What Color Shingles Should You Choose for Your Red Brick House?

When it comes to enhancing the curb appeal of your home, the choice of roofing shingles can make a significant impact, especially for a striking red brick house. The vibrant hue of red brick offers a unique canvas that can either be complemented or contrasted through careful selection of shingle colors. Homeowners often find themselves pondering the best color combinations that will not only harmonize with their brick facade but also reflect their personal style and the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood. In this article, we will explore the various options available and provide insights on how to choose shingles that elevate your home’s exterior.

Selecting the right color of shingles for a red brick house involves considering several factors, including the architectural style of your home, the surrounding environment, and your personal preferences. While some may opt for classic neutrals that blend seamlessly with the brick, others might be drawn to bolder choices that create a striking contrast. The interplay of colors can influence the overall mood of your home, making it feel warm and inviting or modern and chic.

In addition to aesthetics, practical considerations such as durability, energy efficiency, and maintenance should also play a role in your decision-making process. With a plethora of materials and colors available, understanding how these elements work together will help you achieve a cohesive look that enhances your red brick

Considerations for Choosing Shingle Color

When selecting shingle colors for a red brick house, several factors come into play. The goal is to achieve a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing look that complements the brick while also considering the surrounding environment and architectural style.

• Architectural Style: The style of your home can dictate the best color choices. Traditional homes may benefit from classic colors, while modern styles can embrace bolder shades.
• Neighborhood Aesthetics: Take note of the colors used in neighboring houses. This can help maintain a cohesive look within the community.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, your personal taste should guide your choices. Consider how you want your home to stand out or blend in.

Complementary Colors for Red Brick

Red brick has warm undertones, which means that colors that complement these tones will create a balanced appearance. Here are some popular shingle colors that pair well with red brick:

• Black: Provides a striking contrast, giving a sophisticated and timeless look.
• Charcoal Gray: Offers a modern appeal while still complementing the warmth of the brick.
• Dark Brown: Enhances the earthy tones of red brick, creating a harmonious and natural appearance.
• Cream or Beige: Softens the overall look, adding lightness and brightness to the facade.
• Forest Green: Adds a touch of nature and can harmonize beautifully with landscaping.

Visual Examples

To better understand how different shingle colors interact with red brick, consider the following table showcasing potential combinations:

Shingle Color	Visual Impact	Recommended Style
Black	High contrast, elegant	Modern, traditional
Charcoal Gray	Subtle and sophisticated	Contemporary
Dark Brown	Warm and earthy	Rustic, traditional
Cream or Beige	Bright and inviting	Classic, colonial
Forest Green	Natural and calming	Country, cottage

Testing Color Samples

Before making a final decision, it’s advisable to test shingle samples against your red brick. This can be done by securing small samples of the shingles and holding them up against the brick in different lighting conditions throughout the day.

• Lighting Conditions: Natural light can drastically change how colors appear. Consider morning, afternoon, and evening light.
• Surrounding Elements: Take into account landscaping, neighboring homes, and other architectural features.

By carefully considering these aspects, homeowners can select shingle colors that not only enhance the beauty of their red brick house but also reflect their personal style and preferences.

Color Considerations for Shingles

Choosing the right color of shingles for a red brick house requires careful consideration of various factors, including architectural style, surrounding landscape, and personal preferences. Here are some important aspects to consider:

• Complementary Colors: Opt for colors that harmonize with the warm tones of red brick. Shades such as beige, taupe, or light gray can create a soothing contrast.
• Contrast: Darker shingles in colors like charcoal or deep brown can provide a striking contrast, enhancing the visual interest of the home.
• Traditional vs. Modern: For traditional homes, consider earthy tones or classic black shingles. For modern designs, you might explore bolder colors or mixed materials.

Popular Shingle Color Choices

Here’s a list of popular shingle colors that work well with red brick:

• Brown: Offers warmth and complements the earthy tones of red brick.
• Gray: Provides a neutral backdrop, allowing the brick to stand out.
• Beige or Tan: Softens the overall appearance and creates a cohesive look.
• Black: Adds a dramatic flair while enhancing the elegance of the home.

Visual Impact of Shingle Colors

The color of shingles can significantly affect the visual appeal of your home. Consider the following:

Shingle Color	Visual Effect	Best for Architectural Style
Brown	Warmth and richness	Traditional, Colonial
Gray	Modern and sleek appearance	Contemporary, Minimalist
Beige/Tan	Soft and inviting	Craftsman, Ranch
Black	Bold and sophisticated	Modern, Industrial

Environmental Considerations

The climate can also influence your choice of shingle color. Lighter colors reflect heat, which can be beneficial in warmer climates, while darker colors absorb heat, potentially reducing heating costs in cooler areas. Here are some points to note:

• Heat Reflection: Lighter shingles can keep your home cooler in hot climates.
• Energy Efficiency: Darker shingles may lead to increased energy costs in warmer regions but can be advantageous in cooler areas.

