When it comes to roof replacement or installation, many homeowners wonder which is better: dark-colored shingles or light-colored shingles? While there are several factors to consider when choosing the color of your roof, some factors are more important than others.
Here are five of the most important considerations that should drive your decision:
1. Climate
The climate where you live plays a huge role in your decision to install a light or dark roof. If you have long winters and short summers, a dark-colored roof is probably the best option. This is because, generally speaking, a dark roof – such as a charcoal-colored one – absorbs more heat from the sun, which can help lower your cooling needs a little.
In sunny areas with short winters or winters that are not that cold, it’s a good idea to choose a light-colored roof, such as light gray. As the roof reflects more sunlight, it can help keep indoor temperatures a bit cooler so your air conditioning unit doesn’t have to work too hard.
2. Quality of Shingles
Top-quality shingles are effective in reflecting solar heat, so it doesn’t matter much whether you choose light or dark shingles. It’s a good idea to talk to your roof repair and installation professionals about the type of shingles they install.
3. Home Architecture and Theme
Your home’s style and its color palette should also figure into your decision. As your roof makes up for up to 50% of what people see of your home from the street, you want your shingles to perfectly match or contrast with the rest of your home.
4. Your Personal Preferences
Don’t forget to choose a roof color you’ll be happy to look at for as long as you live in your home. At the end of the day, you should at least be comfortable with what you choose.
5. Neighborhood Themes
In some neighborhoods, while choosing a color that doesn’t look at all like the rest of the houses isn’t exactly prohibited by the homeowners association (HOA), it might be frowned upon by the HOA. If this is a concern for you, then make sure to ask your HOA or your neighbors for some input.
Get in touch with Pressure Point Roofing Eugene, LLC. We can help you choose the best color for the shingles you want. We also offer roof maintenance services. Call us today at (541) 688-7663, or tell us about your home improvement project here. We can work with you in Springfield, OR, and in other areas.