One of the key aspects of keeping your property and home maintained is ensuring that your roof and guttering systems are clean and functioning properly. A key aspect of this is routinely having your roof painted.
If you’re planning to have your roof cleaned or worked on in the immediate future, the good news is that the same experts who offer the roof repairs Melbourne locals rely on can also paint your roof. This is typically done as part of a roof restoration process and will instantly give your roof a new lease on life. This post shares a few tips that will help you choose the best colour.
Understanding Why Roof Colour Matters
When it comes to choosing a new colour for your roof, you may not think that there’s any criteria for selecting a specific shade. While it’s true that you can paint your roof any colour you want, your roofer wants you to know that some shades are better than others.
This is not only from an aesthetic perspective, but the colour you choose impacts factors such as indoor comfort, energy efficiency, and cooling costs. It’s important to note that lighter roofs are better at reflecting heat, which works well to keep homes cooler in the hot Australian climate.
Darker colours absorb heat, which means this is an excellent option for homes that already have good insulation, as the warmth will stay indoors, making this a top choice for cooler climates. Lighter shades such as greys and neutrals are a popular choice in Australia.
Factors Surrounding Your Paint Choice
If you’re choosing paint colours for your roof, the process can be quite overwhelming. Especially if you’re looking for the perfect shade to match your décor while at the same time considering factors such as energy efficiency. Fortunately, our team of experts have compiled a list of the top tips to consider when you’re choosing paint colours.
1. Consider Energy Efficiency
The number one aspect to consider is how your potential paint colour will affect the overall energy efficiency in your home. As we’ve already mentioned, lighter colours can lead to considerable energy savings as it loads cooling loads.
Experts estimate that you can expect an energy savings of between 25 and 36% for lighter paint or tile colours. It’s a good idea to discuss potential colour options with your roofer or a local paint expert. Discuss aspects such as keeping your home cool, longevity of paint brands, and colours that will accentuate your existing design and décor.
2. Review Existing Colours and Styles
A huge benefit of painting your roof is that you may finally have the opportunity to get rid of a dreadful colour that you may have inherited when you bought the property. This means that the next step involves considering the overall style and décor of your home and property.
You will also need to consider the colours of existing features such as the gutters, fascia, and garage doors. Changing your roof colour may mean that you need to repaint these features as well, especially if you want the overall décor to blend and be aesthetically pleasing.
3. View the Colours in Person
Whether you’re painting your house walls or your roof, there’s a golden rule that you should always follow: Always view the colour in person. Never choose a colour from a catalogue or online image. Keep in mind that these images can be deceptive and may not depict the shade as it appears in real life.
It’s always a good idea to ask your roofer for locations where they have applied the colours that you have shortlisted. You can then drive past these properties and see how the colour looks in real-world lighting. This will quickly let you know if it’s what you had in mind.
4. Consider the Idea of Focal Points
For many homeowners, the roof is just another aspect of their home, and they may not give too much thought to colours and aesthetics. An alternative is to decide whether you want your roof to be a focal point.
In this case, you may want to choose a colour that contrasts with the current shades. You could also choose a darker or lighter shade of the existing colours, which will accentuate your roof. Working with varying shades of grey is an effective option here.
Final Thoughts
If you think your roof needs to be painted, it’s a good idea to speak to your local roofer to assess the condition of your roof and guttering system. This will ensure that repairs and cleaning are done correctly before painting begins. Many roofers offer painting services as part of their restoration processes.
When choosing a new paint colour, be sure to consider aspects such as thermal performance, energy efficiency, and, of course, curb appeal. Always view potential colours in person to ensure that the shade is as you imagine it. Use our tips to help you find the best colour for your roof, you’ll be glad you did!
