A flat roof is more prone to leakage than other roofs, so homeowners may need to routinely inspect their flat roofs for any areas of water penetration. Another way to prevent leaks is to install gutter systems correctly. Gutters should not be hung completely level, but angled toward the roof’s downspouts and drains. This angle will better facilitate water flow.

Selecting the color of your roof

By Tresa Erickson

When the time comes for a new roof, not only will you have to consider materials but color as well. Roofing comes in a wide range of materials from metal to cedar shakes to shingles. If you are going with traditional shingles, you will have many colors to choose from. Shingles cannot be replaced as easily or as inexpensively as paint, so you will want a color that you can live with for years to come. Here are some factors to consider as you select a shingle color.

Climate

Do you live in a fairly warm or cool environment? Choose the right shingle color, and you can help keep your house at the right temperature and your energy bills down. Light-colored shingles work best in warm climates. They reflect the sun and help keep homes cool. Dark-colored shingles work best in colder climates. They absorb heat, speed up the melting of snow and ice, and help keep homes warm.

House Style

What style of home do you have? The right color of shingles can accentuate the style of any home. While a white colonial might not look good with anything but black shingles, a brown ranch might work with a wide variety of colors. Research the architectural style of your home and find out what shingle colors suit it best.

Continuity

The shingle color should complement the colors already on your home. Pay attention to the brick, stone and paint colors and try to select a shingle color that will go with it. Dark gray and black shingles suit gray, white and blue homes. Brown shingles suit brown and cream-colored homes. Brown, black and gray shingles suit yellow, green and red homes. Ask for a sample and hold it up against the colors of your home to see the overall effect. Keep in mind that the darker the color, the smaller your home may look.

Surroundings

Take a drive around your neighborhood. What shingle colors do you see? Look at your neighbors’ roofs. If everyone has the exact same color of shingles, you might not want to break away from that palette. On the other hand, if the shingle colors vary, you may have a little more leeway. Don’t forget to check with your neighborhood association to find out if there are any shingle color restrictions in place. There may be a reason everyone has a black roof. If there are no rules, look for a shingle color that will complement your home and your neighbors’ homes. The shingle color you select should not match or clash with the roofs on homes around you.

Resale

Do you plan to sell your home at some point? If so, you will want a shingle color that will appeal to a wide range of buyers and stay in style for years to come. Browns, blacks, clays, creams and grays are all good neutrals that will stand the test of time. If you intend to stay in your home forever, you may want to go with something a little more trendy. A gray-and-blue shingle might finish off your little blue home with the red door perfectly.

When selecting a shingle color, shop with care. Research the choices available, speak to some experts and take home some samples. Take the time to think through the possibilities, and you’re sure to choose the right shingle color for your home.