The roof of your home accounts for up to 40% of its visible exterior, making it a critical design element that can dramatically impact your home’s curb appeal and overall aesthetic. For brick houses, selecting the right roof color becomes even more important as it must complement the distinctive character and permanent nature of brick.
Whether you own a classic red brick colonial, a warm orange brick ranch, or a modern home with tan brick accents, this guide will help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming process of choosing the perfect roof color that enhances your brick home’s beauty while providing lasting value and performance.
Understanding Brick and Roof Color Relationships
The Permanence Factor
Unlike siding or paint that can be easily changed, both brick and roofing represent significant long-term investments. Brick is essentially permanent, while a quality roof typically lasts 20-30 years. This permanence means your color selection deserves careful consideration.
“When helping homeowners choose roofing colors for brick homes, I always remind them that they’re making a decision they’ll live with for decades,” says Maria Bennett, architectural color consultant. “It’s worth taking the time to get it right.”
Basic Color Theory for Brick Homes
Understanding basic color theory can help you make informed decisions when pairing brick and roof colors:
- Complementary colors: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel (like red brick with green-gray roofing) create visual interest and dynamic contrast
- Analogous colors: Colors adjacent on the color wheel (like red brick with reddish-brown or orange-toned roofing) create a harmonious, cohesive look
- Monochromatic schemes: Variations of the same color family create subtle elegance (like red brick with a deeper burgundy roof)
Identifying Your Brick’s Undertones
Before selecting a roof color, it’s essential to identify the undertones in your brick:
- Red brick often has either orange, burgundy, or purple undertones
- Orange brick typically has yellow or brown undertones
- Tan or beige brick may have pink, yellow, or gray undertones
These undertones should influence your roof color selection. For example, red brick with purple undertones pairs well with cooler roof colors like gray or black, while red brick with orange undertones harmonizes better with warmer roof colors like brown or terra cotta.
Popular Roof Colors for Different Brick Types
Best Roof Colors for Red Brick Houses
Red brick remains the most classic and common brick type in America. Here are the most complementary roof color options:
- Black or Charcoal: Creates a timeless, sophisticated look that works with almost any red brick. The contrast makes architectural details pop.
- Dark Brown: Offers a warm, traditional appearance that’s particularly flattering for red brick with orange or brown undertones.
- Gray: Mid-tone to dark grays provide a contemporary feel that softens the warmth of red brick, especially effective for brick with cooler undertones.
- Green: Forest or sage green shingles can create an unexpected but harmonious pairing with red brick, drawing on complementary color principles.
- Burgundy or Deep Red: Creates a monochromatic scheme that’s subtle and elegant, particularly effective on larger homes where too much contrast might feel overwhelming.
Best Roof Colors for Orange Brick Houses
Orange brick presents special challenges due to its distinctive warm hue. Here are ideal roof color pairings:
- Dark Brown: The most natural partner for orange brick, creating a harmonious earth-tone palette that feels organic and grounded.
- Terracotta or Clay: Leaning into the warm Mediterranean feel of orange brick creates a cohesive design statement.
- Slate Blue: For a more contemporary look, slate blue creates a pleasant contrast that balances the warmth of orange brick.
- Dark Gray: Provides contrast without the starkness of black, helping to neutralize the intensity of orange brick.
Best Roof Colors for Tan or Beige Brick
Tan and beige brick offer tremendous versatility. Consider these flattering roof color options:
- Brown (in various shades): Creates a natural, earthy palette that’s universally appealing and timeless.
- Black: Provides dramatic contrast that feels both modern and classic.
- Green: Particularly sage or olive tones complement the neutrality of tan brick while adding visual interest.
- Blue: Navy or slate blue roofs create a distinctive look that’s becoming increasingly popular with neutral brick.
