Top Shingle Colors of 2021

By Annie Crawford 06-16-2021
QUICK SHARE
Tag Icon

Thinking of upgrading your roof and shingle colors? You're not alone. In the last year, 76% of US homeowners made at least one home improvement project—and for good reason. Beyond adding visual appeal, home improvements make good financial sense: for example, upgrading a roof with Timberline shingles can increase the value of a home by an average of 10%*.

Whether you're eyeing new roof shingles to beautify your home, provide better protection, or boost your home's resale value, choosing a shingle color ties the whole project together. As you consider the range of options out there, here's what to factor in to ensure you hit the nail on the head with your roof's style.

What Colors Do Shingles Come in?

Roof shingles come in a range of colors—from bold and bright to stately and serene. Manufacturers like GAF offer shingles in shades of blue, red, gray, green, brown, and more. As the #1-selling shingle in North America, Timberline® Shingles set the bar for color and style trends. The top trending shingle colors for 2021 include Charcoal, Pewter Gray, Barkwood, Shakewood, and Weathered Wood.

Designer and architectural shingles give homes more visual depth by increasing the variation in the roof's texture and pattern. Timberline HDZ architectural shingles in the shade Hickory, for example, offer a rich blend of dark brown and deep red that makes a striking statement on the roof. In contrast, an elegant neutral like Charcoal can complement a wide variety of home styles and colors. Experiment with the free and easy-to-use Virtual Remodeler tool to see how your home could look with different shingle colors.

Which Shingle Color Is the Most Popular?

The five most popular GAF shingle colors—Charcoal, Pewter Gray, Barkwood, Shakewood, and Weathered Wood—are neutral shades, allowing them to match the widest range of homes.

According to expert color consultants, the shingle color you ultimately choose should consider elements such as the architectural style and paint color of your house. Even geographic location can play a role, as regional climates have typically dictated shingle color options. Fortunately, technological advances such as the long-lasting power of algae-fighting StainGuard Plus™ mean you can choose whatever roof shingle color you desire—but in hotter climates, many homeowners still opt for lighter roof shingles to help deflect the heat of the sun's rays.

In addition to protecting your home, the right shingle color creates a cohesive look with curb appeal. For example, asphalt architectural shingles like Timberline® HDZ™ Shingles offer a wood-shake appearance that looks stunning on a wide variety of homes including ranch-style and mountain homes.

What Color Roof Is Best for Resale?

When you go to sell your home, one of the first things potential buyers will lay eyes on is the roof. The right shade stands out in a good way, and choosing a shingle color that clashes with or distracts from your home's exterior can hurt your home's value. If you plan to sell—whether now or years down the road—selecting a classic, neutral color like Barkwood can win over the biggest slice of buyers. If you're upgrading shingles on your forever home, the sky is the limit as long as you adhere to local codes.

Beyond looking great, upgraded GAF shingles come with robust warranties. These warranties can be transferred to the new owner if you decide to sell, further adding value to your home.

When it comes to resale, it's also important to consider local ordinances and codes, as well as homeowner association (HOA) agreements. Not complying with area requirements could hinder home sales.

Does Shingle Color Matter?

Your roof shingle color affects more than just the look of your home—it can also impact its curb appeal and potential resale value. But it's not just about the financial impact. There's a sense of satisfaction that comes with taking pride in your home's appearance. After completing a home improvement project, 74% of owners have a greater desire to be at home, and homeowners reported a 9.5 Joy Score out of 10 after installing a new roof.

Ready to spring into action? With home improvement in the air, now is the time to contact your local contractor certified by GAF** about upgrading your roof shingle colors. Your contractor can also answer questions about roof financing and installation options.



*According to a survey of 380 real estate agents and certified appraisers of single-family residential homes.

**Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Annie Crawford is a freelance writer in Oakland, CA, covering travel, style, and home improvement. Find more of her work at annielcrawford.com.
Don't miss another GAF RoofViews post!
LATEST UPDATES
Do you know the warning signs of poor ventilation in a house and attic? Proper ventilation is important in many ways and one of the first big things to know is that it can prolong the life of your roof system. It can also help lower your attic temperature and thereby reduce HVAC wear and tear, which may help lower utility bills and the likelihood of costly repairs. And last, but definitely not least, attic ventilation can help reduce the risk of mold, which can protect the health of your family. All-in-all, attic ventilation offers a long-term return on investment as well as potential preventative health benefits.
Michigan City has been home to a GAF manufacturing facility since 2000, supporting the community's residents through not only the nearly 200 jobs it provides but also countless hours of volunteering. The job creation and increased capacity for serving customers with the GAF Michigan City distribution center expansion is testimony to the company's dedication to building resilient communities.
Getting multiple professionals involved in a commercial roofing project offers a way to capture different perspectives—and to shine a light on some of the industry's hidden complexities—especially when it comes to challenging details like parapet walls.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most widely used roofing materials, providing an elegant yet effective look for homes while also being economical and easy to install. Here is what makes these shingles stand out from other roofing materials.
With an overall industry labor shortage, roofers are in high demand. Those contemplating a career in roofing should consider the training provided by the GAF Roofing Academy, where students can learn the skills and industrial knowledge they need to get started in the industry.
Commercial roof coatings can help extend the life and improve the aesthetics of low-slope roofs. A roof coating acts as the first line of defense against UV damage and water infiltration, and reflective roof coatings can help reduce the temperature of the roof.
This blog contains information created by a variety of sources, including internal and third party writers. The opinions and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of GAF. The content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute financial, accounting, tax or legal advice. GAF does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the information. In no event shall GAF be held responsible or liable for errors or omissions in the content or for the results, damages or losses caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on the content.

Interested in sharing or republishing our content? We kindly ask you to adhere to our guidelines.