Light vs. Dark shingles: What’s the Main Difference?
When building a home and choosing a roof, or replacing your roof, every decision is significant, even down to the details of the color of your shingles. Three main areas are affected when it comes to the color of your shingles, and below we take a deeper look into each one!
The longevity
A popular theory you’ve probably heard is that dark shingles break down faster because they absorb more heat than light shingles. While this theory seems to make a lot of sense, the reality is that roofing experts don’t find this to be factually based. There has been plenty of testing done on the topic, with no solid connection found.
With no solid correlation between roof longevity and color, a more notable consideration is that your roof is getting the ventilation it needs. For example, heat needs a place to escape when it builds up on your roof, making ventilation vital. Without it, you will see damage to your roof and unnecessary failures related to moisture buildup. This lack of ventilation can lead to rotting, mold, and mildew.
With a regularly inspected roofing system, you can catch problem areas before they get out of hand and require major repairs. Be sure to ask your roofing contractor about durable shingles that are also energy efficient.
The temperature
Temperature is the most important factor to consider when deciding on the color of shingles. Light shingles fare better in warmer weather, as light colors tend to deflect sunlight and keep your house cooler. Dark shingles are the opposite; they absorb heat, which makes them excellent for colder climates. They also tend to make snow melt much more quickly. Knowing this information makes a difference in the heating and cooling of your home and the cost that comes with it.
The style
When it comes to the overall design and style of your house, shingles play a significant role. You want to choose a color of shingle that pairs well with the color of your house. Typically, lighter shingles go with lighter houses, and darker shingles go with darker houses. At the end of the day, however, you can choose what you love best (and what is allowed if there is an HOA guideline to follow)!
Light shingles are also prone to revealing imperfections in the supporting structures in the roof, which is also something that deserves consideration before installation. Be sure to consult with your roofing contractor about this as you work together to decide on shingle colors.
If you’ve got a roof replacement project coming up, you’re probably doing research about dark shingles vs. light shingles. As you’ve seen, each shade has its pros and cons; however, one of the most important things you can do is find a trusted and reputable roofing contractor who can consult with you on the dark vs. light-colored roof shingles issue. At Alliance Roofing, we can help you with your decision while giving you all the facts you need to know about which will work best for your home. Contact us today at 281-485-8755 or visit our website for more information!
