Choose the Perfect Roof Color for Your White House

Choosing the ideal roof color for your white house exterior can seem like a daunting task. With so many options to consider, from classic black and brown to bolder red, green, and blue roofs, it's tough to know where to start. The roof color you select can make a major impact on your home's curb appeal and resale value. After all, the roof is one of the most visible parts of any house. The right hue can enhance and complement the existing exterior, while the wrong color can look mismatched and hurt visual appeal.

We'll go over factors like architectural style, climate, roofing material, and personal preference to help you select the perfect shade. With the right guidance, you can pick a roof color that makes your gorgeous white home exterior really stand out.

How Roof Color Impacts Curb Appeal

When people first see your home, the roof is likely one of the initial things they notice. The color you choose can set the tone for your entire exterior color scheme. It also influences the impression you make on visitors and potential home buyers. The right roof color can boost your home's curb appeal, while a poor match may detract from it.

Some strategies for using roof color to enhance curb appeal include:

• Complementary colors: Choose a roof color that works well with the white walls such as light gray, charcoal, brown, or blue.
• Color contrast: A bold roof color like black or red can contrast nicely with white siding.
• Consistency: Use roof colors taken from trim details for a cohesive look.

No matter what direction you take, select a roof color that coordinates with and accentuates the rest of the exterior for maximum appeal.

Most Popular Roof Colors for White Houses

Now let's explore some of the best roof color options to consider for your white home.

Black Roofs

Black is one of the most popular roofing colors for any home, and it can look especially sleek and modern against a white house. A black roof gives off an appealing high-contrast look. It also makes a home appear taller and more imposing. Black roofs work with nearly any architecture style but excel at giving modern minimalist designs a streamlined look. They also pair nicely with white houses that have black accents like shutters or doors.

If you want your white house to have a bit of edge with some luxury flair, a black roof is a fantastic option. Just keep in mind that black absorbs a lot of heat from sunlight, so it works better in cooler climates. Lighter color asphalt or metal shingles are best for very hot regions.

Gray Roofs

For white house owners seeking a roof color with a softer look, gray is an excellent choice. Gray roofs come in cool shades like slate gray and warm hues like charcoal. They can provide an upscale, tailored look on white homes with clean lines and modern architecture. But gray roofs also suit traditional home styles; a dove gray roof would complement a white cottage or farmhouse beautifully.

Gray roofs have gained popularity because they are versatile and attractive with white exteriors. You'll want to mind the undertones of the gray to ensure it meshes with the white walls rather than clashing. Keep in mind grays with blue, green or purple hints that could make the color scheme seem mismatched.

Brown Roofs

Brown roofs deliver a traditional, inviting look on white homes, especially those with Craftsman, Victorian, or Colonial architectural detailing. For historical homes like Greek Revivals, a brown roof calls back to the original material of cedar shake shingles in a classic way. Copper roofs also patina to a handsome brown over time. But even on more modern white dwellings, warm brown roofing adds a welcoming touch.

Browns with reddish, orangey or golden undertones tend to complement white siding best. Dark chocolate or coffee brown roofs can also make white exterior walls pop. Just steer clear of roofs in a flat, muddy brown hue which could end up looking dull or dated.

Red Roofs

Looking for a roof color that makes a statement? Red is a bold yet timeless choice for white homes. Red roofs immediately grab attention and can bring a sense of vibrancy. They suit white houses with traditional Colonial, Victorian or Greek Revival details. Red mesh or standing seam metal roofs are especially eye-catching. But be cautious of choosing too bright and orange-y a red that could clash with white siding.

Deeper terra cotta, cranberry and oxblood red roof hues complement white walls beautifully. Just keep in mind such a vivid roof color works best on a relatively simple house facade so the look doesn't become too busy.

Other Unique Color Options

Beyond the most popular shades, there are a few other roof color options that can give your white house exterior a custom, signature look:

• Blue - From light powder blue to deep navy, a blue roof is an unexpected choice that can pay off. It works on home styles like coastal cottages or Spanish/Mediterranean architecture. Steer clear of bright, primary blue shades which may look garish.
• Green - Olive, sage or forest green roofs lend an earthy, natural vibe. They suit white houses surrounded by lush landscaping or woods.
• Purple - In dark plum or eggplant hues, purple roofing can give a white house exterior a playful pop. But it's a bold choice that's tough to pull off.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Roof Color

Now that we've covered some gorgeous roof color options for white homes, let's discuss a few key factors to keep in mind as you evaluate choices.

