Why Shingle Color Matters

Shingle color affects your home's curb appeal, energy efficiency, and resale value. It's a decision you'll live with for 20-30 years. Choose wrong, and you'll regret it every time you pull into your driveway.

This guide explains how to choose a shingle color that complements your home, performs well in Fraser Valley's climate, and maximizes resale value.

The Three Factors to Consider

1. Aesthetics (How It Looks)

Match Your Home's Style:

• Traditional/Colonial: Neutral colors (charcoal, weathered wood, driftwood)
• Modern/Contemporary: Bold colors (black, dark gray, slate)
• Craftsman: Earthy tones (brown, moss green, terracotta)
• Farmhouse: Light colors (light gray, tan, white)

Coordinate with Existing Elements:

• Siding Color: Roof should complement, not match
• Brick/Stone: Pull accent colors from masonry
• Trim: Consider window and door colors
• Landscaping: Consider surrounding trees and vegetation

2. Performance (How It Functions)

Heat Absorption:

• Dark Colors: Absorb more heat (can increase attic temperature by 10-20°F)
• Light Colors: Reflect more heat (cooler attic, lower cooling costs)

Fraser Valley Considerations:

Our summers hit 35°C+. Dark roofs can reach 70-80°C, increasing cooling costs and accelerating shingle aging. However, proper ventilation mitigates most heat issues.

Moss/Algae Visibility:

• Light Colors: Show moss and algae stains more prominently
• Dark Colors: Hide stains better (but moss still damages shingles)
• Medium Colors: Best balance (weathered wood, driftwood)

3. Resale Value (How It Sells)

Most Popular Colors (Best Resale):

• #1: Weathered Wood/Driftwood: Neutral, versatile, appeals to most buyers
• #2: Charcoal/Dark Gray: Modern, clean, hides dirt
• #3: Dual Black: Bold, dramatic, premium look

Colors to Avoid for Resale:

• Bright Colors: Red, blue, green (too bold for most buyers)
• Pure White: Shows dirt, looks cheap
• Unusual Blends: Limit buyer appeal

Popular IKO Cambridge Colors (What We Install Most)

1. Dual Black (30% of Our Installations)

Description: Deep black with subtle charcoal highlights

Best For:

• Modern/contemporary homes
• Homes with white, gray, or light-colored siding
• Customers who want a premium, dramatic look

Considerations:

• Absorbs maximum heat (ensure good ventilation)
• Shows dust and pollen in dry months
• Can make small homes look smaller

2. Weathered Wood (25% of Our Installations)

Description: Medium brown with gray and tan highlights

Best For:

• Traditional/craftsman homes
• Homes with wood or stone elements
• Customers who want a natural, versatile look

Advantages:

• Most versatile color (works with almost any siding)
• Hides dirt and moss stains well
• Excellent resale value

3. Driftshake (20% of Our Installations)

Description: Light gray with white and charcoal highlights

Best For:

• Modern farmhouse style
• Homes with dark siding
• Customers who want a lighter roof

Advantages:

• Reflects heat (cooler attic)
• Makes small homes look larger
• Clean, contemporary appearance

Considerations:

• Shows moss and algae stains
• May look washed out on homes with light siding

4. Charcoal (15% of Our Installations)

Description: Medium-dark gray with black highlights

Best For:

• Any home style (extremely versatile)
• Customers who want a neutral, safe choice

Advantages:

• Works with any siding color
• Hides dirt and stains
• Excellent resale value

How to Test Colors Before Committing

1. Get Physical Samples

Don't choose from a brochure. Colors look different in person. We bring full-size shingle samples to your home.

2. View Samples on Your Roof

Place samples on your roof (or hold them up) and view from the street. Colors look different at roof height vs. ground level.

3. View in Different Lighting

Check samples in morning sun, afternoon sun, and shade. Colors shift dramatically with lighting.

4. Check Neighbors' Roofs

Drive around your neighborhood. See what colors are popular. Avoid being the only black roof on a street of brown roofs (or vice versa).

5. Consider Long-Term

You'll live with this color for 20-30 years. Trendy colors may look dated in 10 years. Classic neutrals age better.

Common Color Selection Mistakes

1. Matching Roof to Siding

Mistake: Choosing a roof color that matches siding exactly

Result: Monochromatic, flat appearance with no depth

Better: Choose a roof color that complements siding (2-3 shades darker or lighter)

2. Choosing Too Light for Fraser Valley

Mistake: Choosing pure white or very light colors

Result: Moss and algae stains are highly visible

Better: Medium-light colors (driftshake, light gray) hide stains better

3. Ignoring Resale Value

Mistake: Choosing bold, unusual colors for personal preference

Result: Limits buyer appeal when selling

Better: If you're selling within 10 years, choose neutral colors

4. Choosing from Small Samples

Mistake: Selecting color from 2x2 inch brochure sample

Result: Color looks different on full roof

Better: View full-size shingles in natural light on your property

The Bottom Line

For most Fraser Valley homeowners, we recommend:

Safe, Versatile Choices:

• Weathered Wood: Works with everything, excellent resale
• Charcoal: Neutral, modern, hides dirt

Bold, Modern Choices:

• Dual Black: Dramatic, premium look (ensure good ventilation)

Light, Contemporary Choices:

• Driftshake: Modern farmhouse, reflects heat (be prepared for visible stains)

At RJ Roofing Bros, we bring samples to your home and help you visualize the final result. We want you to love your roof for 30 years, not regret it.

Want to see samples? Call (604) 997-1292 and we'll bring them to you.