Would you limit yourself to a single haircut, car or restaurant for the next 20-30 years? Chances are, no way. Think of how long roofs last when replaced and the commitment of that decision. It’s a product that is not going to need changing up every few years so when making a buying decision, make sure you invest wisely and do your homework ahead of time.
Installing a new roof a high dollar investment and you should consider many options including contractors, materials, warranties, your personal style and taste and the architecture of your home. Do you live in a neighborhood with HOA limitations and restrictions; do you know your local municipality code requirements?
Follow these three C’s to choose a style and color that will suit your home for the long haul.
COMMUNICATE
Before making any decisions, find out if there are any rules or regulations you need to follow. Many HOA’s have color and/or material rules in place to ensure the neighborhood is up to par from the standards they have set.
If you are not part of an association with rules, it may be wise to check in with your neighbors to see if they have any thoughts on whether to blend in with the neighborhood or be bold and choose a style or architectural shingle and color that will make your home stand out.
COMPLEMENT
Your shingle style and color should work with all of the other elements of your home. Does your home have bricks or siding? Is it painted? If so, what colors? Is it a rustic or modern design? A rustic home may call for a shake-looking shingle that would pair well with the rustic architecture of the home. A modern property may do better with bold colors and a creative architectural shingle or tile. Remember, a roof that looks great on a Victorian home may not work with a sprawling ranch style home.
COMPARE
The Internet is a sea of information on roofing material styles and colors. Be sure to make sure you have reviewed as many options and manufacturers as possible. Manufacturer warranties are also important to look in to. Most have workmanship and material warranties right on their website. Some manufacturers even have virtual home builders on their websites where you can upload a photo of your home and preview various product options and colors. You want to make sure you are going to be satisfied with the result because roof replacement is expensive and it’s going to be protecting your home for the next 20-30 years.
Finally, one more C to consider, Curb Appeal. If you are planning on staying in your home for quite awhile, you’ll want to choose a style and color that uniquely reflects your taste and style. If you are planning on selling, your roof can make up as much as 40% of your curb appeal. In this case, it’s always wise to go with a more neutral color that will be more appealing to prospective buyers.
