Are you trying to decide between light and dark shingles for your home? There are a few things to consider when making this important decision, including energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Read on to figure out which shingle color is the best fit for your home!
Does shingle color affect energy efficiency?
While there may be slight differences in energy efficiency with light vs. dark shingles, the most important thing is that your roof and attic are properly ventilated.
Dark shingles do absorb more heat from the sun while light shingles reflect it more easily. This can cause variances in your home’s temperature and therefore its energy efficiency. When your roof and attic are properly ventilated, however, the concern for shingle color causing temperature variances in the home decreases significantly.
This being said, homeowners living in extremely warm climates may choose to opt for lighter shingles to decrease the amount of heat being absorbed by their home, while homeowners in cold, snowy climates may choose a darker roof that will melt snow and ice faster.
Does shingle color affect the longevity of your roof?
Most roofing experts agree that shingle color does not significantly affect the longevity of your roof. This common myth comes from the idea that since dark shingles absorb more sunlight, they will expand and contract more often than light shingles, shortening their lifespan. While this can potentially lead to more wear and tear over time, there is no data backing the claim that shingle color directly influences the longevity of your roof.
By reflecting more sunlight, light shingles tend to experience less temperature fluctuation. This can mean less stress on the shingles and potentially a longer lifespan. However, the overall durability of your roof will mostly depend on the quality of the shingles, proper installation, and maintenance practices.
Aesthetic reasons for choosing light or dark shingles.
The desired look of your home should ultimately play the most significant role in choosing shingle color in the majority of cases.
Light shingles tend to give homes a fresh, clean appearance and can make your house look larger and more inviting. However, the lighter your shingles are, the more they will show dirt and other imperfections over time.
Dark shingles provide a more dramatic, sophisticated look. Dark shingles can also help to hide imperfections better than light ones, which might be an advantage in certain environments, especially those where algae and mold growth are a concern.
When it comes to choosing shingle color, you really can’t go wrong. Choosing good quality shingles and ensuring that your roof and attic have proper ventilation are more important considerations.
Ready to upgrade your roof? Contact us today, and we can help you decide on the perfect shingles for your home!
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