A new roof transforms not only the protection your home receives but also its curb appeal. Because the roof covers such a large area, its color strongly influences how your home’s exterior features appear from the street.
If you’re struggling to choose the right roof color for your red brick house, start by understanding color. Because red brick naturally varies, its undertones guide which shingle shades create a harmonious effect across the roof.
Use Charcoal and Black for Strong Contrast
Dark shingles often pair well with red brick, creating a crisp separation between the roof and walls. For example, charcoal provides contrast without the intensity of true black, making it a versatile choice.
This combination becomes especially effective when you echo dark tones with shutters or other deep-colored accents. Repeating a dark color throughout the exterior ties the roof into the overall design scheme.
For even stronger contrast, black shingles can make medium or bright red brick appear richer and more striking. This bold combination often gives homes a crisp, traditional look.
Choose Brown and Earth Tones for Warmth
Brown roof colors add warmth to red brick, especially when the brick contains tan, orange, clay, or brown undertones. Instead of creating sharp separation, brown shingles blend the roof into the warmer exterior palette. This approach produces a softer effect than black or charcoal roofing.
Choosing the right shade of brown matters. If you select reddish-brown shingles that closely match your brick, the colors can compete for attention. Opting for a neutral brown typically provides enough distinction while keeping the overall look warm and inviting.
Brown shingles also work well if your exterior already includes earth tones. Pairing them with beige or cream trim can subtly connect the brick and roofing color, creating cohesion without making the home appear too uniform.
Use Gray Carefully With Red Brick
Gray shingles can complement red brick, but you should pay close attention to undertones. Gray does not always read as neutral. Some grays appear blue or cool, while others carry warmer brown undertones.
For example, a cool gray may create striking contrast against warm orange-red brick. On some homes, this looks clean and intentional, but on others, it can make the roof feel disconnected from the rest of the exterior.
Conversely, warmer gray or greige shingles often foster a more graceful transition. Greige, a blend of gray and beige, keeps the roof neutral but helps it relate more naturally to warm brick tones.
Compare gray samples directly against your house whenever possible.
Match the Roof Color to Trim and Exterior Details
While your brick should guide your decision, don’t overlook the importance of coordinating with other exterior features. Ensuring the roof color harmonizes with the rest of your home creates a more unified appearance.
Trim acts as a visual bridge between the roof and brick. For instance, white or cream trim provides separation when you choose a dark roof, while dark trim can help tie charcoal or black shingles into the overall exterior palette.
Shutters can also influence your decision. If your shutters already feature a strong color, choosing a restrained neutral for the roof helps maintain balance and prevents too many elements from competing for attention.
Don’t forget the front door, although it doesn’t need to match the roof. Instead, consider whether the roof color supports your home’s overall palette. The goal is to connect the home visually from top to bottom, not divide it into unrelated color sections.
Judge Roof Colors in Arizona Sunlight
No matter which color you’re considering, always view roofing samples outdoors before making a decision. Indoor lighting cannot replicate Arizona’s intense sunlight. Direct sun frequently makes colors appear lighter and reveals variations you might not notice on small samples.
Notice how morning and afternoon light produce different impressions. A warm brown may look richer at one time of day and lighter at another.
Whenever possible, step back far enough to view the brick and sample together. Remember, you usually see roof colors from a distance, not up close. A shade that seems too dark nearby may look perfectly balanced when you consider the entire home.
Avoid Common Roof Color Mistakes
Because a roof replacement will serve your home for many years, it’s worth taking the time to consider your color options carefully. Rushing to pick the first attractive shade can result in combinations that distract from your home’s beauty.
Fortunately, you can simplify the process by watching for a few common mistakes:
- Matching the roof too closely to the red brick
- Choosing a gray without checking its undertone
- Ignoring permanent trim and exterior features
- Judging shingles only under indoor lighting
- Selecting a busy blend for already varied brick
- Focusing on trends instead of the home’s architecture
- Making a final decision from a small sample alone
With a little preparation, you can easily avoid these mistakes. Be sure to compare samples against your actual house and step back far enough to take in the entire exterior.
Don’t chase a perfect match! Your roofing and brick serve different visual purposes. You often create more depth by choosing complementary colors rather than identical shades.
Make the Choice With the Whole House in Mind
When making your final decision, choose a roof color for your red brick home that looks appealing from multiple viewpoints. If it’s safe, stand across the street and view your house as a whole composition, noting how much roof is visible compared to the brick.
Since roof colors will last much longer than paint or decorative accents, opting for a balanced neutral offers greater flexibility if you decide to update other exterior colors in the future.
Arrow Roofing Inc. partners with homeowners in Prescott and surrounding Arizona communities who plan roof repairs or replacements. With decades of local experience, our team understands how Arizona’s climate affects roofing materials and explains your options in clear, straightforward terms.
If you’re looking for an expert roof replacement contractor, Arrow Roofing will inspect your existing roof, explain your shingle options, and help you choose a roof color that complements your red brick exterior. Our team will help you compare shades, see how they look in Arizona sunlight, and make a confident choice that fits both your home and your long-term needs. Request a quote today!