Metal Roof Colors: Pros and Cons of Different Colors on Metal Roofs

Metal roofing has improved greatly in recent years. While it is still a popular choice for commercial buildings, new production innovations have created metal roofing styles and colors that are perfect for all kinds of buildings, residential and commercial. 

Whether you’re in the market for a commercial or residential metal roof, you may be curious about the options available for metal roof colors. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of different metal roof colors, how they affect energy efficiency, and how different colors hold up to the elements. We’ll also cover the effects of different coatings and finishes on metal roofs and how they can benefit your roof.

Metal Roof Colors and Their Energy Efficiency

The color of a metal roof can actually have a noticeable effect on your energy consumption. Metal roofs are already quite efficient

The color of your metal roof significantly influences your building's efffciency.

• Light Colors: Shades like white, beige, and light pastels reflect a higher percentage of sunlight, reducing heat absorption. This reflection helps maintain cooler indoor temperatures during hot months, potentially lowering cooling costs. In warmer climates, such as Oklahoma, lighter-colored roofs can enhance energy efficiency.
• Dark Colors: Darker hues, including black, dark gray, and deep browns, absorb more sunlight, increasing heat retention. This can be advantageous in colder climates by aiding in snow melt and reducing heating expenses. However, in warmer regions, dark-colored roofs may lead to higher cooling demands.

Durability and Weather Resistance of Metal Roof Colors

Metal roofs are known for their exceptional durability and ability to hold up against all kinds of weather conditions. The color of your metal roof can influence this performance. Generally, metal roof colors are painted and given a protective coating. These coatings prevent your paint from fading, chipping, and corroding as quickly. We’ll get more into coatings later in this post.

The color and finish of your metal roof can affect its longevity and maintenance requirements.

• Light Colors: These colors generally fade less over time compared to darker shades, maintaining their appearance longer. However, they may show dirt, debris, and algae growth more prominently, necessitating regular cleaning to preserve their look.
• Dark Colors: While these can provide a classic aesthetic, they are more prone to noticeable fading and discoloration due to UV exposure. Modern UV-resistant coatings can mitigate this effect, helping maintain the roof's appearance over time.

Available Metal Roof Colors and Their Styles

Metal roofs are available in a wide variety of types and colors, making them a great aesthetic choice for homeowners and business owners alike. 

LThe choice of metal roof color should harmonize with your building's architectural style and surroundings.

• Light Colors: Offer a clean, modern look and can make structures appear larger. They stand out and can complement contemporary designs.
• Dark Colors: Provide a traditional, earthy appearance, blending well with natural surroundings. Colors like deep greens, browns, and grays can mimic conventional roofing materials, while black imparts a modern touch.
• Bold Colors: Options like red are popular in certain architectural styles, such as Spanish-inspired designs, and can make a striking statement.

Finishes and Coatings for Metal Roofing

In addition to color, the finish and coatings on your metal roof can affect its durability, look, and energy efficiency. There are a few types of finishes and coating with different looks and finishes.

With all of these finishes, the colors you choose affect the energy efficiency of your roof. There are a lot of different coatings available for metal roofing as well. Some are more durable than others, focused on preventing damage from UV rays, rust, corrosion, and more.

Conclusion

When choosing a color for your metal roof, considering your location, climate, and aesthetic preference is important for making the right decision for you. Lighter colors are more energy efficient in warmer climates, while darker colors tend to be better suited for colder climates. When it comes to aesthetics, darker colors tend to suit residential areas and lighter colors are typically found in commercial applications. 

Additionally, the variety of finishes and types of metal roofing available make metal roofing a very customizable option to suit your aesthetic preferences. Some coatings, finishes, and types are more durable and energy-efficient than others, so be sure to consult the advice of a professional roofer to help you make the best choice for your building!

If you’re looking to get a metal roof in Oklahoma, contact Statewide Roofing. Give us a call for a free quote, and let us know if you have any questions or get started with us on our contact page. See more of our residential and commercial services, and learn more about us. If you need metal roofing, choose the best in Oklahoma with Statewide!