We’ve all driven past that one red brick house that just seems to glow with charm. It’s not just the classic brickwork that catches our eye—it’s how the roof color perfectly complements every detail. Choosing the right roof color isn’t just about curb appeal; it’s about creating a home that feels welcoming and reflects our style.
With so many options out there, picking the best roof color for a red brick house can feel overwhelming. We want our homes to stand out for the right reasons, blending tradition with a touch of personal flair. Let’s explore how the right roof color can transform a red brick house into a true neighborhood standout.
Why Roof Color Matters for Red Brick Houses
Roof colors influence red brick houses in three essential ways—curb appeal, property value, and architectural harmony.
- Curb Appeal Impact: Roof color draws attention and frames the entire exterior of your red brick house. You see the roof from the street before catching any other detail. A mismatched shade may create visual discord, while a complementary roof color highlights the red brick’s natural richness and deepens the home’s character. Neutral roofs—such as charcoal or slate—tend to blend with red brick, while contrasting colors—like deep green or black—make bold statements.
- Property Value Enhancement: Roof color has a direct connection with market perception. According to the National Association of Realtors, homes with well-chosen exterior color palettes can sell for up to 5% more than similar properties with poorly coordinated exteriors. When a roof color accentuates your red brick home, potential buyers often respond with greater enthusiasm and quicker offers.
- Architectural Harmony Balancing: Red brick’s earthy reds, browns, and oranges set a strong design foundation, but the roof links vertical and horizontal elements. For example, muted browns, dark grays, and textured shingles create balance without clashing. If you want to amplify classic or historic charm, stick close to traditional pairings. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with richer, cooler tones that redefine how the brick reads against the sky.
Every red brick house gets its own personality when the roof and brickwork complement each other. Before deciding, consider your local climate and sunlight exposure—some colors resist fading better in strong sun while others absorb less heat in sweltering regions. By thinking strategically about roof color selection, you’re investing in both the visual story and the tangible value of your home.
Popular Roof Colors That Complement Red Brick
Red brick pairs well with an array of roof colors, letting you highlight or refine a home’s appearance. These options balance tradition with distinct style, upgrading curb appeal and property value.
Classic Black and Charcoal
Classic black or deep charcoal roof colors create striking contrast against red brick exteriors. These darker shades accentuate the brick’s natural hue and sharpen architectural lines. Many Colonial and Georgian homes use black or charcoal shingles to establish a timeless look. In regions with abundant sun, black singles may fade, so consider UV-resistant products for lasting depth.
Warm Brown Tones
Warm brown roofs blend subtly with red brick, supporting a cohesive and inviting facade. Colors like cedar, mocha, and chestnut add richness and soften bold red tones. You’ll notice brown roofs often cap Craftsman and Tudor homes, where they anchor the look with earth-inspired warmth. Choose richer browns to deepen the connection between roof and brick, especially if the mortar uses tan or brown hues.
Elegant Gray Shades
Elegant gray roofing—such as slate gray, stone gray, or weathered wood—harmonizes with various red brick shades. These tones deliver a modern edge while preserving classic appeal. Light or mid-tone grays allow for creative accents, letting you mix metal fixtures or trim without clashing. Gray’s versatility suits both contemporary and traditional home exteriors, providing a soft balance to vivid brick color.
Unique Green and Blue Options
Unique green or blue roof choices invite personality and distinction for homes with red brick. Deep forest green or slate blue shingles energize the exterior while staying sophisticated. Green works well in lush settings or older neighborhoods, reflecting garden and tree lines. Blue roofs, while rare, pop against red brick and pair neatly with white or neutral trim. If you gravitate toward these shades, consider the overall color palette and landscape elements to ensure harmony.
| Roof Color | Style Influence | Typical Pairings | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black/Charcoal | Classic, Bold | Colonial, Georgian | Sharp contrast, timeless style |
| Brown/Cedar | Warm, Traditional | Craftsman, Tudor | Earthy harmony, inviting appearance |
| Gray | Elegant, Versatile | Modern, Classic | Modern edge, easy coordination |
| Green/Blue | Unique, Playful | Cottage, Victorian | Personal touch, distinct curb appeal |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roof Color
Choosing the right roof color involves more than matching shades. Several factors shape how a new roof looks and performs on a red brick house.
Architectural Style of the House
Architectural style creates a framework for roof color selection. Traditional homes like Colonial or Georgian styles typically use deep charcoals, crisp black, or muted gray roofs to amplify symmetry and highlight classic features. Craftsman and Tudor designs favor warm browns or earthy cedar, adding depth to textured brickwork. Contemporary homes with simple geometry may stand out with mid-tone grays or contrast colors, accentuating clean lines and bold angles. Each architectural period works best with a limited color palette that signals its era, so align your roof shade with the key style elements of your home to maintain cohesion.
Climate and Energy Efficiency
Climate and sun exposure directly affect how a roof color performs. In hot regions, lighter roof colors like pale gray or weathered wood reflect more sunlight, slowing heat absorption and reducing summer cooling costs according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In colder climates, darker roofs—such as charcoal or brown—trap more heat, which can help melt snow and reduce energy bills during winter. Sun-filled areas may also cause darker shingles to fade faster. If you live where storms or high humidity are common, opt for colors that minimize visible algae or water stains to keep the roof looking fresh longer.
Homeowner Association Guidelines
Neighborhood or HOA regulations sometimes limit roof color choices. Review your association’s design requirements before picking any shade, since they often restrict colors that deviate from local standards. Most guidelines promote uniformity by favoring browns, blacks, or grays and may require pre-approval for standout colors like green or blue. You’ll want to confirm your selection’s compliance with these rules to avoid expensive corrections or homeowner disputes.
