Use Green Shingles for a Gorgeous House Exterior

Spring is in the air and it's time to refresh the exterior of your home. If you're looking to add visual appeal while being environmentally friendly, green shingles are an excellent option. From classic forest greens to lively lime hues, green shingles provide a vibrant pop of color to make your house stand out.

Read on to discover why green shingles are surging in popularity and how they can enhance your home's curb appeal.

Benefits of Adding Green Shingles

What draws homeowners to green shingles? Here are some of the top reasons to consider this eco-friendly roofing material:

• Visual Impact: Few exterior design choices make as bold of a statement as green shingles. They immediately grab attention and accentuate architectural elements.
• Curb Appeal: Green roofs boost a home's curb appeal by being both stylish and unique. They're an easy way to update dated exteriors.
• Personality: Shades like mint, sage, and forest green express your personal taste. It's a subtle way to showcase your style.
• Sustainability: Many green shingles contain recycled content, reducing landfill waste.
• Energy Efficiency: Solar-reflective green shingles can reduce cooling costs by decreasing heat absorption.
• Durability: Advanced manufacturing creates durable, weather-resistant green shingles that hold up well over time.

Tired of traditional black or brown shingles? Go bold with green to refresh your home's look. It provides an invigorating sense of vibrancy.

Choosing the Right Green for Your Home

Green shingles now come in a wide spectrum of shades. From muted earthy greens to vivid lime hues, you can find a green that complements your home's color scheme and architecture.

Here are some popular green shade options to consider:

• Forest Green: A rich, deep green reminiscent of pine forests. Pairs nicely with warm wood tones.
• Olive Green: An earthy green that works well for Craftsman, cottage, or farmhouse styles.
• Sage Green: A grayish-green shade ideal for homes with neutral color palettes. Provides a pop of color without going too bold.
• Mint Green: A bright, cool green for a beachy coastal cottage look. Also great on modern homes.
• Kelly Green: A vibrant shamrock green that makes a dramatic statement. Perfect if you want an eye-catching look.
• Sea Glass Green: A blue-green hue reminiscent of sea glass. Ideal for waterfront homes or relaxed styles like cottage.

You'll also find shades like celery, emerald, chartreuse and more. Visit home improvement stores to view green shingle swatches in person. This helps envision how the color will look with your home's style.

Design Ideas for Green Shingles

What's the best way to integrate green shingles into your exterior design? Here are some stylish ideas:

• Green roof with white or neutral accents: Let the green shingles take center stage by pairing them with crisp white trim, neutral walls and simple landscaping.
• Green and white color scheme: For a bold but elegant look, use green shingles on the roof and white siding or brick walls.
• Green on accent roofs or dormers: Use green only on accent roofs over porches, dormers or entryways so it doesn't overwhelm.
• Touches of green with traditional shingles: Add personality by using green on entryway roofs, garage doors and shutters.
• Mix green shades: Add depth by using light and dark green hues together. For example, olive green roof with sea glass green dormers.

Visit Houzz, Pinterest and design blogs to discover inspiring green shingle color schemes. Pay attention to how the green complements architectural styles from Farmhouse to Mediterranean.

Should You Go All Green?

Some homeowners opt to use green shingles on their entire roof. This bold look makes a dramatic statement and shows off the vibrant color. However, it can be overwhelming depending on your home's style. A safer option is to integrate green through accent roofs, dormers or porches instead of your whole roof.

Use Green Strategically

Another pro tip is to use green shingles on highly visible roof surfaces at the front of your home. Then use a more neutral roof color like black, gray, or brown on rear-facing sections less visible from the curb. This balances vibrant green accent areas with more subtle neutral tones.

Consider Surrounding Colors

Choose a green that complements your home's other exterior colors. For example, avoid pairing a bold kelly green roof with red brick walls. Instead, use sage green shingles for a more harmonious look. Always view shingle swatches alongside your home's siding, trim, brick, or stone to preview color compatibility.

Factors in Choosing Green Shingles

Beyond just color, consider these factors when selecting green shingles:

• Quality: Look for durable shingles that will hold up well to weather, heat, and cold. Ask about wind and impact resistance ratings.
• Warranty Length: Opt for green shingles backed with 20-year or lifetime limited warranties, which covers defects and ensures longevity.
• Eco-friendliness: Seek shingles made from recycled materials or rated by groups like the Cool Roof Rating Council for solar reflectance.
• Texture: Matte finishes look more modern while textured designs provide dimension.
• Fire Resistance: Choose shingles meeting Class A Fire Resistance standards for safety.
• Price: Expect to pay $400-$1000 more for green shingles vs. traditional black asphalt shingles.

Talk to a roofing contractor about these criteria to select high-performing, durable green shingles that enhance your home for years to come.

Maintenance Tips for Green Shingles

Like all roofing materials, green shingles require some periodic maintenance to maximize their lifespan. Follow these tips:

• Clean shingles with a garden hose annually to prevent mold, mildew or algae growth.
• Trim overhanging tree branches to prevent debris buildup and wind damage to shingles.
• Seal any cracked or loose shingles to prevent leaks.
• Inspect shingles after major storms and repair any damage.
• Avoid walking on the roof to prevent broken or displaced shingles.

Some green shingle lines feature algae-resistant coatings to deter stubborn black stains. Copper or zinc strips can also be integrated during installation to prevent moss or algae.

Depending on climate factors, expect to professionally pressure wash green shingles every 3-5 years. Proper maintenance preserves the vibrant color and waterproofing capabilities.