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sheila

How about a green roof?

22 days ago
last modified: 21 days ago

My house was just painted SW Oyster White, and the front door is BM Southpoint Green. It is located in Jacksonville FL and faces east. I don't consider the roof a good feature, it's too tall for my taste (which skews modern or midcentury). So I would like to make the roof less noticeable, but how to do this? Blue to blend in with the sky, or green to blend in with the landscaping, or white to blend in with the body of the house, or keep the current color, which is dark brown? Any advice on tweaking other features for more curb appeal would also be appreciated!


Comments (44)

  • 22 days ago
    last modified: 21 days ago

    Pictures will get you better advice. But I always think a medium gray is a versatile roof color.

    Sheila Rowan thanked jck910
  • 22 days ago

    Post a pic but agree a medium gray can be nice.

    Sheila Rowan thanked chloebud
  • 21 days ago

    A green metal roof would be nice.



    Sheila Rowan thanked tracefloyd
  • 21 days ago

    Owens Corning... Asphalt Shingles


    Sheila Rowan thanked Lyn Nielson
  • 21 days ago

    I don't think a blue roof will blend in with the sky because the sky changes color. On many days, a blue roof will draw attention to the roof. Ditto green. I suspect a white roof would be blinding on sunny days and get dirty pretty quickly. If your roof needs replacing, a lighter, bluish gray might be the way to go. I wouldn't bother otherwise.


    You have a lot of shrubbery hiding your house. You might move the shrubs on the right to be by the sidewalk. If we saw more house, the house/roof ratio would be better.

    Sheila Rowan thanked Sigrid
  • 21 days ago

    I have a green roof and love it, but it is very hard to consider a color other than white for your house color with a forest green roof. (But I'm determined I will.)

    Sheila Rowan thanked Jenny
  • 21 days ago
    last modified: 21 days ago

    tracefloyd, I love the color and architectural detail of the metal roof - but I'm not sure my budget or my HOA would love it as much as I do. I have done a quick search for similar color architectural shingles, but all I could find was pewter gray or dark green; does anybody know where to find light green shingles?

    Sigrid, I think you may be right about the shortcomings of blue or white, but now I'm more drawn to green. And I will definitely lighten up the shrubbery on the left side of the house.

  • 21 days ago
    last modified: 21 days ago

    GAF Timberline has a Slate and an Antique Cool Series Slate that have a beautiful gray-green undertone.









    Sheila Rowan thanked tracefloyd
  • PRO
    21 days ago

    Use the tools on the roofing websites to try on various roof colors.




    Sheila Rowan thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 21 days ago
    last modified: 21 days ago

    You mentioned budget so unless the roof is failing, just keep it. Nothing wrong with it.

    The roof/house ratio comment is a good one, the walls look squat with all the tall greenery next to it.

    Remove the large pots from in front of the porch columns and use them to flank the driveway where it meets the sidewalk. ..a focal point other than the roof.

    Prune everything else. Show off the columns on the right, too.

    Adding colorful shrubbery and flowers to the landscape will draw the eye down. Lots of tropical choices.

    Sheila Rowan thanked tracefloyd
  • 21 days ago
    last modified: 21 days ago

    Thanks, BeverlyFLA, the roof definitely looks less heavy and oppressive in the silver birch color.

    tracefloyd, I was hoping that the sabal palms on the right and the Canary Island palm on the left would be the focal points to detract from the big hulking roof. I don't really want to show off the columns because they are too Mediterranean and I prefer a more simple, modern look. But I could add a third silver agave on the right side to flank the beginning of the driveway. The roof is twenty years old, so probably near death, and I do like the GAF slate colors.

  • 21 days ago
    last modified: 21 days ago

    Rough sketch envisioning more white siding showing, the new roof, and some tropical color foliage. The porch columns add a much needed vertical element.




