What Is the Best Color for Roof Shingles to Improve Energy Efficiency?

If you are considering having a new roof installed on your home, there are a number of factors to consider. What type of roofing material do you want for your home? What roofing brand is best? Which home improvement company will perform your roof replacement?

While these are all important questions that will need to be answered before your new roof can be installed, there are some other fun considerations to make. For example, what color will your new roof be? Obviously, the color of your roof has a tremendous impact on its aesthetic and the overall exterior appearance of your home, but you may be wondering if your roof’s color has any impact on its functionality too. Read on to find out if the color of your roof shingles affects the energy efficiency of your home.

Considerations When Choosing Shingle Color

Many homeowners don’t realize how great of an impact their roof has on their home’s curb appeal. This means that picking the right shingle color to match your house color is extremely important. Your roof shingles should cohesively blend with your home’s existing exterior, as well as any natural landscape that may surround it. For instance, selecting light brown shingles may look out of place surrounded by the lush pine trees that are common in Northeast Wisconsin. When determining the perfect shingles for your roof, you should consider your home’s architectural style, siding color, and natural surroundings.

If you have shutters or prominent windows, taking note of their color will help you select the best roof for your home. You don’t want to be left with a mismatched house that has uncoordinated siding, shutters, and roof shingles. Ensuring that your siding color matches your roof shingle color is important to set the overall aesthetic of your home correctly. Furthermore, if your house is next to a lot of trees or located near a lake, the natural colors of your exterior will play an important role in deciding what shingles are the right choice for your home. However, within a busy suburb or cityscape, you may want brighter colors to help your home stand out next to your neighbors’ home to look unique.

Every siding color has a few shingle color combinations that will work well at your residence. That is why it’s important to do the research or contact roofing experts who will help you create the perfect aesthetic at your home.

How Does Shingle Color Impact Energy Efficiency?

Many homeowners may have already heard that the color they choose for their roof’s shingles can actually impact how long they last. Specifically, many have heard that light-colored shingles are known to last longer than dark-colored shingles. At first glance, the logic seems to add up.

Light-colored roofing materials don’t absorb as much sunlight as dark-colored shingles do, but reflect the light away from your home instead. The argument for this is that by absorbing less heat, light-colored shingles won’t break down as quickly as dark-colored shingles can.

A lightly colored roof is slightly more energy efficient than a dark-colored roof. However, the color of your shingles only has a minimal impact on your roof’s overall energy efficiency. While each person is different, it may be more important to consider what color will best enhance your home’s exterior aesthetic and curb appeal rather than making a choice based on energy efficiency alone. Additionally, while the color of your shingles may not affect their lifespan, there are other factors that certainly will. If you’re looking to invest in a roofing system that will last as long as possible, you’re better off turning your attention to the particular roofing systems you’re interested in, rather than their color. Be on the lookout for durable shingles that are made with the best available materials, and that boast features to help them withstand damage from inclement weather conditions, as storm damage most often expedites the need for a roof replacement.

What Are the Most Energy-Efficient Roof Colors?

If energy efficiency is your main priority and you’re committed to basing your roof color on that, the most energy-efficient colors include white, light gray, and light tan. If you’re looking to avoid a color that is particularly inefficient, you may want to avoid roofs that have black, dark gray, and dark brown shingles.

Before you choose the color for your new roof, be sure to carefully consider how the color will blend with your home’s exterior aesthetic.

Other Factors That Impact Energy Efficiency

As mentioned above, there are a number of factors that can impact your roof’s energy efficiency much more than its color. When evaluating the different options for your roof replacement, be sure to ask about:

• Reflectivity
• Material
• Coatings
• Ventilation
• Insulation

To ensure your roof has the energy efficiency you want, it’s important to partner with a reputable roofing company that installs high-quality roofing systems. Your roofer should be able to answer any questions you have about your new roof’s energy performance and put your mind at ease that you have made choices that will accomplish your goals.

Keeney Home Services Repairs, Replaces, and Installs Shingle Roofs

When considering your options, know that Keeney Home Services can assist you with any questions you may have when replacing your roof. We have been completing roof replacements for local homeowners since 2009 and we are known for the exceptional GAF roofing systems we install. Our roofs are available in a multitude of colors and styles, and our knowledgeable roofers are up-to-date on the latest best practices to ensure that your new roof is as energy efficient as possible, regardless of the color you choose.

Asphalt shingles can be used to achieve many different looks. We offer affordable, durable, and versatile asphalt shingles in two different styles: three-tab and architectural. Each of these shingle types has its own unique benefits:

• Three-tab is a more affordable siding option that is offered in a variety of colors and is easier to install
• Architectural shingles will provide your home with more dimension and is more durable while also offering different design options that aren’t found with our traditional asphalt siding

If you’re ready to get started with an asphalt roof replacement or have any questions about our roof replacement services, contact Keeney Home Services today. We will happily answer any questions you may have and schedule a complimentary in-home consultation at your earliest convenience.