You’re ready to upgrade your roof, and now comes the question you didn’t expect to spend this much time on: What color should I choose? It sounds simple until you start scrolling through options—charcoal, weathered wood, slate, driftwood, mission brown… and then there’s the question of what looks good now versus what will still look good in 10 or 20 years.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “What’s the most popular shingle color in Bel Air, MD?”—you’re not alone. At Old Line Homes, we help homeowners navigate this decision all the time. You want a color that suits your home’s style, boosts curb appeal, and won’t leave you with regret the next time you pull into the driveway. And if you’re thinking about selling in the near future, that color could even influence resale interest.
Let’s break down how to choose wisely, what colors homeowners in the Bel Air area are gravitating toward, and how Old Line Homes helps make this decision easier.
Why Shingle Color Matters More Than You Think
It’s Not Just a Style Choice—It’s an Investment in Your Home’s Look and Value
Your roof accounts for a significant portion of your home’s exterior. The right shingle color can enhance architectural features, complement your siding or brick, and create a cohesive, intentional look. The wrong one can make a well-kept home feel mismatched or outdated.
This isn’t about trends for the sake of trends—it’s about choosing a color that works with your home, your neighborhood, and your long-term plans. Whether you lean traditional or modern, subtle or bold, the roof color you choose sets the tone for your home’s personality.
Most Popular Shingle Color in Bel Air, MD
So, What Are Local Homeowners Choosing?
Hands down, neutral tones continue to dominate in Bel Air and surrounding areas. And for good reason—they’re versatile, timeless, and work with a wide range of siding colors and architectural styles.
Here are the top picks we see most often:
- Charcoal or Black: Sleek, modern, and elegant, black shingles make a bold statement and pair beautifully with white, gray, or red brick homes.
- Weathered Wood: A warm, textured blend that looks great with both cool and warm exterior tones. It’s a top choice for traditional homes.
- Pewter Gray: Lighter than black but still clean and classic. It’s especially popular with newer homes that lean more contemporary.
- Driftwood: A soft brown-gray mix that complements stone veneers and beige siding exceptionally well.
- Barkwood or Mission Brown: A more rustic option, these tones bring depth and richness to homes with earth-toned exteriors.
These shades aren’t just popular because they look nice today—they’re chosen because they’ll still look good in five, ten, or twenty years. They also tend to appeal to buyers if resale is in your future.
How to Choose the Right Shingle Color for Your Home
Consider Your Siding, Trim, and Brick
Your roof should act like a frame for your home’s exterior. That means choosing a shingle color that balances your current palette—not clashes with it.
- Light-colored siding pairs well with darker shingles like black, charcoal, or weathered wood for contrast.
- Dark exteriors may benefit from a medium or lighter roof shade to keep the look from becoming too heavy.
- Brick and stone require careful coordination—neutral shades with mixed granules (like driftwood or weathered wood) often work best here.
Think About Sunlight and Surroundings
The way your roof looks in full sun versus cloudy weather matters. Some colors may appear darker or lighter depending on lighting conditions. If you’re surrounded by trees or shadowed areas, that can also affect how the roof color presents.
Old Line Homes can provide sample boards or virtual renderings to help you picture what each option will look like on your home—not just in the catalog.
Factor in Resale Considerations
If you’re thinking about selling in the next 5–10 years, a neutral or broadly appealing color is usually the way to go. Bold, trendy shades might speak to your taste, but could limit buyer interest down the line. In real estate, classic usually wins.
And here’s a tip we often share: When in doubt, go with weathered wood. It’s flexible, forgiving, and flatters just about every architectural style in Maryland.
Are Certain Colors Better for Energy Efficiency?
Yes, to a degree. Lighter shingles reflect more sunlight and can help reduce attic temperatures during hot summer months, which can ease your cooling costs slightly. Darker shingles absorb more heat, which might be beneficial in colder climates—but Maryland’s mix of seasons means the energy savings difference is typically minor.
That said, ventilation and insulation matter far more than color when it comes to energy efficiency. Old Line Homes will always inspect your attic and recommend the right underlayment and ventilation setup to support long-term performance—no matter what color you choose.
What Else Should You Know Before Choosing a Shingle Color?
Color Can Affect Warranty Coverage (Slightly)
While this isn’t a deal-breaker for most homeowners, some manufacturers rate different shingle colors slightly differently in terms of UV resistance or algae protection. This is more common in areas with extreme heat or humidity, but it’s worth checking when comparing products.
Old Line Homes works with premium shingle lines from GAF and other leading manufacturers, so you’ll have access to a wide color range—without compromising on performance or warranty protection.
HOA Rules or Neighborhood Norms May Apply
If you’re part of a homeowners association, it’s smart to double-check approved color palettes before you fall in love with a specific shade. Even outside of an HOA, choosing something drastically different from nearby homes may not be ideal if resale or neighborhood continuity is a concern.
We’re happy to guide you based on what’s typical for your area, while still helping your home stand out in the right way.
How Old Line Homes Helps You Make the Right Color Choice
Choosing a shingle color in Bel Air, MD isn’t just about following trends—it’s about making a decision that supports your home’s style, durability, and future value. At Old Line Homes, we don’t rush this step. We help you look at your home holistically and guide you through:
- Color and material samples
- Virtual mock-ups to visualize options
- Neighboring home comparisons
- Long-term maintenance and warranty factors
- Personalized recommendations based on your goals
We also offer full roofing inspections, detailed estimates, and certified installation backed by strong warranties—so no matter what color you choose, you can count on a roof that looks good and performs even better.
Ready to Choose Your Shingle Color with Confidence?
If you’ve been wondering what the top shingle colors in Bel Air, MD is, the answer is clear: neutral, timeless tones continue to win out—but the right color depends on your home, your taste, and your future plans.
Need help deciding? That’s what we’re here for. Call Old Line Homes at (410) 879-2055 or email [email protected] to schedule your consultation. We’ll help you find a color that fits your home—and make sure your new roof looks just as good years from now as it does on day one.