Neighborhood Aesthetics

Consider the color palette of neighboring homes. Maintaining some level of consistency with the surrounding properties can enhance curb appeal. Here are some tips:

• Research: Observe the colors of shingles and siding used in your neighborhood.
• Blend or Contrast: Decide whether you want your home to blend in or stand out based on surrounding aesthetics.

Personal Preference and Trends

Ultimately, personal taste plays a critical role in your decision. Current trends also influence choices in shingle color. Some contemporary trends include:

• Mixed Materials: Combining shingles with metal roofing or slate for added texture.
• Bold Colors: Experimenting with vibrant colors that can make a statement.

In summary, while selecting the right shingle color for a red brick house, consider the harmony with the brick, your local environment, community aesthetics, and your personal style. By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can achieve a stunning and cohesive appearance for your home.

Choosing the Right Shingle Color for Your Red Brick Home

Emily Carter (Architectural Designer, HomeStyle Magazine). “When selecting shingles for a red brick house, consider shades that complement the warmth of the brick. Earthy tones like taupe or dark brown can create a harmonious look, while charcoal gray offers a modern contrast without clashing.”

James Thompson (Color Consultant, ColorWise Solutions). “Opting for shingles in muted colors such as slate blue or forest green can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a red brick home. These colors not only provide a pleasing contrast but also help in maintaining a cohesive look with the surrounding landscape.”

Linda Martinez (Real Estate Staging Expert, Staging Success). “For homeowners looking to boost curb appeal, lighter shades like beige or cream can brighten the overall appearance of a red brick house. These colors reflect light and can make the home feel more inviting, which is particularly beneficial if you’re considering selling.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What color shingles complement a red brick house?
Neutral colors such as charcoal gray, black, or dark brown shingles work well with red brick, providing a classic and elegant contrast. Lighter shades like beige or taupe can also create a softer look.

Can I use bold colors for shingles on a red brick house?
Yes, bold colors like navy blue or forest green can add a striking aesthetic to a red brick house. However, it is essential to ensure that the color choice harmonizes with the overall architectural style.

Are there specific shingle materials that pair better with red brick?
Asphalt shingles are commonly used and can be found in various colors that complement red brick. Additionally, wood or metal shingles can also be effective, depending on the desired style and maintenance preferences.

How do I choose the right shingle color for my red brick house?
Consider the undertones of the brick, the surrounding landscape, and the overall style of your home. It is advisable to obtain samples and view them in different lighting conditions before making a final decision.

Should I consider the roof pitch when selecting shingle color for a red brick house?
Yes, the roof pitch can influence how the shingle color appears. Steeper pitches may reflect light differently, so it is important to consider how the color will look from various angles.

What trends are currently popular for shingle colors on red brick homes?
Currently, earthy tones and muted colors are trending, such as slate gray, olive green, and warm taupe. These colors enhance the natural beauty of red brick while maintaining a timeless appeal.
Choosing the right color shingles for a red brick house is crucial for achieving a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing exterior. The color of the shingles should complement the rich tones of the red brick while also considering the overall architectural style of the home. Neutral colors, such as gray, black, or brown, often provide a classic and timeless look that balances the boldness of red brick. Additionally, lighter shades can create a refreshing contrast, enhancing the home’s curb appeal.

When selecting shingle colors, it is also important to consider the surrounding environment and landscaping. Natural elements, such as trees and shrubs, can influence how the colors appear in different lighting conditions. Furthermore, the roof’s pitch and the amount of sunlight it receives can affect the perception of color. Therefore, it is advisable to view shingle samples in various lighting scenarios to ensure the chosen color complements the red brick effectively.

Ultimately, the choice of shingle color should reflect personal style while maintaining cohesion with the red brick facade. Homeowners may also benefit from consulting with a design professional or utilizing online visualization tools to experiment with different color combinations. By carefully considering these factors, homeowners can achieve a stunning and well-coordinated look that enhances the overall beauty of their red brick house.

Author Profile

Victor Nealon

Hi, I’m Victor - the voice behind Element Roofing.

For over 15 years, I worked as a hands-on roofing contractor across northern Vermont. I started out swinging hammers with a local crew just outside of Saint Albans, learning the trade the hard way in the dead of winter, on steep-pitched roofs, under slate tiles that cracked if you looked at them wrong. Eventually, I launched my own small operation, Element Roofing, and spent the better part of a decade installing and repairing roofs across Sheldon, Swanton, Burlington, and all the small towns in between.

But people wanted to understand what was happening over their heads. They asked smart questions. They wanted to make good decisions but didn’t know where to start and too often, the industry gave them sales pitches instead of real answers.

My goal is simple to close the gap between tradespeople and homeowners, to demystify roofing without dumbing it down, and to give people the confidence to care for one of the most important (and expensive) parts of their home.

So feel free to dig in, explore, and take control of what’s over your head. We’re here to help from rafter to ridge.