Tan Roof Colors that Complement House Style
Tan roofs are a popular choice for many homeowners looking to add warmth and dimension to their home's exterior. The earthy, natural tones of tan can make a house feel inviting and lived-in. Tan roofs also pair beautifully with other exterior elements like brick, stone, and wood siding. When thoughtfully designed, a tan roof can increase curb appeal and resale value.
We'll look at lighter tan shades like beige and darker options like terracotta. We'll also discuss factors to consider when selecting tan for your roof, from climate to personal preference. Whether you're building a new home or looking to re-roof, read on to learn why a tan roof may be right for you.
The Variety of Tan Roof Color Options
One of the benefits of choosing a tan roof is the wide spectrum of shades and tones available. Lighter tans like beige and khaki have a creamy, subtle look. These can brighten up a home exterior. Medium tan colors such as taupe and desert sand add warm, natural dimension. For bolder contrast, darker tan hues like bronze, brown, and terracotta make a statement.
Within each shade range, there are countless variations. Manufacturers mix different undertones like yellow, red, blue and green to achieve the perfect tan. This allows homeowners to fine-tune the tan shade to complement their color scheme.
Light Tan Roof Colors
- Beige - A very light tan with yellow undertones. Works well with white and cream trims.
- Khaki - A light yellowish-brown that pairs nicely with grays and greens.
- Cream - A warm off-white that brightens and enlarges exterior spaces.
Medium Tan Roof Colors
- Taupe - A warm gray-brown that elegantly contrasts white and black accents.
- Desert Sand - A soft brownish-tan that enhances southwest style homes.
- Light Brown - A versatile neutral between dark and light shades of tan.
Dark Tan Roof Colors
- Bronze - A sophisticated brownish-gray that works with varied color palettes.
- Terracotta - A vivid reddish-orange earth tone for Mediterranean flair.
- Dark Brown - Rich espresso hues that pair well with reds and greens.
Factors that Impact Tan Roof Color Selection
Choosing the right tan involves considering several factors unique to your home. Climate, architectural style, and materials should all help guide your decision. Here are some of the important considerations for selecting a tan roof color:
Climate and Weather
In hot climates, light tan colors can reflect heat and keep attics cooler. In colder regions, darker tans absorb more sunlight to reduce icicles and snow loads. Evaluate local conditions to pick optimal shades.
House Exterior Colors
A tan roof needs to coordinate with siding, brick, trim, and accent colors. Look at color combination inspiration to ensure the tan you choose enhances your overall scheme.
Roofing Materials
Color availability varies based on roofing material. Asphalt shingles offer the most tan color options from light beiges to deep browns. Tile, slate, metal, and cedar shake roofing have fewer tan varieties.
Personal Preference
Factor in your own tastes as well. Light, neutral tans work on most homes, but a bold terracotta may better suit your personality and style.
Tan Roof Color Recommendations by House Style
Some tan shades inherently complement certain architectural styles better than others. Use these recommendations as a starting point when selecting roof color.
Traditional and Craftsman Homes
For traditional archetypes like Colonials, Tudors, and Craftsmans, lighter tan hues like beige, cream, and light brown enhance the classic look. Avoid stark whites or grays.
Mediterranean Style
Spanish, Tuscan, and Italianate homes shine with the deep, warm colors of terracotta and dark tan. These robust hues align with the old-world Mediterranean aesthetic.
Contemporary Modern
Clean-lined contemporary houses benefit from more muted tan shades like taupe and khaki. These tans instill brightness without detracting from sleek geometries.
Farmhouse and Cottage
For quintessential farmhouse or cottage charm, soft tans like beige, cream, and light khaki work best. Avoid dark browns, which can feel too heavy for these styles.
Tan Roof Color Combinations
Tan roof colors pair beautifully with many exterior materials and colors. Consider the following combinations when coordinating your tan roof:
With Red Brick Houses
For classic red brick homes, a light to medium tan roof brings out the warm undertones of the masonry. Beige and taupe nicely accent the red.
With Gray Houses
On gray siding, a tan roof provides pleasing contrast and visual depth. Try khaki, light brown, or taupe against cool grays for a refined look.
With White or Light Colored Houses
For white or cream exteriors, beige is an ideal roof choice. Its subtle color keeps the home light and airy. Avoid dark browns that can feel oppressive.
With Blue Houses
Cool blue exteriors gain warmth from tan roof colors. Light khaki and beige enhance the blue nicely without competing.
With Yellow, Green, or Purple Houses
For brighter yellow, green, and purple homes, medium tan hues like taupe and light brown provide subtle contrast without dulling the vibrant shades.
Roof Styles that Complement Tan
In addition to materials and colors, roof design impacts how tan shades project. Certain roof styles naturally flatter tan colors:
Gable Roofs
The pitched gable shape allows tan colors to be seen head-on for maximum effect. Gables suit all shades of tan attractively.
Hip Roofs
The sloped hip style lets light graze tan colors for subtle luminosity. Hip roofs work best with lighter tan hues.
Mansard Roofs
The unique dual-pitched mansard profile benefits from dark tan colors like deep browns that emphasize the dramatic angles.
Caring for a Tan Roof
Like any roof, proper maintenance is key to ensuring a long-lasting tan roof. Here are a few care tips:
Cleaning
Clean tan shingles once a year with a pressure washer to remove moss and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Repairing Damage
Inspect annually for damaged or missing shingles. Promptly repair these to prevent leaks and bigger issues.
Knowing Replacement Timelines
Expect to replace your asphalt shingle roof every 15-20 years. Tile and metal roofs last 35-50 years. Replace when aging occurs.
Finding Tan Roof Inspiration
Looking at tan roofs in action helps visualize how well they complement different homes. Some inspiration sources include:
Photo Galleries
Search home design sites and manufacturer image libraries to see tan roofs enhancing various styles.
Tan Roof Visualizer
Upload a photo of your home and select tan hues to see how they look digitally applied to your roof.
To recap, some of the top benefits of choosing tan roof shingles include:
- Warmer and more welcoming aesthetic
- Compatibility with many exterior materials like brick and wood
- Enhances curb appeal and can potentially increase home value
- Variety of light, medium and dark tan color options
- Reflective properties to reduce heat gain in warm climates
For many homeowners, a tan roof is a timeless, nature-inspired choice that works with a wide range of architectural styles. If you're considering a roof color change, tan offers beauty, versatility, and potential resale value. We hope this overview of tan roof colors and combinations illuminates factors to help you pick the perfect tan hue for your home.