Vibrant Weathered Wood Shingle Color Combinations

Weathered wood shingles are becoming an increasingly popular roofing choice for homes due to their natural, rustic aesthetic. Unlike traditional asphalt shingles, weathered wood shingles provide unique depth, texture and visual interest to a home's exterior. With colors that range from solid browns to red-tinged cedar blends, weathered wood brings warmth and vibrancy when paired thoughtfully with other exterior elements.

The Benefits of Weathered Wood Shingles

Weathered wood shingles offer numerous advantages over traditional roofing materials:

• They provide a rustic, natural look that is reminiscent of traditional 1800s architecture.
• The textured surface and varied grain patterns add depth and visual interest.
• Colors become richer and deeper over time as the wood is exposed to sunlight.
• They are more durable than traditional wood shakes and can last 30-50 years.
• Their layered construction makes them resistant to wind, rain, snow and fire.

When properly installed by an experienced roofing contractor, weathered wood shingles protect a home while elevating its curb appeal. Their flexibility also allows them to be used on a wide variety of architectural styles, from traditional cottages to modern farmhouses.

How Weathered Wood Compares to Asphalt Shingles

While asphalt is the most common residential roofing material due to its affordability and durability, weathered wood shingles offer distinct advantages:

• Greater aesthetic appeal from wood's natural color variations, grains and textures.
• Asphalt fades faster in sunlight compared to wood's developing patina.
• Wood is more eco-friendly as a renewable, biodegradable material.
• Severe weather impacts asphalt faster through granule loss, cracking and streaking.

Ultimately weathered wood enhances curb appeal and environmental sustainability if the higher upfront cost aligns with homeowners' budgets.

Popular Color Choices

Weathered wood shingles are available in a diverse palette of wood tones and color blends. Here are some of the most popular options:

Classic Grays

For a traditional New England saltbox or Colonial, gray weathered wood shingles pair beautifully with white trim and black shutters. Cool gray shingles add depth while allowing other architectural details to shine.

Warm Browns

Timeless shades like espresso, chestnut and mahogany imbue homes with a sense of heritage. When combined with red brick or cream siding, rich brown shingles feel welcoming and timeless.

Dynamic Blends

Manufacturers like CertainTeed offer shingles blended from red, brown and black fibers for added dimension. These multi-tonal shingles complement both traditional and modern homes.

Custom Color Potential

For a truly one-of-a-kind look, weathered wood shingles can be customized via:

• Specialty stains before installation in shades from light sand to deep emerald.
• Painting/stenciling designs after installation for personalized motifs.
• Bleaching/whitewashing for light driftwood or Scandinavian aesthetics.

A reputable contractor helps bring unique color visions to life.

Consider Texture and Finish

In addition to color, weathered wood shingles offer choices when it comes to texture and sheen:

Smooth vs. Hand-Split

Smooth-sawn shingles offer clean lines and a refined finish. Hand-split shingles have rustic character with uneven edges and dimensions.

Matte, Satin or Gloss

Matte shingles have a flat, non-reflective appearance. Satin shingles have a soft glow while gloss finishes amp up the vibrancy. Consider sun exposure and aesthetic goals when choosing sheen.

Creative Color Combinations

Thoughtfully pairing weathered wood shingles with other exterior elements creates cohesive, vibrant schemes. Consider the following creative combinations:

Red Shingles, White Trim, Blue Door

For a playful coastal cottage, red cedar shingles pop against crisp white trim and a cheery robin's egg door. This fresh color scheme hints at summer despite rugged shingles.

Green Shingles, Stone Chimney, Black Windows

Echoing surrounding trees, olive-tinged shingles complement nature. The organic palette feels pleasantly unexpected against a traditional stone chimney and black-framed windows.

Yellow House, Brown Shingles, Rainbow Shutters

Sometimes vibrant color can hide in creative details. Here, a neutral yellow home allows rainbow shutters and chocolate shingles to shine. The whimsical twist creates joy and curiosity.

Considering Color Harmony

Understanding color theory ensures combinations work together harmoniously. Key strategies include:

• Match depths by pairing deep shades with other saturate hues.
• To add contrast, unite cool and warm tones like gray and red.
• Create balance with a dominant color, secondary color and neutral like beige as an accent.

Factors that Influence Color Selection

Choosing exterior shingle colors depends on several considerations:

Architectural Style

Modern farmhouses suit bold colors while Colonials and Saltboxes favor traditional grays and browns. Understanding the hallmarks of key styles ensures cohesion.

Region and Climate

In rainy climates like the Pacific Northwest, dark shingles suit Evergreen landscapes. In deserts, light colors mitigate harsh sunlight. Consider year-round color impact.

Surrounding Environment

Colors should complement neighborhood aesthetics. In wooded areas, brown shingles blend with nature while colors that echo flowering landscaping feel purposeful.

Personal Preference

Homeowners should choose colors that bring them joy while considering resale value. While personal expression matters, extremely bold choices may limit buyer appeal down the road.

Responsible Installation and Care

While vibrant in color, weathered wood shingles require proper installation and ongoing maintenance to maximize longevity:

• Hire experienced roofers who can properly secure each shingle according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Expect to replace 3-5% of shingles every 5 years as part of routine maintenance.
• Trim overhanging branches to prevent wind damage and avoid leaves/debris buildup between shingles over time.
• Clean shingles as needed with mild soap and water using a soft bristle brush.

With knowledgeable contractors and responsible homeownership, weathered wood shingles promise to bring one-of-a-kind beauty to homes for decades.

While shingle colors grab attention, weather barrier underlayments protect roof decking from leaks. Options include:

• Single-layer : Affordable but less durable in extreme weather.
• Multi-layer : Enhanced leak protection but higher upfront cost.