Matching your roof with the color of your siding is essential for an aesthetically pleasing and balanced appearance. Here is how to coordinate your cedar shingle roof and house colors effectively.
How To Match Roof Shingles To Your House Color
The color variety of cedar shingles gives homeowners versatility in accents and roof-siding combinations. Whether you prefer red cedar shingles, whites or natural hues, you can have your shingles stained to your aesthetic preference.
1. Selecting Staining Vs. Clear Protective Coats
If you like the innate hues of cedar shingles, consider a clear protective coat so your siding and roof benefit from a more natural coating that protects your home. After 6 months, the shingles will began the aging process of turning to a weathered gray.
Select staining if you prefer a consistent color that won't develop a weathering effect. Staining is available in various bold hues, offering you complete customization of your cedar siding and roof. You can opt for a uniform color or select a more novel look if you want a statement combination.
Most homeowners prefer brown and red staining for its warmth and ability to give a home a cozy appearance. Alternatively, gray-stained cedar shingles yield a classic, weathered look.
2. Choosing Light Vs. Dark Combinations
Colors significantly affect whether your home has a subtle or striking appearance. Darker roofs tend to blend seamlessly into environments. Remember that cedar shingle roofs do not come in black, but you can still opt for a darker shade on your roof and lighter siding on the home for a more traditional aesthetic.
Complement your existing siding colors by coordinating similar stains on your cedar roofing shingles. If you have a warm tan or brown color on your house, pair it with a darker brown top. For a gray exterior, consider a dark, gray-hued shingle top.
Some experts say the darkness and lightness of your roof impact your home’s heating and cooling. With cedar shingles, however, the darkness of your chosen stain does not affect energy expenditure. You are free to select colors based on your style without worry that the hue may increase your energy bills.
3. Opting for Contemporary Vs. Classic Palettes
A final consideration is choosing between a contemporary combination or a traditional aesthetic. Modern designs often pair darker siding with colored roofs and use multidimensional shapes. Classic designs typically stick to more solid palettes and traditional cedar shingle designs.
Consider how your selection will blend with the neighborhood. A contemporary cedar shingle design may be an eyesore for neighbors in historical housing regions. You may also be in an area where houses are regulated by a Homeowners Association (HOA). These organizations often have strict guidelines on color combinations and architectural elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are three frequently asked questions answered.
1. What Color Shingles Should You Choose For A Tan House?
Tan, cream or beige houses pair well with brown or copper-hued cedar roofing shingles.
2. Should The Roof Be Darker Or Lighter Than The House?
Cedar shingle colors should be darker than the body of the house. A general rule is to have your siding color a few shades lighter than your cedar roof.
3. What Color Roof Makes A House Look Bigger?
A lighter cedar shingle roof can make a roof appear bigger, while a darker top can make a house look smaller.
Get Inspired By Browsing The Custom Shingle Portfolio
The possibilities of a new roof are exciting. You get the opportunity to reconsider the aesthetic value of your home. With your roof and siding being such major visual components of a house, working with experienced roofing professionals is essential.
Custom Shingles has over 40 years of experience delivering premier decorative wood shingles and cedar shake siding.
Explore our extensive portfolio to get inspired or contact our team to discuss your unique needs.