When it’s time to replace your roof, most homeowners focus on materials but overlook shingle color. It seems minor, but the right color can make a big difference in your home’s look—and how much you like it. Before picking your color, read on and learn what to consider when choosing the best shingle color for your roof.
Key Takeaways
- Picking the right shingle color should match your home’s look and feel, enhancing its design.
- The color of your shingles can affect everything from your home’s energy efficiency to its resale value, so choose wisely.
- When choosing the perfect shingle color for your home, professional roofers like Allstar Construction are here to help you.
3 Tips on How to Choose the Right Shingle Color for Your Roof
Roof shingle colors include a variety of shades for asphalt roofing, which is the top choice in residential construction. With countless options, it’s important to pick a color that fits your home’s design, style, and surroundings.
1. Find the Right Match Between the Shingle Colors and Your Home’s Exterior
The key to selecting the right shingle color is how it complements your home. For homes with intricate designs or multiple colors, subtle shingles can create balance. If your Fargo home features neutral tones, opt for shingles with variations, like GAF HDZ™ Shingles or CertainTeed Landmark® Shingles, to add interest.
Here’s a guide to popular shingle colors:
| Shingle Colors | Best For |
| Charcoal Gray | Modern homes with light siding |
| Weathered Wood | Traditional homes with brick or stone |
| Slate Gray | Homes with light-colored exteriors |
| Driftwood | Homes with neutral or earthy elements |
| Pewter | Cottage or rustic homes surrounded by greenery |
2. Align Shingle Color with Your Home’s Architectural Style
Your home’s style heavily influences your shingle color choice. Modern Fargo homes benefit from sleek colors like charcoal gray or black. Traditional homes pair better with warmer shades like weathered wood or brown, enhancing their classic appeal.
Selecting shingles that match your home’s design creates a cohesive look. Here’s a quick reference for recommended colors by architectural style:
| Architectural Styles | Recommended Shingle Colors |
| Modern | Charcoal Gray, Black |
| Traditional | Weathered Wood, Brown |
| Cottage/Rustic | Forest Green, Warm Gray, Red |
| Colonial | Slate Gray, Deep Red |
3. Achieve the Perfect Balance With Contrasting Shingle and Siding Colors
Using color contrast effectively showcases your Fargo home’s best features. Dark shingles like black or brown paired with light siding create a striking roofline. Conversely, light shingles with darker exteriors offer a soft, inviting look.
Here’s how color combinations can enhance curb appeal:
| Siding Color | Recommended Shingle Colors |
| Light Gray or White | Charcoal, Black |
| Dark Brown or Black | Light Gray, Beige |
| Red or Brick | Slate Gray, Black |
| Beige or Cream | Dark Brown, Slate |
Why Choosing the Right Shingle Color Matters
In Fargo, selecting the right shingle color goes beyond looks. It’s one of the first details people notice, so it should enhance your home’s exterior.
A thoughtfully chosen shingle color ties together elements like siding, trim, and landscaping. Investing time in this decision can pay off by affecting maintenance frequency and your home’s long-term value.
Adheres to Neighborhood Guidelines
Before selecting a shingle color, check your homeowners association’s (HOA) rules. Most HOAs in Fargo require homeowners to obtain approval before making any changes to their home’s exterior. This includes the choice of shingle color. For example, certain neighborhoods may favor classic hues like gray, brown, or earth tones that blend with the local landscape.
Failing to adhere to HOA guidelines can lead to complications, such as fines or requirements to change the roof color. Starting the approval process early helps avoid potential delays or unexpected costs.
Helps With Energy Bills
Shingle color impacts your roof’s temperature. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, dark shingles absorb heat, making roofs up to 50°F hotter than light-colored roofs. This increased heat absorption can lead to higher indoor temperatures, especially during Fargo’s hot summer months.
In Fargo, summer temperatures can reach the upper 80s to low 90s, occasionally spiking even higher during heat waves.
Dark shingles absorb more sunlight, making attics hotter and increasing reliance on air conditioning in the summer. While this can raise energy bills and strain cooling systems, the heat absorption in winter helps prevent sewer stacks and other roof components from freezing and underperforming while also reducing snow buildup.
Conversely, light-colored shingles reflect more sunlight, keeping roofs cooler and reducing the demand for air conditioning in warmer months.
Affects Roof Lifespan in Hot Climates
The right shingle color is important for your roof’s lifespan. In hotter climates, dark shingles absorb more heat, leading to increased temperatures on the roof. This extra heat can accelerate wear and tear, resulting in more frequent repairs and a shorter lifespan for the roof. In contrast, lighter colors reflect sunlight to maintain a cooler roof, reducing the risk of heat damage.
Although it experiences less extreme heat than hotter regions, summer temperatures in Fargo can still rise. During the harsh winter months, the area experiences subzero temperatures and heavy snow. This climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers, affects roofing materials.
Influences Home Resale Value
Shingle color significantly affects first impressions, making it important for resale value. Neutral colors like gray, black, and brown appeal to buyers, offering versatility with various exterior styles.
In warmer climates, lighter shades enhance energy efficiency, while darker shades suit colder areas. Green shingles provide a modern touch, complementing different home styles and natural surroundings, enhancing elegance and curb appeal.
Consult Now for the Best Shingle Color Options in Fargo
Selecting the perfect shingle color can be tough, but Allstar Construction is ready to assist. Our knowledgeable team will guide you through options that suit your home’s style and local climate. We can provide samples, digital visualizations, and expert recommendations to help you feel confident in your choice.
Ready to find the ideal color for your roof? Contact us at 218-209-4699 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation today!
