Newest Trends in Roof Color

National color expert Kate Smith predicts that the popular choice for roofing color in 2015 is probably going to be gray. The choice is being driven by baby boomers now reaching the age of financial security. Many have the financial means to remodel, and their choices will most likely drive the industry. Interestingly, as they embrace going gray, it’ll probably affect their choice for roofing colors. While more exciting colors may be used to trim the house or door, the addition of a storm gray or classic gray slate or shake roof adds to a psychological feeling of security and stability.

However, choosing a great roof color often depends on more factors than the current whims of fashion. The style of the home, the house color, the surrounding community and the climate all play a role in selecting the proper roofing material and color.

The style of your home often strongly predetermines the color of the roofing materials. For example, Spanish style homes here in the southwest practically beg for terracotta tile.

Choosing the color for the main part of your house generally sets the color palette for the rest of the home, including the roof. The color your select should complement, not clash with, the color you select for your home.

While some older neighborhoods may be due for an update or transformation, it’s generally best to maintain some sort of consistency with nearby homes. Selection of similar styles and colors will often help to not only maintain or boost home values, but also provide for happy neighbors. In some cases, residential neighborhoods and communities may actually have strict guidelines as to what types of materials and colors can be used, so be sure to check before putting up the wrong materials.

Finally, climate plays a big role in the materials and often the color of the materials that may be used. In colder climates with snow, metal roofing that sheds snow weight quickly is a must. Of course, metal roofing is coming in many more shades now than it used to, so you are no longer limited to just a few shades.

Your roof is one of the most expensive parts of your home. Making a poor choice means you are going to have to live with it for 20 to 30 years, or pay to rip it out and install a new one - a costly mistake you don’t want to make. Fortunately, there are some great online styling tools that will allow you to play with color and materials until you know you’ve made the right choice.