The Complete Guide to Green Shingles for Residential Roofs
Green is an unexpected and bold choice when it comes to shingle colors for your roof. If you're considering going for something different and making a unique statement with green shingles, this guide covers everything you need to know.
We'll walk through what green shingles are, their benefits, what to think about before installing them, how to pair them with your home's exterior, proper care and maintenance, cost comparisons, and finding the right product for your specific roof.
What Are Green Shingles?
Green shingles refer to roof shingles that come in different shades of green, rather than more common colors like black, brown, or grey. There are a few major brands that offer green as an option.
One of the most popular green shingle colors is Chateau Green from Owens Corning. This is a rich, deep green hue that makes a bold statement on the roof. CertainTeed also offers an emerald green shingle color called English Slate.
Don't confuse green shingles with eco-friendly shingles. Green refers specifically to the color, while eco-friendly shingles are designed with recycled materials to reduce environmental impact - but are not necessarily green in color.
Benefits of Green Shingles
Going with green shingles on your roof can definitely make your home stand out:
- Adds visual interest and curb appeal
- Creates an unexpected pop of color on the roof
- Helps your house be unique and not blend into the neighborhood
- Works well with a variety of exterior color palettes
Green is an eye-catching shade that grabs people's attention. While it may not appeal to those looking for a subtle or neutral roof, green shingles are ideal if your goal is to give your home exterior flair.
Things to Consider Before Installing Green Shingles
While green shingles offer individuality, they aren't right for every home. Before choosing them, think about:
- Your home's overall exterior color scheme - does green shingles make sense with the current palette?
- Whether your house style suits a bold, colorful look or if you prefer a more neutral facade
- How green shingles would complement or contrast your existing brick or siding
Being strategic with exterior colors creates a cohesive, harmonious look. If your siding, brick, trim, and roofing colors clash, it can feel disjointed. Determine if green brightens up your home or fights with its current personality.
Best Practices for Pairing Green Shingles
When coordinating green shingles with the rest of your exterior, a few guidelines to follow include:
Grey or White Siding and Trim
Green shingles pop beautifully against grey or white siding and trim. The neutral background helps the bold green stand out while also keeping the color combination looking fresh and modern.
Blue, Red, or Yellow Siding
Vibrant siding colors like navy blue, red, or yellow also allow green shingles to make an impact. These pairings are ideal if you want an energetic, lively exterior color scheme.
Earth Tone Siding
For a more classic or craftsman style home, green shingles with earth tones like brown, beige, or olive green siding can provide a nice complement. This creates a natural, organic aesthetic.
In general, avoid matching colors too closely. Go for enough visual contrast between shingles and siding for both to stand out.
Maintaining Vibrant Green Shingles
All shingle colors experience some fading over time. But you can take steps to keep green shingles looking their best:
- Use a product like Owens Corning's StreakGuard protection to inhibit algae growth and prevent fading
- Clean the roof regularly to prevent buildup of debris and discoloration
- Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning, which can prematurely dull the vibrant color
- Call a professional if stubborn mold, mildew, or algae develops - don't try to aggressively DIY these issues
Following the manufacturer's care recommendations helps maintain the original bold hue of green shingles.
Preventing and Removing Algae and Mold
While green in color, even green shingles are prone to green algae or black mold growth under certain conditions:
- Warm, humid climates encourage mold and algae
- Shady areas of the roof allow moss and growth to thrive
- Insufficient roof ventilation can create condensation and moisture
To safely remove algae from green shingles:
- Mix 1 part bleach and 3 parts water in a bucket
- Use a soft bristle brush and gently scrub affected areas
- Rinse the roof thoroughly with a garden hose
- Avoid power washing, which can damage shingles
For severe cases, hire a professional roof cleaning company to use effective techniques without harming your shingles or landscaping.
Cost Comparison to Other Shingle Colors
One myth about green shingles is that they come with a higher price tag. In reality, green shingles from brands like Owens Corning cost about the same as their other colors. Roofing manufacturers don't charge more for certain hues.
What impacts the overall cost of a new roof includes:
- Roof size and slope/pitch
- Need for tear-off of existing shingles or new installation
- Type and quality grade of shingles chosen
- Accessibility factors like height and ease of reach
- Local labor costs
But the shingle color itself - whether green, black, brown, or anything else - doesn't affect pricing.
Do Green Shingles Boost Home Value?
Can green shingles increase your home's resale value? Potentially, but many factors affect home valuation.
Green shingles can boost your curb appeal in a unique way. For buyers looking for a house that stands out, the colorful roof could be a selling point. But the overall market, neighborhood, schools, updates, and condition hold more weight.
In terms of ROI, green shingles may help your home sell faster or slightly increase value. But it depends on buyers' preferences in your specific area.
If you decide green is the way to go, be thoughtful in choosing the right shingle product and installer. A few tips:
- Look at options from top brands like Owens Corning and CertainTeed
- Compare warranties - longer is better for green shingles
- Read reviews of the color's performance and durability
- Only hire a qualified, licensed residential roofer
- Ensure proper installation and ventilation to increase longevity
The wrong green shingles or subpar installation can lead to headaches down the road. Do your homework to get the vibrant, lasting green roof you want.
We hope this guide gave you all the details needed to decide if green is the shingle color for your roof. A bold color like green makes a statement and gives your home exterior pop. And maintaining that bright, eye-catching hue is possible when you care for green shingles properly. If you think it's time to stand out from the crowd with a colorful roof, green shingles can be a smart, unique choice.