You have decided to re-do the roof on your house to increase its value and to enhance your lifestyle.

A new roof is a major investment you, and your neighbours, will have to make for many years.

Where should you start? It's as much about the quality and value of your shingles as it is about your personality. Depending on the style and color of your home, you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere or a bold, dramatic statement. You can choose between traditional elegance and ultra-contemporary urban design.

Here are some tips and tricks for choosing the right shingles.

Consider Light-Condition

Consider the lighting conditions in which actual samples are displayed when selecting a shingle color that will match your home. The natural light conditions in a given area and season can be very different. An experienced homeowner will consider more than just the material of the shingles. They will also take into account brickwork, trim and accents like shutters and doors. All should work together.

The color of your house and exterior elements

Shingle colors that are suitable for beige or cream-colored properties include browns, blacks, greys, greens, and blue in solid colors.

Shingle colors for brown homes include brown, black or green.

White houses make the roof a completely blank canvas. It doesn't matter what color you choose, as long as it matches your neighborhood and home's architectural style. Shingle colors are available for white houses in the following colors: brown, grey and black.

Brown, green and black is some of the shingles that can be used for weathered timber or log houses. You can mimic the look and feel of natural wood shakes by choosing a shingle featuring a high-resolution profile.

Matching shingle colors should be a priority as many of your exterior fixtures will remain. Wood or vinyl siding can still be painted. However, most facings (e.g brickwork, stone or mortar, stucco, and cedar logs) are permanent fixtures that can't easily be replaced.

Please keep in mind the functionality

The best colors to absorb heat are those that have a lot of shade, such as houses in colder areas or houses that are predominantly shaded throughout the year. You can keep your home warmer by choosing lighter colors that reflect heat. However, you need to be careful about energy savings. Your home's energy efficiency is directly affected by how well it vents and the quality of its insulation. You may need reflective colors to meet certain environmental codes. A local roofer can advise you on the best shingle colors and how to apply them.

Please be aware of your neighbors

If you don't want your home to be noticed, especially when it comes to selling, choose a shingle that is in harmony with other homes and the natural surroundings. Your home and surrounding properties will appreciate if you keep them in harmony. Do not clash!

Would you ever choose a paint color without taking samples home to compare against walls that will be painted under different lighting conditions? You wouldn’t. The same goes for new roofing. It is important to compare shingle samples at different times with all exterior elements of your house so you can make an educated decision. It is also a good idea, for confirmation and inspiration, to see if there are any other roofs that have the same color and shingle blends.

Make sure you get a good warranty on your shingle.

All asphalt shingles may not be the same. The average lifespan of shingles is 25 years. Make sure you choose a shingle that has a minimum 25-year warranty. To understand the terms of the warranty, and any proration periods, you should consult your roofer.

There will be two warranties: The roofer's warranty and the manufacturer's. Most likely, the roofer's warranty is less than the products. Be sure to read the warranties and understand what they mean.

Asphalt shingles are probably the most commonly used roofing material. They are inexpensive and come in a variety of styles and colors. It is important that you choose the right roofing shingles for your home. While it is important that you do your research regarding your roofing shingles, we also recommend having a discussion with your contractor about your options.