Climate and Weather

A major consideration is your home's climate and exposure to weather elements like sunlight, heat, snow and rain. Darker roofs absorb more warmth from the sun's rays, which is good in colder regions but can lead to excess heat gain in hot climates. Light-colored roofs deflect more sunlight to keep attics cooler.

In regions with moderate sunlight, lighter grays, browns and reds hold up well. But in intensely sunny Southwest states, white or light gray is best to prevent overheating. For snowy areas, black roofs can accelerate melting but may lead to ice dams. And in rainy, damp climates, quick-draining roof materials are crucial.

Roofing Material

Factor in what type of roofing material you'll use, as that influences durability and roof color options. For instance, asphalt shingles come in virtually any color from white to black and myriad shades in between. Standing seam metal roofing often comes in silver, brown, red, green, blue and more. Concrete or clay tiles are mostly available in earth tones like orange, terracotta and brown.

Talk to a reputable roofer about what roofing materials suit your home's style and climate. This can help narrow down your ideal color choice.

Architectural Style

The architectural style and era of your white house should steer your roof color selection. Generally, roof colors that align with the home's original style will look most cohesive. For example, Colonial style homes beg for classic black, brown or gray roofs. Mediterranean style dwellings call for terra cotta or orange tile. And coastal cottages deserve navy blue or gray roofing.

Of course, you don't have to strictly adhere to period appropriate roof colors if you want to get creative. But do select a shade that complements the structure and doesn't look obviously out of place.

Personal Preference

At the end of the day, trust your own taste and vision for your home's aesthetic. You may consider all the above factors, but the roof color you simply find most visually appealing is totally valid. One exterior painting expert suggests, "You can consider all these factors, or you can just look at your house and say 'my siding is white. Black might look nice.' Boom, decision made."

Tips for Selecting Complementary Colors

If you need assistance honing in on a roof color that complements your white exterior walls, here are a few tips:

Use a Color Wheel

Consult a color wheel to identify colors that complement white based on color theory. The analogous colors next to white like cream, beige and light gray are foolproof. Across the wheel, shades like navy, maroon and chocolate brown also coordinate beautifully.

Look at Color Palettes

Pull inspiration from designer color palette examples online and in home decor stores. Notice colors used together in magazine photos of home exteriors. This can give you a feel for attractive combinations.

Test Paint Swatches

Buy small sample pots of paint colors you're considering and brush them onto boards. Move the boards around your home exterior and view at different times of day to see which hues you like best against the white walls.

Consult Design Experts

Talk to architects, contractors and paint specialists. Share swatches of your home's white exterior. They can suggest roof colors that will complement it attractively. Local experts are attuned to what works in the area.

Preparing and Painting the Roof

Once you've selected the ideal roof color, it's time to prep and paint the roof. Here are a few tips for ensuring success:

Choose Exterior Paint

Invest in 100% acrylic latex exterior paint designed specifically for roofing. Avoid cheaper paints that won't withstand weathering and could crack, peel or fade quickly. The coating must flex as your roof expands and contracts.

Clean and Repair

Pressure wash the roof and use a chlorine solution to kill any moss or mildew. Remove rust spots and make any needed repairs to damaged areas. The roof surface must be clean and sound for proper paint adhesion.

Hire Professionals

Consider hiring experienced exterior painters unless you're very handy with DIY painting projects. They'll know the right paints and prep work plus have the proper safety equipment for working on roofs. This helps ensure a quality paint job that lasts.

Expect Added Costs

Painting a roof costs $3-7 per square foot on average. Factor in potential repairs and the rental cost of equipment like ladders and lifts. The boost to your home's curb appeal and resale value can make the expense worthwhile.

Choosing roof color for your gorgeous white home may take some deliberation, but it's an exciting process. A shade that complements the exterior walls can really make your home stand out while boosting visual appeal and monetary value. Focus on options like black, gray, brown and red roofs that align with your home's style and climate. With creativity and sound decision making, you can give your white house exterior a signature look with the perfect roof color.