Color Combinations for Residential Metal Roofs

Many of our customers find that once they have chosen to install a metal roof, the most difficult decision can be selecting which color to use. After all, metal panels are painted and coated using high-quality systems and aren’t limited on color options like when installing shingles. The options are abundant when selecting a color for your metal roof!

While paint and color trends come and go, you want the color selection on your metal roof to stand the test of time. You also want the roof color to complement and accent the exterior of your home. There are tried-and-true color combinations that homeowners can use as a guidepost when selecting a paint color for their metal roof system and home’s exterior.

These are some of the most popular color combinations used on metal roofing systems:

High-Contrast Colors

Even before the farmhouse craze took off, the combination of a dark roof with a light home exterior has been a classic color choice. There is nothing more classic than black and white. The aesthetic is clean and polished and works well for many home styles. Depending on the style of your home, the color combination can appear classic and traditional or sleek and modern. Charcoal and Matte Black are popular metal roof color choices to achieve this look. 

Coastal Colors

Pairing a soft-colored home exterior with a metallic or light-colored metal roof is a staple style in coastal communities, but these soft and easy-going color combinations can work well in most residential environments. Many homeowners pair their light-color metal roofs with soft blues,  greens, or white exteriors. Light Stone, Almond, and white are the go-to choices when wanting a lighter metal roof color. 

Bright & Lively Colors

There are also less subtle color combinations that can achieve a lively statement with your home. Many homeowners pair eye-catching greens and reds with white and off-white exteriors to make their homes stand out. Some popular metal roof color selections for achieving this look are Evergreen, Brite Red, and Autumn Red. 

Earth Tones and Natural Colors

Combining earth tones with natural home exteriors is another proven aesthetic we’ve seen customers select again and again. By combining warm colors on a metal roof with natural elements like wood, stone, and brick, a home complements its natural environment. This color combination is widely popular in mountainous, lakeside, or other scenic locations. Green tones, of which McElroy Metal offers many options, and Bravo Red are popular metal roof color selections. There are many popular brown and bronze color tones, as well, including Tudor Brown, Mansard Brown, and Surrey Beige.

Tone-on-Tone Combinations

Whether you choose a light or dark color palette, opting for a color on your metal roof that blends with the exterior color of your home is a guaranteed success. Many customers combine eggshell whites with soft beige-colored metal roofs to create an elegant home appearance. Surrey Beige and Champagne have been popular customer selections to achieve this style.

More recently, architects have been using dark colors in this same way. Dark charcoal or black siding and painted brick combined with dark-colored metal roofs, like Matte Black or Charcoal, create an ultra-modern and sophisticated look to a home’s exterior.

By working with McElroy Metal on your residential home project, customers have the advantage of our broad experience. With more than 60 years in business, McElroy Metal has developed a variety of tools and resources to further assist homeowners in this decision-making process.

• Review our full-color charts for each residential metal roofing panel style.
• Click through our residential metal roofing photo gallery to find inspiration for your project.
• Upload a picture of your home into our Visualizer tool to try different color options.
• Take advantage of our professional interactive designs provided by Renoworks. For $40 an image, an expert can create precise visualizations for your project.

Here are some questions homeowners often ask us about metal roofing colors:

How long do metal roof colors typically last before fading or needing repainting?

Many manufacturers offer warranties of 30 years or more on their paint finishes; however, the actual performance and exacted lifespan can vary depending on factors like the specific paint system used, local climate conditions, and exposure to sunlight.

We recommend PVDF/Kynar 500® Coatings, which offer like-new curb appeal for decades thanks to their superior fade and chalk resistance compared to Silicone Modified Polyester (SMP) paint systems.

Are there any energy efficiency benefits to choosing certain metal roof colors over others?

Yes, the color of a metal roof can affect its energy efficiency. Generally, lighter colors reflect more sunlight and heat, which can help keep a home cooler in warm climates and potentially reduce cooling costs. 

Conversely, darker colors absorb more heat, which might be a benefit in colder climates. Some manufacturers also offer specially formulated "cool roof" colors that provide high solar reflectance regardless.

But there is more to the energy story! The type of coating makes a difference too.

Metal roofing offers a diverse range of colors and finishes. Recent advancements in paint technology have allowed manufacturers to incorporate reflective pigments, enhancing the inherent reflective properties of metal panels. Metal roofing treated with these reflective paint systems is known as cool metal roofing.

Cool metal roofing is characterized by high solar reflectivity and thermal emittance. Reflectivity measures how much energy is deflected from the roof's surface, while thermal emittance indicates the roof's capacity to release absorbed heat. These properties work in tandem to reduce the roof's heat absorption, resulting in less heat penetrating the roof system, attic, and living spaces. 

This leads to lower interior temperatures and reduced utility loads. The impact on energy efficiency is significant, with studies indicating that cool metal roofing can reduce cooling energy costs by up to 20%.

Learn more about metal roofs and energy efficiency.

What are the price differences, if any, between various metal roof color options?

Usually, standard colors offered by manufacturers don't vary significantly in price. However, custom colors, metallic finishes, or specialized coatings may come at a premium. 

How does the choice of metal roof color affect the resale value of a home?

The impact of roof color on resale value can vary depending on local preferences and trends. 

Generally, choosing a color that complements the home's style and fits well with the neighborhood aesthetic can positively impact resale value. Neutral colors or those that match regional preferences (like lighter colors in hot climates) may appeal to a broader range of potential buyers. However, the overall quality and condition of the roof typically matter more than color when it comes to home value.

Are there any local regulations or homeowners' association rules that commonly restrict metal roof color choices?

Many homeowners' associations (HOAs) and some local municipalities do have rules regarding roof colors and materials. These regulations can vary widely, but they often aim to maintain a cohesive look within a neighborhood. Some common restrictions might include:

• Limiting color choices to a pre-approved palette
• Requiring colors to complement the home's exterior
• Prohibiting very bright or unusual colors
• Mandating that roofs match or coordinate with others in the neighborhood

It's always advisable for homeowners to check their local regulations and HOA rules, if applicable, before deciding on their metal roof color.