Choosing Your Shingle Color

How to Choose a Shingle Color

You’ve found your roofing contractor, signed a contract, and are eagerly awaiting your beautiful new roof — there’s just one last decision to make: What color shingles will you choose? This is a question that can be daunting to many homeowners, but it doesn’t need to be. 

It’s understandable why homeowners worry about choosing the right color, as a well-installed shingle roof should last many years. This is an important decision that will impact the curb appeal of your house and has the opportunity to significantly improve the appearance of your house.

If you have never chosen a shingle color before, or you don’t feel like you know how to make the right choice, here is a quick guide to finding the best color for your roof.

Step 1: Look at the big picture

A good starting point when deciding on a shingle color is to look at your house as a whole. What colors are your siding, shutters, and doors? Do you have any brick work? It can even help to consider the surrounding houses or your landscaping. 

It’s important that your shingles harmonize with the rest of the colors on your house and are also dissimilar enough that it keeps your house from looking bland. For example, if your house’s siding has a lot of variation, such as multi-colored brick or stone work, then it will probably better suit your house to choose a less variegated shingle color. Whereas, if your siding is all the same color, it would be best to choose a complimentary shingle color, or even a shingle with a blend of colors.

Below is a table that gives some quick information on what shingle colors typically compliment a siding color.

SIDING COLOR	BEST MATCHING ROOF SHINGLE COLOR
Red	Black, Dark Gray, Dark Brown, Green
Light Gray	Gray, Black, Green, Blue, White
Beige/Cream	Brown, Black, Gray, Green, Blue
Brown	Gray, Brown, Green, Blue
White	Brown, Grey, Black, Green, Blue
Weathered Wood or Log Houses	Brown, Green, Black, Grey

Step 2: Always ask to see physical sample boards

Now that you have a general idea of what color would look best with the rest of your house, ask to see physical sample boards of a few different options. While looking at pictures of the color gives you a good idea about what it looks like, we always encourage people to look at a physical shingle so that you can really see what the color will look like on your house. 

Compare the color to your siding and look at the shingle sample both in the sun and in the shade to make sure your choice will compliment the rest of your exterior colors in all types of lighting.

Step 3: Ask your roofing contractor for addresses

Once you have narrowed down your choices to two or three colors, ask your roofing contractor to provide addresses where they have installed the colors you are interested in. We highly recommend seeing the shingles installed on an actual roof, especially if the color you’re interested in is more variegated. For busier shingle colors, it’s helpful to get some perspective and see the color on an actual roof, versus just seeing it close up on a sample board.

Step 4: Make your decision and enjoy your beautiful new roof!

Let your roofer know your color choice and your work is done!

If you are interested in getting an estimate on a new shingle roof, call Kaufman Roofing today at (612)722-0965.

If you are interested in getting an estimate on a new shingle roof, call Kaufman Roofing today at (612)722-0965 or Click to schedule an estimate.