    Sheila Rowan thanked tracefloyd
  • PRO
    21 days ago

    If you are new to Florida, your insurance company will have a say in when you replace your roof. Homeowners with asphalt roofs are being told by their insurance companies to replace their roofs after as little as 10 years or the company will not provide them with coverage. There is talk that insurance rates are higher for asphalt shingle roof since they damage so easily in hurricanes.

    Sheila Rowan thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 21 days ago


    tracefloyd, you and I agree on the tropical color; I just planted these last week and am waiting for them to fill in with stripes of yellow, hot pink, and blue. I agree the house looks better with shrubbery trimmed back, and thanks so much for your sketch, but unfortunately it also makes me realize how much I want that standing seam metal roof!

  • 21 days ago

    I think the current color is most appropriate. Green feels off to me.

    Sheila Rowan thanked littlemissdena
  • PRO
    21 days ago

    There are a lot of better choices of color than green.

  • 21 days ago

    I'd do a light brown. It looks more neutral and natural than grey. Sort of like your neighbor's root but with less orange. I think it will make your house feel less .heavy and will complement your greenery nicely.




    Sheila Rowan thanked Kendrah
  • 20 days ago

    littlemissdena and Celery, why don't you like green, and what would you suggest instead?

  • PRO
    20 days ago
    last modified: 20 days ago

    Charcoal or black..it will really give the white contrast and a more modern feel all together.

    Sheila Rowan thanked Home Interiors With Ease
  • PRO
    20 days ago

    Some building codes are moving toward white or "cool" roofs to help minimize heat gain. You might check with your local building official to see what they would recommend or require.

    Sheila Rowan thanked Norwood Architects
  • 20 days ago
    last modified: 20 days ago

    I found this before you get too deep into shingle color and good idea to check your insurance because a lower rate would help offset cost for the roof over time.

    • Metal Roofing:.Metal roofs are known for their durability and ability to withstand very high winds, often with warranties for winds up to 140 mph. They can be installed in large panels, reducing seams and potential weak points.
    • Slate and Tile Roofing:.Slate and certain clay or concrete tiles are also excellent choices for hurricane-prone areas. Slate can withstand winds up to 150 mph. Clay and concrete tiles are designed with curves and overlaps that help them resist uplift forces.
    • Architectural Asphalt Shingles:.While not as robust as metal or tile, architectural asphalt shingles are a step up from standard 3-tab shingles and can be a good option if properly installed and designed for high winds, with some offering wind ratings up to 130 mph.
    • Composite Roofing:.Some composite tiles, like those from Brava Roof Tile, are designed to mimic the look of slate or tile while offering high wind resistance and impact ratings.

    Important Considerations:

    • Proper Installation
    • Local Codes
    Sheila Rowan thanked tracefloyd
  • 20 days ago
    last modified: 20 days ago

    Your choices (other than white, which I don’t suggest) will draw attention and also break up the more seamless, modern effect you seem to want. Suggest a light grey so roof has a calm, neutral effect. It will go with your green door, but after shingles are installed you may find you’ll want a different combination.







    Sheila Rowan thanked Maureen
  • 20 days ago

    ^ agree totally, I would want to downplay the roof not call attention to it with an unusual color

    Sheila Rowan thanked la_la Girl
  • 20 days ago

    A neutral light gray roof would be my choice. A nick or two lighter than even the Silver Birch. Lighter in color to reflect heat, lighter in feel/ look and will tend to blend in with sky much more so than a dark roof will. Darker colors feel heavy and absorb heat. Think of the difference between wearing a white shirt and wearing a black shirt on a sunny day outside during the heat of the summer.

    Sheila Rowan thanked ci_lantro
  • 20 days ago

    Yes to a green roof if you want one my grandpa had one and you live in Florida so it makes sense as long as you allowed to in your area

    Sheila Rowan thanked happyleg
  • 20 days ago

    A blue roof will look like an IHOP!