Tips for Matching Roof Color with Red Brick
Matching roof color with red brick involves more than choosing a shade you like—it means creating balance and highlighting your home’s unique character. The right process lets your house’s exterior truly work together.
Considering Brick Undertones
Identify brick undertones first before deciding on a roof color. Red bricks aren’t uniformly red; undertones like brown, orange, purple, or pink appear in most blends. Look closely at a section of your brick in sunlight to determine whether browns, blues, or oranges are subtle background notes. If brown or orange undertones appear—common in traditional red brick—opt for warm shades like mocha, taupe, or cedar for the roof. If blue or purple undertones appear—seen in some Eastern brick—lean toward deep gray or black for a more seamless transition. Accent colors found in the mortar or trim—examples include white, cream, or slate—also affect how roof color interacts with the brick.
Using Color Visualization Tools
Test roof and brick combinations digitally with color visualization tools. Many national roofing brands and paint retailers offer online visualizer software that lets you upload a photo of your home and try different roof colors against existing brickwork. These tools display accurate shadows, gradients, and real-world lighting, so you see how matte black, slate gray, or deep green would look on your own house without making a commitment. Use multiple lighting conditions within the tool to preview morning and evening tones before narrowing down your options. Print out digital mockups or compare several side-by-side in natural daylight to catch subtle color shifts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overlooking Brick Undertones
Ignoring the undertones in your red brick can lead to mismatched exteriors. Always consider whether your brick leans brown, orange, or purple before making your roof color choice. Warm roofs can clash with cool-toned bricks, while neutral shades create a smoother blend when undertones are in sync.
Choosing Trendy Colors Over Classics
Following recent color trends can backfire on red brick homes. Classic hues like charcoal, deep brown, or slate gray consistently maintain curb appeal and resale value. Trendy roof colors might date your house faster or diminish its broad appeal, especially if you’re thinking about selling.
Ignoring the Impact of Lighting
Not testing roof shingle samples in different daylight conditions can result in a surprisingly different appearance after installation. Take the time to view color samples next to your brick both in the morning and afternoon sunlight—you’ll spot subtle shifts that might influence your decision.
Neglecting HOA or Local Restrictions
Disregarding homeowner association rules or city guidelines often leads to costly rework. Make sure you review these regulations before narrowing down your roof color options, especially in uniform neighborhoods.
Disregarding Maintenance Demands
Some roof colors, especially very light or dark shades, show stains, algae, or fading more noticeably. Consider local foliage and climate when making your pick; you’ll save yourself future cleaning headaches.
Skipping Visualization Tools
Failing to use color visualizer software can leave you guessing. Brands like Owens Corning and GAF offer digital platforms: upload a photo, test combos, and see what really looks best for your unique home. Take advantage of these free tools before finalizing anything.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect roof color for a red brick house is a thoughtful decision that shapes the entire look and feel of our home. With the right approach we can highlight our home’s best features and express our unique style while increasing its value.
By taking our time to explore options and using helpful tools we set ourselves up for a result that feels both timeless and personal. Let’s make our red brick house the standout on the block for all the right reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best roof colors for a red brick house?
Popular roof colors for red brick houses include classic black, deep charcoal, warm brown tones like cedar or mocha, elegant gray shades, and unique options like forest green or slate blue. These colors either create striking contrasts or blend harmoniously, enhancing both curb appeal and value.
How does roof color affect a home’s curb appeal?
Roof color frames the exterior, either complementing or clashing with red brick. Well-chosen colors enhance the richness of the brick, highlight architectural features, and create a cohesive look that makes the home stand out positively in the neighborhood.
Can roof color impact property value?
Yes, a roof color that coordinates well with red brick can increase property value. Homes with visually appealing and cohesive exteriors often sell for more—potentially up to 5% higher—than homes with less attractive color combinations.
Should I consider my home’s architectural style when choosing a roof color?
Absolutely. Traditional styles, like Colonial or Georgian, often look best with charcoal or muted gray roofs, while Craftsman and Tudor homes pair well with warm brown roofs. Matching the roof color to the house style ensures architectural harmony.
Does climate affect which roof color I should choose?
Yes. Lighter roof colors reflect sunlight and help keep homes cooler in hot climates. Darker colors absorb heat, making them better suited for colder regions. Climate should always be considered for both comfort and energy efficiency.
What are common mistakes to avoid when selecting a roof color?
Common mistakes include ignoring the undertones of the red brick, choosing trendy over classic colors, failing to test samples in different lighting, not checking HOA or local rules, and neglecting maintenance needs for particular roof colors.
How can I match roof color with my red brick’s undertones?
Identify the undertone of your red brick—such as brown, orange, purple, or pink. Use these undertones to guide whether you choose warm or cool roof shades, ensuring a seamless, attractive color transition between brick and roof.
Are there digital tools to help choose a roof color?
Yes, many roofing companies and paint retailers offer visualization tools. These let you upload a photo of your home and test different roof colors, helping you see potential combinations in various lighting before making a decision.
Do homeowner associations (HOAs) regulate roof color choices?
Some HOAs have rules about roof colors to maintain neighborhood uniformity. Always check your HOA’s guidelines before choosing a roof color to ensure compliance and avoid disputes or costly corrections.
What maintenance considerations come with different roof colors?
Darker roof colors may show stains and buildup more easily, while lighter colors can highlight dirt or fading. Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do and how easily your preferred color will appear clean over time.