Choosing a Color for Roofing Shingles in Grand Rapids Michigan
Has your roof started to fail and you need a new roof installed? Today, there are many new and exciting roofing options that may not have been present when your last roof was installed. Since roofing lasts such a long time it means that the industry makes huge advances and one way you can certainly see that is with the designs and colors that are now available. One choice you’ll have today when getting a new roof in Grand Rapids Michigan is the roof shingles color. Different color roofing shingles can have a huge affect on how energy efficient your home is and the overall appearance and curb appeal of your home. Here are some tips on how you can choose the best roof shingle color for your home and some things you should consider.
Choosing a Color for Roofing Shingles in Grand Rapids Michigan
Roofing shingles today can last for many years. In fact, some roofing shingles can last for more than 40 years. Even low quality economical shingles have a warranty of 15 years or so. While it’s great that the roof will last a long time it can make the choice of roof shingle color that much more important since it will be there for many years to come. And since there really isn’t anything you can do other than get a new roof installed or simply learn to live with it if you choose a roof shingle color that doesn’t look well or perform as you want it, it makes the decision even more important. With that being said, here are some tips to ensure you choose the best roofing shingle color for your home:
Light Colored Roof Shingles
As most people know, lighter surfaces will not absorb heat and UV rays. Using light colored shingles such as a light gray shingle color can help your home be cooler in summer months since the roof will not absorb as much heat. As the roof heats up it will transfer to your home’s attic. So lighter colored shingles will have better energy efficiency during summer months as your air conditioner will not have to work as hard to cool down the home.
Dark Colored Roof Shingles
Darker roof colors can mean more UV rays absorbed along with more heat. This can have an better affect in colder months as the roof can actually help heat your home by using the suns rays. The heat will transfer into the attic and then into the home. This can help to reduce the heating costs on your home as well because it can help reduce the need for your home’s furnace. With either light of dark shingle colors you’ll need to consider the ventilation in your attic as well. If you have proper ventilation the color of the roof shingles will have much less of an effect on heating or cooling costs.
Reflective Roof Shingles
With some of the recent advancements in roofing shingles one of the changes that you may want to consider is the reflective roof shingles. These types of roof shingles are different designs and colors that are more suited for middle of the road type applications. They have reflective granules installed on the roof which can reflect the UV rays away from your home’s roof and keep your roof cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Tree and Snow Covered Roofs
One thing you’ll also need to consider when choosing a roof shingle color is just how much sun your roof gets. If your home is covered by trees which shade the roof the shingle roof color will not have much of an affect on the home’s heating and cooling. Along with that you’ll need to consider how much snow is on your roof each winter as well. Roof shingle color won’t matter if your home’s roof is covered with snow.
Finding a Happy Medium
Choosing a roof shingle color for your home is a big decision. Since most roofing materials last for many years the choice of your roof color will be there for some time and you’ll need to take some time to consider all the options. Be sure to contact Grand Rapids Home Pros today to learn your options and the ways different colors affect your home’s energy efficiency, curb appeal, and more. We also have samples available for you to look at and compare to determine which is best for you.
