How to Choose Metal Roof Color

Deciding on a metal roof was easy, but deciding on the color of that metal roofing may be more challenging. Not only do you want your roof to look great, but you want to make sure it complements your home's architecture and suits your personal style.

Choosing the perfect paint system for your metal roof is a great way to make your home stand out in the neighborhood and ensure that it looks good for the duration of your roof's lifespan.

What Are Paint Systems?

Unlike shingles, metal panels are coated with a high-performance paint system, which gives you an incredible array of color options and endless color combinations.

Coatings, or paint systems, play an essential role in the overall performance of a painted metal panel. Because metal roofing and siding panels are continually exposed to nature's elements, the right products must be used to ensure the selected coating system matches long-term performance and aesthetic expectations.

The most popular coatings for metal panels are PVDF (Kynar 500®), silicone-modified polyester (SMP), and polyester. Of the three, our Kynar 500^® coatings provide the best protection against fade and chalk and are proven to provide the best long-term performance.

Recognized for their ability to provide long-term protection and durability, PVDF resin-based coatings offer homeowners and commercial building owners beautiful roofs that retain curb appeal year after year.

To create our beautiful selection of colors, McElroy Metal partners with Sherwin Williams^® Coil Coatings. Sherwin Williams® has so much to offer in color and quality.

We recently spoke with Sherwin Williams® Color Expert Brynn Wildenauer about current trends in paint colors, and we look forward to seeing the trends she highlighted in our future projects.

2024 Paint Color Trends

• Neutrals: Light neutrals are warming up, moving from cool whites to softer, more inviting tones.
• Metallics: High sparkle coatings are transitioning to satin finishes, offering a more natural appearance.
• Dark Tones: Colors like navy and dark green are gaining popularity, often adapting to neutral palettes.
• Texture: There's a growing interest in texturized finishes, providing depth and character to coatings.

Interestingly, these color trends apply to exterior surfaces and interior spaces, creating a cohesive look for homes and buildings. Another benefit of our partnership with Sherwin Williams® paint for your roof is that you can easily coordinate the rest of your home.

How To Choose Your Perfect Roof Color

1. Take note of your home's colors and consider your existing color scheme. You want your roof color to coordinate with the other colors of your home, like your siding, trim, shutters, and garage doors. For example, a classic metal roof color like silver or charcoal would be a great pairing with a home painted in neutral tones like beige or gray. If your home has a more vibrant palette, consider a roof color that matches one of your accent colors or something light and neutral to offset the colors.
2. Think about the style of your home. Different roof colors can enhance architectural styles and bring subtle features to light. For example, a red metal roof can give a farmhouse-style home a pop of color, while a green metal roof can complement the natural surroundings of a home set in a wooded area. Consider a sleek metal roof in bold black if you have a modern-style home. There is a color match for every home style!
3. Evaluate the climate in your area. In addition to style, metal roofs offer energy-saving benefits, and selecting the right color for your environment can save you money. Metal roofs in light colors reflect sunlight and can keep your home cooler in hot climates. In fact, depending on the color you select and your project specifics, you can save 25-40% on your energy bill!
4. Remember to take your personal style into account! Your metal roof is a big part of your home's curb appeal, so choose a color that you love, and that makes you happy every time you pull into the driveway.

Visualize It!

If you need some help envisioning your roof color on your home, try our Visualizer tool! View your color options on one of our sample projects, get a complete design experience, or have an expert create a mock-up using your home paired with our roofing colors!

In summary, when choosing the color for your metal roof, consider your home's color palette, architectural style, climate, and your style. With these factors in mind, you will select a metal roof color that looks great and performs well for decades.