Helpful Tips for Choosing a Shingle Color

180 Contractors • July 26, 2025
Close-up of overlapping weathered roof shingles in blue, gray, and reddish tones

Choosing a shingle color might seem like a purely aesthetic decision, but it can have lasting implications for your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and overall property value. In Waterford, MI, homeowners must also consider how their choices will perform in a climate that swings from freezing winters to sunny, humid summers. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips for selecting the right shingle color and how 180 Contractors Roofing & Siding can help you make the best decision for both form and function.


Consider Your Home’s Architecture and Color Scheme

Start by evaluating your home’s exterior—its style, siding color, trim, and brickwork. The goal is to complement, not compete. For example:

  • Gray or blue homes pair well with black or slate-colored shingles.
  • Beige or tan exteriors look great with brown or warm-toned shingles.
  • Red brick homes benefit from dark brown, gray, or even green shingles.


Stick with timeless color combinations to ensure your roof stays stylish for decades.


Account for Climate and Energy Efficiency

In warmer months, dark shingles absorb more heat, raising attic temperatures and increasing cooling costs. Lighter-colored shingles, by contrast, reflect more sunlight and help keep your home cooler. If energy efficiency is a priority, opt for shingles certified by ENERGY STAR or choose light grays, whites, or even light browns.


Think About Curb Appeal and Resale Value

A well-matched roof enhances your home’s visual harmony and appeal to potential buyers. Choose a color that complements the neighborhood aesthetic while setting your property apart subtly. Avoid trendy colors that may not age well or limit your buyer pool in the future.


Review Samples in Natural Lighting

Shingle colors can appear different in sunlight versus shade. Ask your contractor for large samples and view them outside at different times of the day. This will give you a realistic sense of how the roof will look on your home throughout the day and across seasons.


Understand Your HOA Guidelines

Many neighborhoods in Waterford, MI have Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) that enforce restrictions on roofing materials and colors. Review your HOA’s rules before purchasing to avoid compliance issues or the need for expensive do-overs.


Blend With the Surrounding Environment

Take cues from your environment. Earthy tones often work well in areas with a lot of greenery, while cool tones may complement modern designs or lakefront properties. Your roof should feel like a natural extension of your home and surroundings.


Don’t Overlook Roofing Material Options

Different materials come in different finishes and color ranges. Owens Corning, for instance, offers a broad selection of high-performance shingles in various tones and textures that mimic wood or slate, allowing you to achieve a custom look without sacrificing durability.


Work With a Trusted Roofing Professional

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right shingle color is to consult an experienced roofing contractor who understands both design and technical requirements. In Waterford, MI, homeowners trust 180 Contractors Roofing & Siding for expert guidance, material access, and seamless installations.


As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor and BBB A+ rated business, their team ensures your shingle choice complements your home while delivering long-lasting performance.


Final Thoughts

Choosing a shingle color is more than a visual preference—it’s a strategic decision that affects your home’s beauty, efficiency, and value. Take your time, review real-world samples, and partner with experts to get it right.


Read also our blog: What to Expect During a Roof Replacement

GET A FREE QUOTE

Share this article

Recent Posts

Aerial view of a large blue-gray house with dormer windows and a landscaped yard in autumn
By 180 Contractors May 14, 2026
Your roof works silently year after year, shielding your home from rain, wind, sun, and snow. But like every part of your home, it doesn’t last forever. The key is knowing when repair is no longer enough—and a full roof replacement is the smarter, safer move. For homeowners in Bloomfield Hills, MI, where intense season
Rainwater pouring from a house roof and gutter during a storm
By 180 Contractors April 13, 2026
Michigan weather can be tough on homes, especially when it comes to your roof. From heavy snow in the winter to strong thunderstorms in the summer, each season brings conditions that can wear down roofing materials over time. Knowing how these storms affect your roof can help you catch problems early and avoid more ser
Snow piled on a dark shingled roof, with scattered patches of snow across the surface.
By 180 Contractors March 3, 2026
If you’ve lived through a Michigan winter, you know your roof takes a beating. Between heavy snowfall, freezing rain, fluctuating temperatures, and strong winds, winter weather can quietly wear down even a well-built roofing system. By the time spring arrives, many homeowners are surprised to learn that damage has alre