Deciding on a metal roof was easy with a 50-60 year life expectancy and 25-40% annual energy savings. Deciding on the color may be a bit more challenging. Not only do you want your roof to look great, but you also want to ensure that it complements your home's architecture and suits your style.
Choosing the perfect metal roof color is a great way to make your home stand out in the neighborhood. Unlike shingles, metal panels coated with a high-performance system like Fluropon® 70% PVDF (containing Kynar 500® resins or WeatherXL(TM) Silicone Modified Polyester (SMP) give you various color options and combinations.
McElroy Metal partners with Sherwin Williams® for our coil coatings.
When we spoke with Sherwin Williams® Architectural Color Designer Brynn Wildenauer recently, she mentioned several interesting 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 modern homes and buildings.
Trends are important, but how do you go from the theoretical to actually picking your roof color?
Start by asking what is your home's style.
When selecting the ideal color for your metal roof, it's essential to consider your home's distinctive style. The color you choose can significantly influence the overall aesthetic and curb appeal.
First, look at your home's exterior and consider its color scheme. You want your roof color to coordinate with the other colors of your home, such as the siding, trim, and shutters.
A classic metal roof color like silver or charcoal would be a great choice if your home is painted in neutral tones like beige or gray. If your home has a more colorful palette, consider a roof color that complements one of the accent colors on your home.
Here's an exploration of how different metal roof colors can enhance a few examples of architectural styles:
- Farmhouse Charm: A red metal roof can work wonders if your home boasts the classic charm of farmhouse-style architecture. This vibrant color choice can inject a burst of energy and character into the farmhouse's traditional design. It captures attention and complements the rustic, welcoming atmosphere that defines farmhouse living.
- Natural Harmony: A green metal roof can create a harmonious connection with the natural surroundings for homes nestled in wooded or scenic areas. The earthy tones of green blend seamlessly with the landscape, making your home appear as if it's an organic part of the environment. This choice evokes a sense of serenity and blends effortlessly with trees, foliage, and the great outdoors.
- Modern Elegance: For homeowners with a taste for contemporary design, a sleek metal roof in a bold color like black can elevate the look of a modern-style home. Black exudes sophistication and contrasts beautifully with the clean lines and minimalist features typical of modern architecture. It's a choice that adds a touch of drama and creates a striking visual impact.
Ultimately, your metal roof's color should enhance your home's style and reflect your unique taste and personality.
Check out our Visualizer to see what your home would look like with different metal roofing colors.
Other Factors to Consider When Selecting a Metal Roof Color
What is your environment?
When deciding on the color of your metal roof, taking your local climate into account is crucial. Color choice can significantly impact your home's comfort, energy efficiency, and durability.
Here's a closer look at how climate considerations can influence your decision.
Reflective Light in Hot Climates: Lighter-colored metal roofs are a practical choice in regions with scorching summers and high temperatures. These hues, such as whites, light grays, or pastel shades, possess excellent reflective properties. They bounce back a significant portion of the sunlight, preventing excessive heat buildup within your home.
This reflective quality helps maintain a cooler indoor environment and reduces the need for constant air conditioning during the hot months, potentially lowering energy bills.
Heat Absorption in Cold Climates: Conversely, darker-colored metal roofs can be advantageous if you reside in colder climates with harsh and frigid winters. Colors like deep blues, rich browns, or classic blacks are excellent choices. Darker hues are more effective at absorbing sunlight and heat, aiding in snow and ice melting on the roof's surface.
This helps prevent the formation of ice dams, which can lead to water damage and leaks. The extra warmth the roof absorbs can contribute to better insulation and energy retention during chilly weather.
Resisting Fading and Discoloration: Beyond climate considerations, selecting a metal roof color that can withstand the local weather conditions over time is essential. Some colors may be more prone to fading or discoloration due to sunlight, rain, or pollutant exposure.
Ultimately, it’s important to opt for high-quality coating options, such as Fluropon® 70% PVDF (containing Kynar 500®) resin paint systems, which are designed to resist fading and maintain its vibrant appearance, ensuring your home looks great year after year.
Local Regulations and Restrictions: Lastly, be aware of any local regulations or homeowners' association guidelines that might limit your choices. Some areas may have restrictions on roof colors or panel styles to maintain neighborhood aesthetics, so check with local authorities or associations before making a final decision.
What is your personal style?
Your home is not just a physical structure; it's where you create cherished memories and find comfort. The color of your metal roof can evoke emotions and feelings. For instance, if you adore tranquil blues and greens, a roof in these shades can instill a sense of serenity and harmony every time you come home. On the other hand, if you have a more adventurous spirit, a striking and unconventional roof color may resonate with your sense of individuality.
Your home's exterior, including the roof, is the first thing visitors and passersby notice. It's like the cover of a book, setting the tone for what's inside. Choosing a metal roof color that resonates with your personal style ensures that your home makes a positive and lasting impression. Whether you have a penchant for vibrant, bold hues or prefer the timeless elegance of classic shades, your roof color can be a powerful tool for expressing your personality.
Your metal roof is a durable and long-lasting investment. It's not something you change frequently, so choosing a color you genuinely love is essential. Your home should reflect your individuality. Choosing a metal roof color that resonates with your personal style allows you to stand out in your neighborhood and express your unique taste.
By considering your unique preferences, emotional connection, and long-term satisfaction, you can choose to enhance your home's curb appeal and enrich your daily life. Your metal roof becomes more than just protection; it expresses your identity and taste.
When choosing the color for your metal roof, consider your home's color scheme, architectural style, environment, and personal style.
Considering these factors, you can select a metal roof color that looks great and performs well for years.
Selecting roof and wall colors has never been easier, thanks to our new and improved color selection tools.
The Impact of Paint System on Your Roof Color
Adding a metal roof to your home means decades of reliable, low-maintenance service. However, not all paint coating technologies are the same.
Since metal roofing and siding panels are continually exposed to nature's elements, care must be taken to ensure the selected paint coating system matches long-term performance and aesthetic expectations.
Check out this article that explains in depth the importance of quality coatings, what to consider when choosing a roof coating, and the various options available.
To keep a metal roof looking as good as the day it was installed, we recommend a Fluropon® (containing Kynar 500® resins) paint system.
Fluropon® (containing Kynar 500® resins) paint systems cost a bit more upfront than other paint systems, but they offer the best long-term performance available.
You can learn more about color and paint systems and what makes Fluropon® (containing Kynar 500® resins) paint system the superior paint system here.
Learn More
Need some help selecting a metal roof system? Contact us at any time to learn more about our roofing solutions.
Learn everything you need to know about Residential Metal Roofing. Check out our metal roofing resources for inspiration and answers to your questions.
About McElroy Metal
Since 1963, McElroy Metal has served the construction industry with quality products and excellent customer service. The employee-owned components manufacturer is headquartered in Bossier City, La., and has 14 manufacturing facilities across the United States. Quality, service and performance have been the cornerstone of McElroy Metal’s business philosophy and have contributed to the success of the company through the years. As a preferred service provider, these values will continue to be at the forefront of McElroy Metal’s model along with a strong focus on the customer.
Topics: Education, Metal Roofing, FAQ, Residential, Substrates and Coatings
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