For building owners, 2018 color trends are all about standing out from the crowd.
With more color options available than other roofing types, metal roofing color trends set the tone for building owner style preferences. And this year, it’s no time to be subtle.
According to the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), predictions for popular shades this year include reds, whites and deep blues. Multi-tones and raw organic hues such as copper, titanium and bright stainless steel also are attracting homeowners for their appeal.
With Ultra Violet being Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018, dramatic color influences are all the rage for building owners. Although MRA does not predict many owners will choose to install purple roofs, intriguing tones and bold color options including cardinal red, deep sea blue and copper penny are captivating imaginations.
“In years past, the tendency has been towards earth tones and subtle colors that blend in. This year, homeowners are seeking out bold shades that draw attention and make their building distinctive,” says Renee Ramey, executive director of the MRA. “People are getting creative and they are finding that the latest shades of metal roofing options allow them to do just that.”
Whatever the latest trends, experts remind building owners to take extra care when it comes to selecting a roofing color that may be unique, that they could tire of after a few years. The fact is that building owners will be living with their metal roofing color choice for 50-plus years.
“While there are plenty of colors out there, many owners find that traditional colors that stand the test of time are more prudent, especially if they plan to stay for the long run,” says Ramey. “It’s also important to pay attention to performance factors and what might work best with the overall style and design of a building.”
To help building owners make the right choice from the array of colors available, MRA offers five tips:
- View it in all lights – Recognize that colors will look different on cloudy days versus bright sunshine, in the morning and as the evening turns dark.
- Make sure its is practical – A white metal roof is considered a cool roof and can be 50 to 60 degrees cooler than a dark color asphalt shingle roof. Choose a lighter shade if you live in a sunny, hot climate region for maximum energy efficiency.
- Consider your surroundings – Paint colors tend to change, but metal roofs will last for more than a half century. The best bet is to ensure the color you choose fits with the style of your building and neighborhood.
- Stand up to the test of time – Building owners who want to ensure their roof color stays the same tomorrow as it is today should select material with high quality paint finishes, such as PVDF coatings. For those who prefer natural variances, some bare metals like copper will patina and naturally change color over time.
- Try it on – The MRA offers an online visualizer on its website where owners can upload a photo and see how their building might look with different types of roofing color and style options.