Metal roofs have become one of the favorite options among homeowners and roofers alike in the U.S. It’s easy to understand why, with these advantages:
- Metal roofs can last up to 70 years with regular maintenance.
- A metal roofing system can stay sturdy against 140 mile-per-hour winds so it’s perfect for windy areas.
- Metal roofs don’t corrode when maintained properly, thanks to special coatings used to prolong their lifespan.
- They’re a known fire retardant.
- Metal roofs have high solar reflective properties so they can help with energy efficiency.
- Your metal roof can have up to 95% recycled material. A metal roof is 100% recyclable at the end of its service life.
When you decide to get a metal roof, one of the biggest challenges is choosing the color. Here’s a short guide based on several factors you should take into account:
Color Quality
Consider only roofs with high-quality paint. Good paint can last a long time and hold its own against the elements. The best roofs are treated with ultraviolet (UV) blocking paint via a special acrylic resin. Some roof materials are also treated with additional protective coatings to make them last longer and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Kynar 500® paint, the industry standard, typically comes with a warranty of up to 30 years. Hylar® 5000 is another good paint. Roofs that bear their label are far better than others. You may also find ENERGY STAR® or Cool Roofs labels on good metal roofing options.
Home Design
Take your cue from the design of your home. For example, it’s best to choose a metal roof color that matches the color of your siding, windows, door or even your landscaping. This will give your home a unified and balanced appearance that also contributes to its value.
It’s a good idea to look at paint samples applied to pieces of metal roofing during different times of the day. Roofers usually have some of these samples (also called swatches) to help homeowners see the color under different lights.
Neighborhood Colors
In some neighborhoods, a roof color that sticks out like a sore thumb is frowned upon by homeowners associations. If this is a concern for you, then drive around your neighborhood, observe the most dominant color families, and take your cue from them. Sometimes, property prices in the neighborhood are affected when a house sticks out so use the dominant colors for inspiration.
Energy Efficiency
Color has an effect on how much light is absorbed and how much is reflected so your roof color does affect your home’s energy efficiency. Lighter colors reflect light better than darker ones. Beige, peach, light blue, white and light bronze are high-reflectivity colors.
If your roof reflects more light, your air conditioner won’t have to work double-time just to keep your interiors cool.
There are other factors to consider when choosing your metal roof color. It’s best to consult your roofers for more tips. Goodrich Roofing can help you decide on your roof color. Call us today at (505) 219-4450, or use our contact form to get your free quote. We’re always happy to help homeowners in New Mexico.