Roof color help

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

We will be re-roofing soon, like next week. Our contractor (my brother-in-law) uses Owens Corning shingles. We had our home painted last summer, so paint cannot be changed (trim paint and door color are exceptions, though I'd prefer to keep at least the trim white if possible to save some work). When I used the OC design generator, I came up with two that I thought worked. I like the idea of playing off of the warm tones in the brick planter (hence the Aged Cedar) and I also like the idea of contrasting the lighter home color with the dark Peppermill Gray. I want to avoid grays with any hint of a blue-ish hue, which is why I ended up with Peppermill Gray vs. Estate Gray.

Whatever route, this is a big decision because as you can see, the roof is practically as visually dominant as the house itself. I would appreciate other opinions/insights as I am not a trained designer. Here are my general thoughts that have been tumbling around in my brain:

I feel like the Aged Cedar would be more of a crapshoot choice. We need to re-mulch/update landscaping, so I think fresh bark color would also enhance and tie in the warm brown. I would prefer to bring a sample home to set up against the brick, but there are no samples available locally beyond what you can look at on the wall at the store.

I think perhaps with the Peppermill Gray I would end up wanting to pick a new door color (not a big deal). I also worry that the dark color could weigh the house down.

Side thought:

With both roof colors, I also wonder if our trim needs to be a medium tone/color on the same paint chip as the siding (Sherwin Williams Repose Gray) as the white sometimes seems a bit bright to me...that would be the type of thing I think I'd need to figure out AFTER the new roof is up.

The first photo is the current roof.

Featured Answer

smil101

7 years ago

I vote for the gray -- I think the dark gray is classic. I don't think it will weigh the house down at all. Given that you currently have such a light toned roof, it may just take a little while for your eye to get used to a change.

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Comments (17)

ptreckel
7 years ago
I prefer the gray. It is far less bossy than the “cedar” color. I find that the brink planter is more visible with the gray roof. I think that your siding and door color look great with the gray, too. No need to change a thing! Good luck!
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tqtqtbw
7 years ago
Please, oh please, use the gray. The cedar roof is so limiting and you have such a cute house.
katinparadise
7 years ago
I'll add my vote for the gray as well. The warmer toned roof just doesn't work with the current house color.
mmilos
7 years ago
Dark gray with your paint colors.

Keep in mind though, it will be a LOT hotter than your current roof. Be sure to insulate the attic well.
Kathleen K
7 years ago
If you are in a climate with hot summer stick to the original LIGHT grey. It will reflect the heat more for energy savings and visually expands the house as it continues the siding color. I like the crispness of white trim so I would not paint it. If you crave more color with the pale neutral use a bright color for the door.
Anna (6B/7A in MD)
7 years ago
Gray all the way. Once the roof is on, you’ll know if you need to change the door color.
chloebud
7 years ago
omg...yes...GRAY! However, my own preference would be just a bit lighter gray. The orange-y cedar roof color can be very challenging when it comes to other color choices.
Kerry Blossom
7 years ago
dark gray
jck910
7 years ago
Neither: definitely a light to medium gray. A neighbor of mine just put that brown on their home and it is hideous (IMO). Have you looked at Sierra Gray. I actually did mine last summer in Shasta White. It was an agonizing decision as like you we have a cape where the front roof is very prominent. Our paint is a gray/blue/green depending on the light.
felizlady
7 years ago
Gray would definitely be my choice.
Anna (6B/7A in MD)
7 years ago
Plus, the aged cedar does not play well with your siding.
RedRyder
7 years ago
Grey, hands down.
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
7 years ago
Those orangey tones (and OC seems to offer a lot of them) rarely look great to me.

I don't see the blue in Estate gray -- is it noticeable on the display in person?

I would go with a lighter gray if possible, but the Peppermill Gray looks very nice. It will put more heat into the house in summer ,that is true.

Did you consider Driftwood? That is one I have liked on a variety of houses around here. It seems to be almost neutral.
teddytoo
7 years ago
Love the gray! Your yellow door looks awesome with it! No need to change any paint colors.
Greg P.
7 years ago
Without question, go with gray. Leave everything else “as is”. You’ll be pleased.
emmarene9
7 years ago
Gray.