Traditionally, asphalt shingle roofing has been a popular choice for Sarasota homeowners because it was an affordable option as opposed to clay tile or metal roofing. But shingles offered very little in the way of design or style choices. This was not only an aesthetic issue but a practical one. These types of shingles are much more likely to develop patches of algae and moss, resulting in dark streaks which were more apt to blend into the gray and black color palette.
These days, asphalt shingle roofing can be treated to prevent algae deposits, and many manufacturers are offering a diverse range of color options to match any home’s design. Here are some tips on using durable shingles to help beautify your home.
Depending on the pitch of your roof, it can comprise as much as 40% of your home’s visual exterior. This means that people driving past your home have a full view of the roof, which can greatly add or detract from curb appeal. Relaxing at your new pool, entertaining on your newly tiled lanai, or enjoying your beautiful backyard – your roof is nearly always in view. Therefore it is an important element to consider when you are looking at projects to improve the value of your home. Here are some tips to incorporated colored asphalt shingle roofing into your home design.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing – Choosing Color and Design
- Match Your Home’s Personality: Color always infuses personality. With new asphalt shingle color palettes, you can match your home’s architecture, style and design.
- Add Depth and Texture: Mixing various shades will give your roof design interest and eliminate the flat, industrial look of traditional shingle roofing. Interspersing various colors turns your roof into an aesthetic feature, not just a utilitarian one.
- Draw the Eye: Like any design detail, the goal is to draw the eye to features you want to accentuate. So if your home has dormers, large windows, or gables, these can be showcased.
- Take the Home Exterior into Account: While most home in the Sarasota area are stucco – and thus one color – if your home is brick or has siding, it may already have variations in shade and color. In these cases, you should opt for a solid roof palette so as not to clash.
- Remember the Neighborhood: You may need to check with your HOA and get approval to add a new roof with a different color palette. Many Sarasota communities have deed or covenant restrictions on colors used for residences. If you have a design idea which is outside your HOA’s guidelines, submit a request which includes an illustration of how the home will look when the project is finished. (Let Avery Roof Services help you in putting together a presentation of your desired renovation.)
- Consider the Heat: Although the degree to which the color of your roof can affect energy efficiency is a subject of debate, the fact remains that lighter colors do reflect sunlight. (As opposed to darker colors which absorb heat.) Your insulation and ventilation systems play more of a role in keeping your home cool and efficient, but every little bit helps. NO matter which color shingle you choose, you can opt for a reflective UV coating to help direct harsh rays up and off your roof.
Asphalt shingle roofing materials have improved in quality over the last several years, and homeowners can reasonably expect a new shingle roof to last 30 years or more with proper maintenance. If you are considering a new asphalt shingle roof, call Avery Roof Services today. We can help you choose the color, coating and durability which is right for your budget.
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