478-286-03922023 Metal Roof Colors, Paint Types, & Design Tips
Written by
Leroy Whitt
If you’re in the market for a new roof and are opting for metal roofing, choosing the right color is important. A metal roof can last up to 70 years or more, which means you’ll likely be stuck with the same color for a long time.
Whether you’re picking out a new color for a metal roof replacement or repainting an existing roof, you’ll want to consider:
- Durability
- Your Design Philosophy
- Long-lasting curb appeal
We’ve looked into some of the current trends for metal roof colors in 2023 — all of which are predicted to continue to increase in popularity over the next few years.
In this article, we’ll dive into this year’s four metal roof colors and how to choose the right one for your home. Keep reading to learn more!
Top 4 Popular Metal Roof Colors Right Now
The general rule of thumb when it comes to a good metal roof color is to stick to neutrals. The roof is a part of your home’s exterior, so the more naturally it blends into the landscape, generally the more appealing it looks.
Of course, the more colorful the landscape is around your home and the more uniquely your home is designed, the more your home actually may be much more complemented by bolder color choices.
Keeping that in mind, let’s see what metal roof colors reign supreme in 2023:
1. Gray Is the Star of the Show
The gray metal variant options continue to expand into this year, and they’ll keep expanding for the years to come.
This is because gray is incredibly versatile when it comes to metal roofing, and the amount of different shades and hues homeowners can choose from enables them to reimagine a color that was once considered dreary into something chic, modern, and calming.
So, you can expect to see a lot of varying grays with different undertones from light gray to dark gray — especially atop white homes.
2. Pass on the Gloss
This is a bit of a catch-all, but matte looks are relevant enough to mark as a 2023 trend.
More and more homeowners this year are looking to do away with gloss and high shine in their metal roofing products. This is largely due to the fact that reduced gloss directly impacts environmental integration. In other words, having a matte look to your home provides a nicer balance between light and dark throughout the day.
You’ll especially see this trend in areas that receive a lot of sunshine.
3. Alternatives to PVDF Paint, Please
This trend is more about what isn’t being used than what is.
PVDF paint systems have long been renowned as the best-performance paint when it comes to metal roofing and siding. However, we’ve been noticing a significant gap between PVDF paint and its more affordable counterparts, like SMP paint.
The biggest disadvantage when it comes to PVDF paint and resins is a lack of sunlight resistance. It has also become less available. This has directly impacted the specific performance expected of the paint system.
4. Black Will Always Reign Supreme
The popularity of black hues continues to remain at the top of metal roof color trends. It offers depth, simplicity, and neutrality at its best — making for a rich focal point of the home or even the perfect contrast.
Black continues to be popular among commercial businesses and residential properties alike, as well as various architectural applications. Additionally, new paint technology allows homeowners and business owners to reap the benefits of heat-reflective properties while still getting to choose the darkest black (and other dark colors).
How to Choose the Right Color for Your Metal Roof
Choosing the right color for your metal roof panels can be tricky, with or without knowing the recent trend. It’s just like choosing the right paint color for the rooms in your home or even a new color for your home’s exterior. There are a lot of things to consider, and you need to consider them carefully because do-overs can be quite expensive.
Here are a few tips on choosing the perfect color for your new metal roof:
- Know your color options. There’s a common misconception that metal roofs don’t come with a lot of color options, but the opposite is true. You can paint your metal roof virtually any color. Your best bet is to get to know which color options are available to you and narrow down your choices from there.
- Think about your HOA policies. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, you may only be allowed to use certain colors. It’s best to find out what those colors are before setting your sights on something that may not be permitted in your neighborhood.
- Think about your home’s architectural style. The architectural style of your home and roof are important. Why? Because as the sun rises and sets, it’ll have an impact on the appearance of your roof and, therefore, your home. If you have a swatch of your potential colors, take a look at them outside at different times of the day to get an idea.
- Consider light vs. dark colors. Light-colored roofs can make your roof appear taller and will reflect the heat of the sun much better. Darker-colored roofs tend to have the opposite effect, which can make a roof with a high slope look less prominent.
- The rest of your home. It’s essential to match your metal roofing to the color scheme of your home. You want to complement the surrounding features, including the environment and the other home in your neighborhood as well as your own property. Ultimately, your metal roof should blend in nicely with your siding, stucco, or brick for a balanced aesthetic.
- Your location. Choosing a neutral color will allow your roof to blend in better with its environment, whereas bolder colors can help your home to stand out. Of course, it all depends on where you live. For example, tropical locations tend to have roofs that are bright and vibrant, whereas desert areas often use warm tones, and forest homes are often seen with earthy tones.
Still Can’t Decide?
Whether you’re looking to buff up your existing metal roof or get a brand new roof, remember that latex-based paint is required as a metal roof expands and contracts depending on temperature.
When it comes to choosing the right metal roof color, it’s a big decision. It can make or break the overall appearance of your home, and while 2023’s trends point towards the most neutral and flexible color (gray), it’s perfectly normal to want something more you.
When choosing the product and/or color for your metal roof, it’s best to seek the advice of professionals who work directly with the distributors, the products, and the installation.
That’s why you call us.
Whitt’s Quality Roofing has been in the roofing industry for over 15 years — we know a thing or two about choosing the right materials and color for your roof. We’ll even give you a free estimate!
You can count on Whitt’s for the best advice, craftsmanship, and accountability.
