Choosing metal as your roofing material has both benefits and drawbacks. One important decision when selecting a metal roof is its color, because choosing the right color among multiple options can be daunting. Most people love white metal roofs because they are easy to work with, while others opt for soft, dark gray tones that give the home an industrial look. Some homeowners also prefer a colorful roof that makes the overall exterior look vibrant.
Surprisingly, one of the colors that is currently trending is green. With green, too, you get several options to play with, depending on what look you want. However, green can sometimes be tricky, so this blog aims to discuss the pros and cons of a green roof and how you can style it.
What is a Green Metal Roof?
A green metal roof is a roofing material that is green in color. These roofs vary in color, from light sage to dark forest shades. Whereas the metal material can vary from aluminum to copper and steel, which are coated with a weather-resistant finish. These coatings are quite functional and give the roof a unique appearance.
The color green is soothing and calming, and the best part is that the color complements the surroundings well. The right color of green does not blend, but pairs beautifully with the environment, whether in rural or suburban homes.
What are the Types of Green Color Available?
With a green metal roof, you have various options you can explore, and each color gives the home a distinct look. Some of them are:
- Aged Copper
- Patina Green
- Hemlock Green
- Hartford Green
- Evergreen
What Are the Benefits of a Green Metal Roof?
There are several advantages of a green metal roof, such as:
Available in Various Color Options
From sage green to patina green, medium-dark green, dark green, aged copper, and evergreen, there are several options you can choose from. You can coordinate this color with accent colors, trim, and even landscaping to make the exterior put together and visually pleasing.
Suitable for Many Architectural Styles and Environments
It is a smart choice to choose green if your home is in a forest or mountain area. This is because green blends with trees and nature, and does not look out of place. Instead, the whole setting looks more natural and connected. Additionally, it can be used for almost all architectural styles, such as Craftsman, Victorian, ranch, colonial, bungalow, and even lodge & log cabin.
Lightweight and Durable
Metal roofs are lighter than traditional clay tiles or concrete but are quite durable. They weigh around 1.4 pounds per square foot, depending on the material. This puts less strain on the house's foundation. Also, they are cost-effective and easy to install or retrofit on existing roofs.
Increased Value of Home
Green metal roofs are best installed if you want to increase your home’s resale value. National reports show that homes with metal roofs can recover up to 85% of their cost at resale. These homes are in high demand due to their roof colors and energy-saving features.
Low Maintenance
Green roof metal is known for its low-maintenance feature. It does not peel, crack, or blister. Also, it is resistant to algae, moss, and lichen, which are among the most common problems in traditional shingle roofing. You don’t even have to worry about termites or rodents. In addition to all of these, cleaning metal roofs is extremely easy. All you need to do is pick a garden hose and rinse the roof when needed.
Eco-Friendly
Green metal roofing is considered sustainable, as metals are 100% recyclable (approximately 25% to 95% of them are recycled). Some manufacturers offer cool roof technology to lower surface temperatures by reflecting heat.
Complements Other Elements
Green complements other textures and colors well because green is found everywhere, in plants, trees, grass, and landscapes. With a green roof, you can incorporate whites, blacks, beiges, and browns into other elements, such as trim, accents, siding, and shutters.
What Are the Drawbacks of a Green Metal Roof?
Even with all its advantages, there are certain drawbacks you must consider, such as:
Low SRI Options
Not all shades of green have a high SRI (Solar Reflective Index); some have a low SRI, which means less heat absorption and energy savings. However, as metal is a sustainable, eco-friendly roofing material, it remains a smart choice.
May Not Be Suitable for All Architecture Styles
Though green is close to a neutral color, it is more vibrant and vivid. It may complement most architectural styles, but it may not be suitable for modern, Spanish-style, contemporary, or even Tudor-style homes. Green also has a regional limitation. So, if you live in a coastal or desert area, green is not the color for you.
Glossy and Dark Finish
If you opt for dark green, it can make the scuffs and scratches more visible, as dark green reflects a lot of light. Instead, you can choose a lighter color with less gloss. Or, you can pick panels with ribs or striations, which break up the flat surface and hide the waves. If you have questions or concerns, consider talking to your roofers.
Dark Metal Roof vs Light Green Metal Roof: Which is the Best?
Deeper shades of green tend to fade more. Hence, it will show more obvious signs of fading and wear than lighter shades. You will surely choose the color that best complements the style of your home, your surroundings, and, of course, your personal style and preferences. However, don’t forget to consider the roof pitch of the roof.
If you have a shallow pitch, opting for a lighter shade is wise, as it will make the roof look taller. Whereas a darker shade of green can have the opposite effect, making the roof look deeper.
What Colors Go Well With a Green Metal Roof?
Green can complement several other colors, and the ones mentioned below are considered absolute matches:
White
This color suits well on colonial, farmhouse, and Cape Cod homes. The green metal roof, along with the white siding, gives the home a clean, fresh look. The combination creates a sharp contrast that makes them both stand out, especially when paired with black or green shutters and white trim.
Gray
Gray can range from light dove gray to dark charcoal and provides a bit of a graceful, subtle appearance. When paired with gray, green becomes softer, making the exterior look simple and classy. To make the outside more eye-catching and create division, consider painting the trim white.
Beige or Cream
Beige and cream are neutral, warm colors that make the surroundings feel less intimidating. The beige or cream siding complements the forest- or sage-green metal roof and is best suited for ranch- or Mediterranean-style homes.
Brown or Wood Tones
If you have log homes, lodges, or country homes, a green roof with brown or wood colored siding looks great. It is the perfect combination to achieve a rustic look.
Sandstone or Tan
Sandstone- or tan-colored doors, windows, and even siding look fabulous for their earthy tones and pair well with earthy green colors.
Navy Blue
Though navy blue and green are a bold combination, the dark-on-dark color scheme looks impressively beautiful. It evokes a sense of richness and adds a maritime touch to the whole house.
Black
That’s bolder than green-navy. The green metal roof with black siding is a statement-making combination, which looks absolutely striking.
Types of Green Metal Roof Colors You Can Incorporate
Here are some shades of green that you can incorporate on the roof:
- Sage Green: This is a gray-green finish that looks like dried sage leaves.
- Emerald Green: Emerald green has a bright blue-green tone and looks pretty elegant, even when used as a roof color.
- Matte Classic Green: Matte shades of green are solid, dark greens that offer an inviting appearance to the roof and look less intense than the glossy shades.
Conclusion
A green metal roof is durable and long-lasting when properly maintained. Due to its longevity, low maintenance, and energy efficiency, the roof increases the home’s resale value. Plus, there are several shades of green you can choose from, depending on your taste and preferences, as well as the environment and overall architectural style. The best part is that the color green can complement neutral to bold and even earthy shades.
