Metal roofing is known for its long lifespan, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. It comes in a wide selection of colors, finishes, and styles, and more choices for metal roofing systems are available today than ever before. The different metal roofing options each have a different look and feel, making it a challenge to pick the best one for your business or structure. When considering what to choose for your home, refer to our guide on metal roof color trends and pick the best color for your structure.
Top Metal Roof Colors
One determining factor to help in choosing the best metal roof color for your business or home depends is the geographical location. The right color allows the roof to better blend in with the surroundings:
- Deserts and plains: Warm earth tones like terracotta, light tan, and light gray.
- Forests and mountains: Cool earth tones like slate gray, hunter green, and rust.
- Tropical: Bright and vibrant colors like slate blue, copper penny, and sage green.
The building’s architecture also influences metal roofing color trends:
- Modern: Dark colors like black ore, gray zinc, and weathered gray.
- Contemporary: Bold shades like black to match the unique architecture.
- Spanish: Old and rustic colors like terracotta, deep red, and rust.
- Farmhouse: Classic colors like white, red, and dark gray.
How to Choose a Metal Roof Color
Since metal roofs last a long time, it’s important to choose a color you’ll like for years to come. Here are some items to consider when choosing a metal roof color.
1. Paint Finish Quality
A quality paint finish will make your metal roof more resistant to harsh outdoor elements. It will also help in maintaining your roof’s good appearance. Go for a paint finish that’s been treated with a special acrylic resin that blocks ultraviolet (UV) light. This finish will prevent early fading, peeling, corrosion, rust, and water infiltration. For an additional layer of protection against sunlight, mildew, and moisture, you can also have different types of coatings and sealants applied to your roof.
2. Your Building’s Exterior
Your top metal roof colors should coordinate with the look of your building. Choose a metal roof color that contrasts with the exterior walls to make your building stand out. If you’re going for a more classic look, then you can pick complementary colors. Bare metals, such as galvalume, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, zinc, and copper, will give a structure a more modern and distinct look with its natural color.
The metal roof color will change in different lighting conditions — daytime light makes the roof bright, and subdued light at sundown dims the color. Examine your color samples at different times to make sure you are happy with the color throughout the day. You can also consult a skilled roofing contractor to help you determine which roof color would complement your exterior.
3. Your Building’s Roofline
Metal roof colors affect the look of the entire building. If your structure has a low roof or a shallow pitch, light color can make the building look taller. If your roof is tall, a dark color can make it look less overwhelming.
4. Your Neighborhood’s Trends
While the color you choose for your metal roof should coordinate with your home’s exterior and personal preferences, you should also consider the typical roof colors in your neighborhood. A color that is too different from your neighbors may make your house the least attractive on the block.
If you’re part of a homeowner’s association (HOA), make sure that your chosen color meets their regulations. Your HOA may have a list of approved colors, or they may need to approve your color choice before installation.
5. Energy Efficiency
The roof color you’ll choose can have an impact on your building’s overall appearance, as well as your energy costs. Lighter roof colors reflect more solar heat than dark-colored ones. If you live in a warm climate, you can benefit from white, light bronze, beige, light green, or blue metal roofs. You can save up to 30% on your monthly energy bills with a light-colored roof. Light-colored metal roofs can be cooler than asphalt shingle roofs by 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, metal roofs in dark colors can still have high energy efficiency ratings. If you live in a cool climate, or your house has a well-ventilated attic space, a dark color will not decrease your energy performance.
Metal Roof Services at Scro’s Roofing Company
Metal roofs are a durable roofing choice. They can withstand tree branches, debris, UV light, and more, but they still need the right care. The roofing experts at Scro’s Roofing can help you with metal roof repairs and replacements. We can fix dents, apply coatings, and repair punctures and other damage to make your metal roof look its best. As a local, family-owned company, we understand the roofing needs of residences in Raleigh and the Triangle area, and we will do all we can for your metal roof.
Get a New Metal Roof From Scro’s Roofing
For reliable residential and commercial roof replacement services, turn to Scro’s Roofing Company. We also specialize in storm damage roof repair and seamless gutter installation. Call us at 919-551-5104, or complete our contact form to request a free estimate.
*last updated 1/18/21