5 Easy Tips to Choose the Best Roof Color for Your Home

Choosing the right roof colour is more important than you might think. It’s not just about looks—it also affects your home’s temperature, energy use, resale value, and how well it fits in with your neighbourhood. The right roof colour should match your home’s style and the surrounding area while offering long-term benefits.

1. Match Your Home’s Architectural Style

Your roof makes up roughly 40% of your home’s exterior, so it has a major impact on the overall appearance and curb appeal of your property. Keystone Roofing suggests that the colour should match the style and materials of your home for a balanced appearance.

Mediterranean or Spanish Revival: Choose warm colours like terracotta, gold, or sand with white stucco and curved details.
Coastal or Cape Cod: Cool colours like light grey, blue, or slate look great with simple siding and white trim.
Modern or Contemporary: Bold and dark tones like black or deep grey work well with sleek, minimal designs.
Traditional or Colonial: Classic shades like chestnut, warm grey, or natural slate complement brick or neutral-coloured siding.
Rustic or Craftsman: Natural, earthy tones such as brown, forest green, or copper pair beautifully with wood, stone, and other organic finishes, enhancing the home’s warm and inviting character.

You can choose a colour that blends in for a clean look or go bold for contrast.

2. Consider Curb Appeal and Roofing Material

A stylish roof can improve your home’s curb appeal and increase its resale value. But don’t forget that the material matters as much as the colour.

Tile roofs are ideal for Mediterranean homes.
Cedar shingles suit Cape Cod and coastal styles.
Metal roofs are great for modern homes and offer a sleek, durable look.
Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for traditional homes due to their cost-effectiveness.
Wood or shake roofing adds charm to rustic designs.

Metal roofing, especially stone-coated types, is a smart choice. It lasts 40 to 80 years and stands up well to the weather. It also mimics the look of other materials, while requiring less upkeep. Homeowners often recover up to 95% of the cost when they sell.

3. Check HOA or Community Rules

Before making your final choice, check if your neighbourhood has HOA or city rules. Some places restrict certain colours or materials to keep a uniform look. Historic areas may also require certain styles to maintain the home’s original charm.

4. Think About Energy Efficiency

Roof colour affects how much heat your home absorbs. Light-colored roofs reflect sunlight and help keep your home cooler—great for hot climates. Darker roofs absorb heat, which can help in colder areas.

New roofing options, like DECRA’s stone-coated metal roofs, offer special coatings that reflect sunlight, even in darker shades. This can improve energy efficiency by 30–50%.

5. Request a Sample Before Deciding

Always ask for a real sample of the roof colour. This helps you see how it looks with your home’s paint and trim and ensures it meets any neighbourhood or HOA requirements.