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Metal roof color choice - opinions?

8 years ago

Building the retirement/dream home, and we're within a few days of having the roof framed and sheathed. Most decisions haven't been terribly difficult for us, but we've had some angst over the roof color. It's crunch time - decision needs to be made next week.

Siding will be Nichiha Sierra Premium shake, pre-painted in grey ("Shadow".) Roof will be 24g metal snaplock style, 16" ribs. House is in the PNW, so as far as colors go - we're not concerned about heat from darker colors - just the aesthetics.

I've got a favorite, as does my lovely wife - both color combos shown below. Black and grey, basically. While we've yet to come to an agreement, neither of us dislike the other's choice - so it's a minor battle. So, we thought we'd toss it out for some feedback from strangers. ;)

Windows, trim and gutters will be white. Opinions? Thanks!

Featured Answer

User

8 years ago

Lovely home! I see there is a light choice and a darker ...Here is something we read when we were thinking about a metal roof: "The color of your roof plays a major role in helping make your home more
energy-efficient, so taking this into consideration will help you save
money on your monthly electric bill. Lighter color roofs reflect sun’s
heat much better than darker colors. In fact, a white metal roof is
Energy Star rated as a cool roof, and can be 50 to 60 degrees cooler
than a dark color asphalt shingles roof. It is best to choose a light
color metal such as white, light bronze, beige, peach, light green or
blue, if you live in a region that has a lot of sun and a hotter
climate. A light color of the roof will protect your home from
unpleasant heat, as well as help to lower your monthly energy expenses
by as much as 20-30%. On the other hand, if your home is located in a
cooler climate and remains rather cold even in the summer, it is better
to choose a darker color, as it will absorb heat from the sun, helping
keep your house warm." Hope this helps!

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Comments (12)

tibbrix
8 years ago
I like the top one.
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potchiemagoodleberry, I couldn't agree more with your idea. I would absolutely LOVEEEE to do a metal roof and I think it would make this house really pop. I'm convinced it's the option and best fit for this style architect. However, with the obstacles in place, that being the 4 sky lights, cost and remaining time I plan to live here, it isn't in my best interest. I don't know what the return on imvestiment is, but I'd also have to fight to get the HOA's bylaws changed. They current don't allow it, however, I'm confident I could get a variance for approval. I did consider just doing the portion over the garage with metal and the other portion asphalt due to the four skiy lights, but my gut says, it would look too chopped up and ultimately it wouldn't look right.
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Houseofsticks
8 years ago
1st one.
handmethathammer
8 years ago
Is that a piece of the siding with the roof samples? While I like the gray roof better (black is so severe), I don't know how that would look to have the roof the same color as the house.

So I suppose I vote for the black.
jlc712
8 years ago
I think a lighter house body with a darker roof is most typical, and that's what I prefer. I went looking for some examples of a lighter roof. Here's some examples of both-
Tellico Cabin · More Info

Lewis Residence · More Info

Custom Agrarian Residence · More Info

Sunflower Farm Cabin · More Info

Custom Agrarian Style Residence · More Info

Pole Creek exterior · More Info
Not Joe thanked jlc712
daisychain Zn3b
8 years ago
I like the darker colour. We went from a light grey roof to a dark charcoal and love it.
voila
8 years ago
I like the darker color for the roof, just like their inspiration picture.

http://www.nichiha.com/sierrapremium
Nothing Left to Say
8 years ago
Just based on looks, I like the darker roof with the siding choice. I think the contrast would look better than a near match.
rockybird
8 years ago
I think I like the darker color also.
amykath
8 years ago
I prefer the darker color. I think it will add more interest to your home. Looking forward to progress pictures!
Not Joe
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for all the feedback, everyone!

We've agreed on the darker black/charcoal color. I'll follow up with pics once it and the siding are on.

Now...off for some kitchen advice.
juddgirl2
8 years ago
Congratulations on building your retirement home! I also like the contrast of the darker roof.

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