  • 20 days ago

    Green looks off to me

  • 20 days ago

    Not a fan of

  • 20 days ago

    Keep in the same family as it is now imo

  • 20 days ago


    I could only find one light green shingle, it's called mint frost, made by Certainteed, and unfortunately not available in the US. So I am relegated to choosing the best light gray, and here it is: it turns out to be antique silver by Owens Corning Duration. It has the best price, the best reviews by Consumer Reports, and the prettiest color. I want to thank everyone who contributed their time and creativity to this discussion. You guys make it so much easier, and I think this way works better than hiring a designer because there are so many different viewpoints to consider. You all have my sincere appreciation, and I will post a pic when the roof is actually done!

  • 19 days ago

    That is a beautiful soothing gray and your house looks light and cool. The roof recedes nicely.

    Sheila Rowan thanked tracefloyd
  • PRO
    18 days ago

    If you ever want to change front door this color would be beautiful very calm and blends with the outdoor plants a bit better.


    Sheila Rowan thanked Home Interiors With Ease
  • 18 days ago
    last modified: 18 days ago

    Thanks, Home Interiors, you are the second person to comment that Southfield Green is a little too bright. I copied it from the "Messel green" that was commonly used during the last century in the Caribbean. I actually prefer brighter colors, so that was my attempt to compromise my taste with the very subdued color schemes that are currently popular. But maybe I should just go with what I really like (provided my HOA will go along)? Here is an example of a color scheme I really like, from my back patio. I could live with a magenta door!


  • 18 days ago
    last modified: 17 days ago

    This is a nice rich color....not neon pink like some Magenta....the photo credit only says Farrow and Ball.

    It looks like FB Radicchio or Rectory Red paint color.



    Radicchio:


    Rectory Red:



    Sheila Rowan thanked tracefloyd
  • 17 days ago
    last modified: 17 days ago



    tracefloyd, what a juicy color, reminds me of raspberry syrup! It makes the southfield green look wimpy, and it would go with the curcuma that is already on my porch.

  • 17 days ago

    A roof should be part of the silent Greek Chorus, so light pewter gray is always a good choice.

    The door can be any happy color you like! Doors are the first “statement” of who you are when guests come.

    Sheila Rowan thanked RedRyder
  • PRO
    17 days ago

    Really more like an Eggplant or a Aubergine color



    Sheila Rowan thanked Home Interiors With Ease
  • 17 days ago

    Home Interiors, I'm afraid the first color would read as black since my door is always in the shade. But I do like the second color, any idea of its name, or who makes it?

  • 17 days ago
    last modified: 17 days ago

    I found the photo posted by Home Interiors, but no photo credit for the color. The closest Google could find is Dulux Deep Aubergine and it looks like the same color. It's not a U.S. company but any paint store can match the formula. I agree it's a beautiful color.


    I just found this...Dulux Burnt Cherry



    Sheila Rowan thanked tracefloyd
  • 17 days ago

    Definitely get a Samplize before painting the door, if you are concerned how the color will change. A lack of light WILL darken any you choose.

    Sheila Rowan thanked RedRyder
  • 17 days ago

    RedRyder, I like to get real paint samples rather than Samplize, because that way I can tweak the color, for example by adding a little white, to get exactly the color I want when it's dry. Then I go back to the store and find the color chip that is the closest match to what I have concocted. I use the color chip instead of asking them to color-match because every once in a while the color-match is just not a very good match.

    tracefloyd, that Dulux Burnt Cherry is beautiful. But I guess I would have to trust a color-match machine to get either the Radicchio or the Burnt Cherry!

  • 16 days ago

    I always use a small can of paint too, but it can get expensive if you need a lot of samples. I love the magenta and getting that shade EXACTLY as you want it does mean having “real” paint so you can lighten or darken it.

  • 16 days ago

    I would definitely check with your HOA before driving yourself crazy trying to decide on colors for the door or roof. If it is like my HOA, you may be quite limited in your choices.

    Sheila Rowan thanked Amanda Smith
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