Factors That Should Influence Your Roof Color Decision
Climate Considerations
Your local climate should significantly impact your roof color choice:
- Hot climates: Lighter roof colors reflect sunlight and can reduce cooling costs by 20-30%
- Cold climates: Darker roof colors absorb heat, helping with snow melt and potentially reducing heating costs
- Mixed climates: Medium-toned roofs often provide the best year-round performance
Architectural Style
Different home styles have traditional roof color pairings that honor their architectural heritage:
- Colonial: Black, dark gray, or deep brown roofs complement traditional red brick colonials
- Tudor: Variegated shingles in brown, gray, or black mimic the look of historical slate
- Ranch: Medium browns, tans, or terra cotta tones enhance the casual, horizontal lines of ranch homes
- Contemporary: Stark contrasts like black or dark gray create a modern statement
Neighborhood Context
While you want your home to stand out, it should also harmonize with surrounding houses:
- Survey your neighborhood for common roof colors
- Consider HOA restrictions that might limit your color options
- Choose colors that complement but don’t exactly match neighboring homes
Roof Material Differences
Different roofing materials carry different color implications:
- Asphalt shingles: Offer the widest range of colors and price points
- Metal roofing: Available in both traditional and contemporary colors with excellent longevity
- Clay or concrete tiles: Typically limited to earthy tones that work excellently with brick
- Slate: Natural variations create subtle color plays that complement brick beautifully
Tools and Techniques for Visualizing Roof Colors
Digital Visualization Tools
Technology has made it easier than ever to preview your roof color options:
- Manufacturer visualizers: Many major roofing manufacturers offer free online tools where you can upload a photo of your home and test different roof colors:
- GAF’s Virtual Home Remodeler
- Owens Corning’s Design EyeQ
- CertainTeed’s ColorView
- Home design apps: Apps like HomeAdvisor, HOVER, and iRoofing allow you to experiment with different roof and brick combinations.
Physical Sampling Techniques
While digital tools are helpful, nothing replaces seeing actual samples in natural light:
- Large sample boards: Request large sample boards (at least 2’x2′) from roofing contractors to see a more realistic representation of how the color will look.
- Drive-by inspiration: Your roofing contractor or manufacturer’s representative can often provide addresses of completed projects with similar brick and your preferred roof color.
- Time-of-day test: View your sample boards at different times of day to see how changing light affects the color appearance.
Making the Final Decision: Practical Tips
Get Multiple Perspectives
Don’t make this decision in isolation:
- Consult with your spouse or family members
- Ask trusted friends with good aesthetic sense
- Consider getting advice from a professional designer or color consultant
Think Long-Term
Consider how your color preferences might evolve:
- Trendy colors may look dated in a few years
- Classic combinations have stood the test of time
- Remember that you’ll likely live with this decision for 20+ years
Consider Resale Value
While personal preference matters, so does future marketability:
- Neutral, classic roof colors typically appeal to the widest range of buyers
- Very unusual roof colors might limit your future buyer pool
- Research shows homes with coordinated exteriors sell faster and for higher prices
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Matching the roof too closely to the brick: This creates a monotonous appearance. Contrast and complementary colors create more visual interest.
- Ignoring undertones: Failing to identify the underlying hues in your brick can lead to clashing combinations.
- Not considering the entire exterior: Roof color should coordinate not just with brick but with trim, doors, shutters, and other exterior elements.
- Making decisions based only on small samples: Small color chips don’t accurately represent how a color will look across your entire roof.
- Following trends without consideration for architecture: Some trendy colors may conflict with your home’s inherent style.
Final Thoughts: Bringing It All Together
Choosing the perfect roof color for your brick home involves balancing aesthetics, practicality, and long-term value. By understanding your brick’s unique characteristics, considering complementary color principles, and utilizing visualization tools, you can confidently select a roof color that enhances your home’s beauty for decades to come.
Remember that while trends come and go, classic combinations of brick and roof colors have remained appealing for generations. Taking the time to make an informed, thoughtful choice will reward you with enhanced curb appeal, potential energy savings, and the satisfaction of a harmonious home exterior.
Whether you’re replacing an existing roof or building a new brick home, the perfect roof color is one that makes you smile every time you pull into your driveway—the one that makes your house truly feel like home.
