Metal roofs last for a long time and come in a variety of types and styles that can suit just about any home. But when choosing a roof, you may be asking yourself, what colors do metal roofs come in? Color choices can be difficult. You don’t want to put in the time and effort (and money!) into picking a color that you don’t end up liking, doesn’t suit your style, and doesn’t fit your home.  To help you find the metal roofing color that is right for you, and answer any questions you may have, we’ve put together this handy guide. 

What Colors Do Metal Roofs Come In?

The good news is that metal roofs come in a whole rainbow of colors! The “bad” news is that this may make it harder for you to choose!  At American Metal Roofing, we offer roofs in:
  • Black
  • Brite Red
  • Terra Red
  • Caramel Brown
  • Mustang Brown
  • Aged Bronze
  • Buckskin Brown
  • Solid Copper
  • Copper Patina
  • Forest Green
  • Oceanside Blue
  • Weathered Wood
  • Gray Shake
  • Deep Charcoal
  • Slate Rock Gray
  • Slate Rock Blue
  • Slate Rock Red
  • Slate Rock Green
  • White

What Is The Most Popular Metal Roof Color?

While the ultimate decision will depend on your specific home, and the look/style you’re after, the most popular color choice for a metal roof is brown. This is a fairly standard color option for roofs in general.  Aside from brown, popular colors include gray, red, or natural metals copper or zinc.  Even within these popular metal roof colors, there is a variety of choices. For example, if you want a copper look, you can go with a solid copper color or a more aged copper roof by choosing a copper patina finish.  

What Color of Metal Roof Fades The Least?

The reality is that some metal roof colors will fade over time. It’s inevitable. The heat, sun, rain, snow, and ice, associated with Michigan weather is going to take their toll, no matter what you do. This is especially true of darker colors.  But, the need to replace or paint your roof can be reduced by choosing the right roofing materials. At American Metal Roofs, we primarily install roofing systems that carry a 30-year manufacturer’s fade and chalk resistance warranty. This means that if your roof fades while under warranty, both the materials and the labor costs associated with your repair or replacement will be covered. 

What Color Metal Roof Is The Most Energy-Efficient?

One of the biggest benefits of metal roofing is its energy efficiency. As a surface that can reflect the sun’s rays, metal roofing can significantly reduce your cooling bills during the summer months. It is believed that metal roofing can reduce your energy bills by up to 40%. Not only do they reflect the sun, but the way metal roofs are installed allows for air gaps that act as insulation, keeping warm air in during the Michigan winters and warm air out in the equally extreme Michigan summers.  And, on top of that, metal roofs are great for maintaining insulation, installing solar panels, and perfectly complementing energy-efficient windows and skylights.  But, if you are closely considering energy efficiency, you will want to also think about color.  In the majority of instances, a light color metal roof will be more energy efficient as it will reflect more heat than a dark color. However, many of the roofing systems we use at American Metal Roofing come in cool colors that contain a special pigment that provides superior heat reflection. This means that you will no longer be limited to a white or very light roof color that you may not really want in exchange for increased efficiency. 

How to Pick The Best Color for Your Metal Roof

Despite the information listed above, when it comes to choosing a color for your metal roof, the decision is all yours.  You can base the decision on popularity or efficiency, or you can choose it based on your own preferences and style. To help you narrow down the options, here are a few things to consider and keep in mind!

Choose The Correct Panel

When it comes to metal roofing, you want to be sure you are picking the right panels for your home.  It has become a popular option to install agricultural or “barn metal” panels on homes.  While barn metal may offer a desired rustic look, strictly speaking, panels designed for agricultural application should never be installed on a residence. The best options for residential metal roofing include press-formed panels in copper, aluminum and steel.  These panels, in combination with quality underlayments, offer the best options for homeowners.  They are essentially permanent, they’re backed by solid guarantees and their beauty makes them the most popular with discerning homeowners.   This decision may also narrow down the color choices. It is possible that some color options are limited to particular panel types and particular metal materials. 

Consider Complementary Colors

Before you make the final decision, look at the colors already on your property. Your metal roof should be a color you like, yes, but it should also be a color that looks good when placed next to, or nearby, other parts of your property.  Carefully consider the color of existing siding, window and door frames, rain gutters, exterior trim, and nearby buildings like sheds, garages, and barns. If you are doing a new build, you can choose colors for these items that match your desired roof color.  It is also a good idea to take a look around your neighborhood. If, for example, the entire street is clad in a colonial red, you may not want to stand out as the only house with forest green or oceanside blue. Or, maybe you do. 

Think About the Style of Your Home

Different types of homes will suit different types of roofs and different roof colors. If you have a colonial-style home, you are going to want a more traditional color like brown or charcoal gray. A home in a natural surrounding, like in the country or near the woods, or homes made from stone or wood, will benefit from more neutral or natural colors. Green metal roofs look amazing with a log home or red brick house.  You may have the perfect home for a Spanish-inspired terracotta look or wooden roof. While actual terracotta or wood roofs require a great deal of upkeep, a metal roof with a paint finish or styling that mimics these natural elements is an excellent, long-lasting alternative. 

Seek Out Examples

When deciding on a color for your metal roof, it is always a good idea to look at examples. Yes, you can tell a lot from driving around your neighborhood, but you may not know the type of roof or the materials used which also play a part in the equation.  Ask contractors to see photos of past work so you can see what the roofs, and colors, look like once installed. It may look like one thing in the showroom but take on a different tone when outside. Do not be afraid to ask questions to ensure you get exactly what you are looking for. 

Choose Your Metal Roof from American Metal Roofs

If you’re looking at putting a metal roof on your home, you need to choose one that is made of high quality and in a color that you like. There are a number of metal roof colors that you can choose from, which makes choosing your metal roof design, style, or color all the more fun!  Metal roofs are expensive, so when it comes to choosing the color, you want to make sure you’re happy with the end result. Luckily, our roofing experts at American Metal Roofs can help you make this decision! American Metal Roofs has been supplying high-quality metal roofs to Michigan residents since 2000. Read our testimonials, view our photo gallery, or visit one of our showrooms to see exactly what we can do for you!