Solar energy is absorbed more efficiently by dark colors than by brighter colors. This is why wearing black on a hot summer day is so uncomfortable. Many homeowners prefer light roofing and siding colors for the same reason: lighter tones result in a cooler home and lower energy consumption. Fortunately, technical advancements have made it feasible to make dark siding colors that are still energy-efficient, providing homeowners with a lot more design options.

Here’s what you should consider when choosing a dark siding color.

1. Heat Absorption

Darker surfaces absorb more light than lighter ones. Dark exterior colors may affect your home’s energy efficiency. On hot days, the more sunlight absorbed by the roof, the more cooling is required inside. White or light-colored exteriors reflect sunlight, reducing energy use.

2. Thermal Expansion and Contraction

When exposed to temperature fluctuations, different materials expand and contract at different rates. When heated to a certain temperature, certain materials deform or even melt. This is why you should think about whether the siding material may deform as a result of prolonged heat exposure. The higher the quality of the siding material, the less likely it is to warp due to the heat.

3. Molded-In Colors

A great aspect of vinyl siding is the molded-in colors – cut a piece in half, and the color appears throughout the material. It may appear faint or “washed out” as with low-quality vinyl siding. Paint can fix this, but you must be willing to scrape and repaint frequently. We suggest you look at samples at a local siding contractor’s showroom and choose the best siding material that fits your home’s aesthetic requirements.

4. Design Trends

In recent years, siding design trends have shifted away from neutral colors and toward pure white or rich and dark tones, even pure black. Choosing black or any dark-colored siding can make your home’s architectural style appear more dramatic and allow it stand out from the crowd.

Want to have your roof checked to see if it has enough vents? Turn to Exterior Building Solutions as soon as possible! We can handle all your residential roofing needs, from roof repairs and maintenance to gutter installation. Call (314) 470-8783, or fill out our online contact form to schedule a roof evaluation. We proudly serve the areas in and around St. Louis, MO.