Asphalt Shingle Color Considerations: Resale Implications, Energy Impact, & Aesthetics

You’re getting a new roof.

This means details, decisions, paperwork, and financing options to sort through.

This also means you have an opportunity to change the look of your home. No pressure.

Easiest way to do this? Shingle color.

Shingle color significantly impacts your home’s appearance. 

If you do it right, you can even increase your home’s value more than you’re already doing by investing in a new roof.

To choose the right shingle color, you need to consider a few key details, including resale implications, energy impact, and aesthetics. 

Energy Impact of Asphalt Shingle Colors

In Chester County, PA, where weather conditions range from the hottest month, averaging a high of 86 °F, to the coldest month, averaging a low of 27 °F,  considering energy efficiency is essential.

Light-Colored Shingles: Birchwood, Shakewood, or Arctic White shingles reflect more sunlight, reducing heat absorption and lowering cooling costs during hot Chester County summers.

Some shingle manufacturers offer “cool roof” shingles that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat.

These help lower energy consumption and keep your home more comfortable during warmer months.

Dark Shingles: Charcoal, Pewter Gray, Barkwood, Hunter Green, or Biscayne Blue shingles help absorb heat during cold winters but may increase cooling costs in the summer.

Consider a balance that suits your specific climate needs.

Choose roofing materials and colors that align with Chester County’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Resale Implications

The choice of asphalt shingle color has a significant impact on your home’s resale value. 

91% of consumers and 87% of real estate professionals agreed that a roof with a color coordinating with the rest of the exterior increases a home’s value.

As far as the dollar amount, it depends on the housing market and how important it is to the buyers—an aesthetically pleasing home can sell for thousands more than one with an uncoordinated color palette.

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to opt for a color with broad appeal that increases your home’s marketability.

Neutral colors tend to attract a wider range of potential buyers.

Researching the Chester County real estate market can provide more insights into the specific colors that are in demand.

Consult with local real estate agents for advice.

House Aesthetics

Unless you’re looking to repaint your house, you need to consider how to compliment your home’s existing color palette with your asphalt shingle choice.

You must find harmony between your shingle color, house color, and even the surrounding area. Don’t set one or the other up to fail with a bad color choice.

In Chester County, where colonial, Victorian, farmhouse and modern architectural styles coexist, this can be a challenge. 

When choosing shingle colors, it’s tempting to follow the latest trends.

But you need to proceed with caution—it’s essential to strike a balance between contemporary styles and timeless choices that won’t become outdated in a few years.

Historical Homes: If you reside in a historic home, you should consider adhering to traditional color schemes.

If your home boasts colonial red brick, consider earthy tones like cedar brown or slate gray to create a timeless appeal.

TIP: Classic colors like shades of brown, gray, and black are considered timeless. They not only blend seamlessly with various architectural styles but also have lasting appeal.

Modern Homes: For contemporary homes, you have more flexibility. Bold and contrasting colors add a touch of modernity.

Black or deep charcoal shingles create a striking contrast against a white or light-colored house.

TIP: Be cautious when experimenting with trendy colors. Trends change quickly, and what’s fashionable today may not be in a few years, potentially affecting your home’s resale value. Don’t pick shingles that will be a house’s equivalent to wearing Crocs with socks.

Neutral Homes: If your home features neutral shades like beige or cream, versatile colors like driftwood or sandstone maintain a balanced and elegant appearance.

Supplier Visualizers and Tools

To simplify the color selection process, check if your shingle supplier offers a visualizer or design tool like the GAF VirtualRemodeler.

You just upload a picture of your home or select a model home similar to yours, then experiment away with different shingle colors—like a dressing room for houses.

See how the colors will look on your specific house before you make the decision. It’s not like a pair of pants you can return to the store if they make you look frumpy.

Make the Decision with a Roofer You Trust

Selecting the right asphalt shingle color for your Chester County, PA home is a decision that should not be taken lightly.

You can trust GP Martini Roofing, your local family-owned roofer, to guide you through the selection process so you can find the best shingles for your home, style, and budget.

We can help you with all the decisions, paperwork, and financing options. Request an estimate from GP Martini Roofing.

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