Curbside Wow: Boost Your Home's Look With New Shingles

10/12/2007

(ARA) - If you buy a new car, you don't drive around with bald tires. When you buy a new suit, you don't wear it with old tennis shoes. So, when it comes time to remodel your home's exterior, don't forget the roof.

From the curb, the view of your house could be as much as 50 percent roof, which gives it a large visual presence. Updating the roof can have a tremendous impact on the overall look of your home. With that in mind, you should approach your exterior color choices with the same care given when choosing interior colors.

Update the worn, tired looking shingles with fresh shingles, coordinated with your trim and siding in today's popular colors, and you have a whole new look. Nothing helps pump up curb appeal faster, not to mention the additional value for your home.

"Choosing a roof color is just like choosing flooring or wall color. Think about what you like most and what complements your style and your home," says Bert Elliott, product segment leader for residential roofing divisions of Owens Corning.

Here's a hint: cool-colored homes that have blue or grey hues look good with black- or gray-based roofs. Warm colored homes with red or yellow hues are complemented by a brown-based roof. If you look closely at the shingle color, you'll see a combination of different colors that blend together. For example, a shingle that appears brown actually is a blend of cream, tan, green, dark brown or black granules.

By "pulling out" an individual granule color and using this color to paint other exterior elements like siding, trim and entryways, your entire exterior will be coordinated. And your home's appeal from the street will dramatically increase.

Here are some tips from Elliott regarding shingle color:

Complementary colors and shades

Use the highlight color to bring out the special architectural style of your home, as well as the beauty of brick, stone or even trees surrounding your home.

Darker color blends

Provide contrasting color for accenting windows, doors and other architectural elements.

Lighter color blends

Simplify a home's lines and angles, making the home appear larger.

Shingle color isn't the only factor that affects the look of your house. The style of shingle you choose will also help to distinguish your home's exterior.

If you prefer a more consistent, smooth look to your roof, consider a muted color-blend architectural grade shingle.

If you want to add more visual interest to your roof, choose a thicker dimensional shingle with bolder, more vibrant colors. Or, consider slate- or wood shake-look asphalt shingles. These premium grade shingles create a distinctive look without the high cost or concerns that come with slate or shake roofs. Courtesy of ARAcontent