When considering a new roof, it’s easy to get caught up in the allure of a visually aesthetic color. How can your roof make your home stand out from the neighbors? What color will best complement your exterior paint?
If you live in an area with hot summers or frigid winters, you’ll want to consider more than the aesthetics when choosing a roof color. Let’s discuss the best color options for your Fayetteville roof so you can decide which is suitable for your home.
Your roof is a significant investment. When trying to decide what color roof you’ll choose, there are some things you should keep in mind. Color options will also vary based on the material and manufacturer. Ultimately, you’ll want to select the option that lasts the longest and looks best on your home.
On top of considering the style and roofing materials, you’ll need to consider where your home is located. It is exposed to powerful UV rays and higher energy costs may drive you to select a more reflective roof, usually of a lighter color. Do you live in an area with lots of rain and snow? Do you need lighter colors to help keep your home cool or darker colors to help keep your home warm? There is so much to consider when it comes to color!
Light-Colored Roofs are Best at Reflecting Light
Light-colored roofs are great at reflecting light. This can be good or bad, depending on where you live. It’ll keep your house cooler in the summer as the sun heats up the roof and reflects the heat back into your home. In the winter, it keeps heat from escaping, so it doesn’t get too cold inside. Check out our post on How Long Does a Roof Last in Arkansas if you want to learn more about How Long Will My Roof Last.
Darker Roofs Keep Your House Warm in Winter…and Summer
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose a darker-colored roof is to keep their homes warm in the cooler weather. Darker roofs can absorb more heat than lighter ones, reducing heating costs by lowering the inside temperature. If you live in an area where temperatures rise above 80 degrees F, you should stay away from a darker roof as they also get hot in the summer and can drive up your energy usage…costing you more money.
Choosing a Coating Color for flat roofs
When you decide to replace your roof and add a coating to the flat roofing material, you’ll want to consider which color is best for your specific home. There are two common types of pigments to consider:
- Metallic pigments use metal elements like silver and zinc to give them a metallic look. Although they’re more expensive than carbon-based pigments, they are typically low-maintenance and don’t require frequent touch-ups. They last for about 30 years before fading to gray or white.
- Carbon-based black or browns have been around since ancient times but don’t tend to be durable in terms of longevity. They can fade after several years, so they aren’t ideal for homes exposed to powerful UV rays.
Choose the Right Color for Your Homes Roof with Our Fayetteville Roofing Team
Ultimately, the best decision for your roof will be based on your own preference and needs. Discuss your options with an FES Roofing team member if you’re looking for a long-lasting roof. We’re here to help you find the best choice for your needs.