| Selecting the Right Color for your RoofRoofing ColorsIt is no easy task to visualizing the right color exterior for your home from a 1"x2" sample. The impact of a full roof replacement on the look of your home is significant. The choice you will make will be something you will likely look at for decades to come.Here are things to consider when choosing a color for your shinglesColor selection falls into four different styles you might want to choose: contemporary, classic, trendy, or historic. For any of them you have to determine the level of risk you want to take with your choice. Higher risk can have higher return and vise versa. For example, a red and blue color combo can make your house stand out in a positive way and it also can have a reverse affecet. Low risk color choices tend to rang from gray, white, black, or beige. Higher risk choices would range from high contrast to less common color options. To determine your contrast you will have to examine your color choice against items that are going to stay the same color such as your siding, windows, brick, paint, foundations, and masonry.Contrast is not not necessarily bad or intimidating. It is actually one of the main components you will be working with. Take note of those items that will not change and compare your color choice with them. Most home owners choose a color that doesn't create a dramatic change in color, texture, or value. At the same time, you want your house to stand out as an exceptionally beautiful house.Here are some of the contrast types you should consider:High: created by multiple color difference between your roof and the other elements that are staying the same. High contrast is great at making detailed parts of your house stand out. As a result, high contrast would go well with homes with multiple architectural items that are worth pointing out; items such as exquisite windows, inviting porches, or detailed masonry.Light vs. dark: typically, light colors will enlarge the perception of your home's size while dark will make your house seem smaller. Additionally, light colored homes will not retain heat from the sun while darker colored house will retain and absorb the heat from the sun. It also important to realize that the lightest part of your house will attract the eye first, thus it will be one of the first things people see.A Mix: usually the hardest to achieve as it involves a balance between warm and light colors giving your house a sophisticated and admired look. Lighter colors such as yellow, and orange will make items stand out in your home while darker color such as green, blue, gray will make items less noticeable.Regardless of contrast level, color balance vertically and horizontally is important. Vertical balance will create a continuous link from the top to the bottom of your house. Horizontal balance will connect elements across your house from one side to another.Here are the three steps you should take to choosing your color * Look through sample magazines, houses, and pictures and try to get a feel for what you want. * Narrow your decision down by eliminating rather than selecting new colors. Color disagreement among decision makers is common at this point * finalize your selection by looking at real samples with the exact colors you are considering.Be advised, once construction starts, the color of the first few shingles being put up can be deceiving and you may want to change your mind. At this point, it is best to stick to your decisions as some of the components are still under construction. |
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