7 Metal Roof Colors to Consider for Your Farmhouse Home
When designing or renovating a farmhouse style home, choosing the right metal roof color is an important decision. The shade you select can complement the home's architecture, tie into your color palette, and even impact energy efficiency.
Below we discuss seven metal roof color options that work beautifully for farmhouses. We'll overview how each color suits various farmhouse designs, along with key considerations to ensure you select the best roof for your home.
Complementing Architectural Style
A metal roof color that aligns with your farmhouse's architectural style can enhance the home's curb appeal and create a cohesive aesthetic. Here are some style-appropriate color choices:
- Classic white or off-white roofs pair attractively with farmhouse cottages and minimalist prairie-style homes.
- Light gray fits well with tin-roofed cottages, colonial farmhouses, and other traditional designs.
- Galvanized steel offers a grayish-silver tone that complements rustic cottages or industrial farmhouses.
These versatile neutrals complement various farmhouse styles while providing durability and energy efficiency benefits.
Factoring in Overall Color Scheme
Beyond architectural style, a farmhouse's overall exterior color palette should guide your metal roof selection. Consider the following when coordinating roof color with color scheme:
- A contrasting roof color like black can make exterior details like white trim pop.
- Complementary shades like deep red roofs and green shutters play off each other attractively.
- Stick to a unitary color scheme for a calm, cohesive look.
View the farmhouse from different angles to visualize how a prospective roof color will coordinate with the rest of the exterior.
House Size and Roof Pitch Considerations
Farmhouses come in different shapes and sizes, so the scale of your home should factor into your metal roof decision. Here are size and pitch considerations:
- Dark roof colors tend to look heavy and prominent on small or single-story farmhouses.
- Lighter metal colors help modest farmhouses appear larger and taller.
- A steeply pitched roof can better support a darker shade without looking imposing.
In addition to home size, view your roof from the street level to assess whether a darker or lighter color will complement the overall proportions.
Climate and Energy Efficiency
How your roof interacts with sunlight is another important consideration, especially in warmer climates. Here's how color impacts energy efficiency:
- Darker roofs absorb more heat from sunlight, increasing cooling costs.
- Lighter colored metal roofs reflect sunlight and stay cooler.
- White metal reflects the most heat, providing maximum energy savings.
While a darker roof can make a design statement, the energy trade-off may not make sense in some regions. Opt for light-colored metal or coatings in warmer areas.
7 Metal Roof Color Recommendations
1. Classic White
A crisp white metal roof is a timeless and versatile choice for farmhouses. It offers a fresh, bright look, especially on cottages or tiny homes. White reflects sunlight well for energy efficiency. The one downside is dirt can show up more easily.
2. Light Gray
For a slightly darker neutral, light gray roofs complement both vintage and modern farmhouses. The soft gray tone can lend a sophisticated touch. Compared to darker grays, the light shade also provides good reflectivity.
3. Black
A black metal roof can make a dramatic statement atop larger farmhouses. Make sure to balance it with lighter exterior colors so it doesn't overwhelm. Black absorbs significant heat, so insulation upgrades help offset efficiency losses.
4. Rusted Red
Modeling an aged, rusted tin roof, rusted red color offers vintage character. It pairs beautifully with neutral-toned farmhouses as an inviting pop of color. Keep in mind it absorbs more heat than lighter reds.
5. Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel roofs have an attractive, grayish-silver sheen. The industrial vibe fits well with rustic cottages and modern farmhouses. The neutral tone contributes less solar heat gain compared to darker grays.
6. Forest Green
Deep green can complement farmhouses nestled into lush rural settings. Use green judiciously, as darker shades can easily overwhelm smaller homes. Combining green with white or natural wood tones offsets the bold color.
7. Copper
Copper offers a truly unique roof color. Its eye-catching patina evolves dynamically over time, from brown to green. Copper suits stone or brick farmhouses but comes with a hefty price tag. If it fits your budget, it's guaranteed to make your home stand out.
Finding the right metal roof color for your farmhouse involves weighing architectural style, color scheme, house size, climate, and budget. Lighter, cooler metal tones suit many farmhouses, but don't be afraid to go bold if it aligns with your overall vision. Use these tips to select a distinctive roof that showcases your home's charming farmhouse personality.