on your photo. This step allows the software to accurately apply shingle options to the correct areas.
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Select Shingle Styles and Colors: Browse through IKO's range of shingle products, including architectural, performance, and traditional styles. Choose different colors to see how they complement your home's exterior.
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Compare Options: The Roof viewer allows you to compare different shingle choices side by side, helping you make an informed decision based on aesthetics and compatibility with your home's design.
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Save and Share: Once you've found a shingle style and color you like, you can save the image or share it with others for feedback.
9. Estimate materials with the IKO Roof Calculator
After visualizing your ideal shingle color and style using the IKO Roof viewer, the next step is to determine the quantity of materials required for your project. The IKO Roof Calculator simplifies this process by allowing you to input your roof's dimensions and slope to calculate the necessary amount of shingles and accessories.
How to Use the IKO Roof Calculator:
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Access the Tool: Visit the IKO Roof Calculator.
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Measure Your Roof: Gather measurements of your roof's length, width, and slope. If you're unsure about the slope, IKO provides a printable Roof Slope Estimator to assist you.
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Input Data: Enter your measurements into the calculator. The tool will compute the total area and estimate the number of shingle bundles and accessories needed.
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Review and Print: Review the calculated materials list and print it out. This list can be shared with your contractor or local IKO distributor to facilitate the ordering process.
By utilizing the IKO Roof Calculator, you can ensure accurate material estimates, reduce waste, and streamline your roofing project planning.
Selecting the perfect shingle color involves balancing aesthetic preferences with practical considerations. By evaluating your home's style, climate, neighborhood norms, and using available tools like the IKO Roof viewer and Roof Calculator, you can make a choice that enhances your home's beauty and functionality for years to come.
