A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Shingles for Brick Houses
Over 35 Years as a Roofer in Long Island
The Right Shingle
Makes All the Difference
Choosing the right shingle color and style can truly make your brick house stand out in the neighborhood. Since the roof covers a big part of your home, it plays a major role in your home’s appearance. By selecting shingles that complement your home’s exterior, you can greatly enhance its curb appeal and leave a lasting impression.
In my 35 years working as a Long Island roofing contractor, I’ve installed shingles on many brick houses. To help you make the right decisions for your roof, I’ve compiled some suggestions on how to find the best shingles for your brick home.
A new roof makes your home look fresh and well-maintained. It also protects your home from Long Island’s varied weather, including heavy rain, snow, and strong winds. Choosing modern, high-quality shingles can improve insulation, helping your home stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer, which lowers energy bills.
If you are dissatisfied with your current roof, give County Roofing Systems a call. We can walk you through the many different shingle options available. We can make your old brick house look like a brand new home that will be the envy of your neighbors.
What Color Is Your Brick Home?
While red bricks remain the most popular choice for Long Island homebuilders, there are several other commonly used brick colors. Within each of these colors, you will find considerable variation in shades and hues. Before we make recommendations for your preferred shingle color, we need to learn more about your brick façade.
Red Brick
Red brick is a classic choice that brings warmth and charm to American homes. You can find it in shades from bright, bold red to deeper, earthy tones. Some red bricks have hints of brown or orange, creating a more rustic look. Others may appear slightly pink or rosy, giving the house a cheerful feel. Red brick pairs well with many shingle colors and styles, making it a popular option across the country.
When matching shingle colors to red brick, consider the shade of the brick to find a balanced look. Dark red bricks often pair well with deeper, neutral shingle colors like charcoal, dark brown, or black. These darker shingles add contrast without clashing, giving the home a bold and unified appearance. For a more classic look, dark gray shingles can also blend nicely with dark red brick, adding depth without overpowering the brick’s color.
For lighter pink-toned bricks, softer shingle colors like light gray or medium brown often work best. Light gray shingles give the home a subtle, cohesive look and allow the pink tones in the brick to stand out. Medium brown shingles can create a warm, harmonious feel that complements the pinkish brick. Avoid overly dark shingles with pink bricks, as they can overwhelm the softer color of the brick, making the exterior feel unbalanced.
Brown Brick
Brown brick gives homes a cozy and grounded appearance. This color ranges from light tan and sandy shades to dark chocolate brown. Some brown bricks even have hints of gray or reddish undertones, adding depth to the color. The variations in hue allow homeowners to choose either a softer, natural look or a bold, darker shade. Brown brick works especially well with green landscapes and provides a warm contrast against lighter shingle colors.
When choosing shingle colors for brown brick, consider whether the brick is a dark or light shade to create a balanced look. Dark brown bricks often pair well with medium to light gray shingles, which provide a pleasing contrast without overpowering the richness of the brick. Black or dark gray shingles can also work, creating a bold, cohesive appearance that adds depth and sophistication to the home’s exterior.
For lighter tan bricks, softer shingle colors like light brown or even warm beige work beautifully. These shades create a harmonious, earthy look that highlights the tan brick’s warmth. Medium brown shingles can also complement tan brick, adding a slight contrast while keeping the overall appearance natural and balanced. Avoid overly dark shingles with tan brick, as they can make the exterior feel heavy or overly stark.
Gray Brick
Gray brick offers a sleek, modern look for American homes and is available in various shades. You’ll find light gray with hints of blue, giving homes a cool and calming effect. Darker shades like charcoal or slate gray create a more dramatic and industrial appearance. Some gray bricks have a slightly weathered texture, adding character to the home. This color complements both neutral and vibrant shingles, making it versatile for many design styles.
When matching shingle colors to gray brick, the shade of gray in the brick can guide you toward the best shingle choice. Dark gray or charcoal bricks often look stunning with black or dark gray shingles, creating a bold, modern appearance. This combination keeps the look cohesive and adds depth to the home. For a slightly softer contrast, medium gray shingles can work well with dark gray bricks, providing a layered look without clashing.
For lighter gray bricks, shingle colors like light or medium gray keep the look clean and harmonious. These shades blend naturally with the lighter gray brick, giving the home a balanced and polished appearance. Soft blue-gray shingles can also work with light gray bricks, adding a hint of color without overwhelming the look. Avoid very dark shingles with light gray bricks, as they may create too much contrast and disrupt the home’s smooth, cohesive style.
Cream or White Brick
Cream and white bricks give homes a fresh, clean look and are becoming more popular in modern American designs. You’ll find cream bricks in soft, warm tones that can range from light tan to soft ivory. White bricks, on the other hand, provide a crisp, bright appearance that reflects light and makes homes look larger. These bricks can have subtle variations in tone, adding texture and depth. Cream and white bricks pair well with darker shingles, creating a striking contrast.
When matching shingle colors to white or cream brick, pay attention to the exact tone of the brick. For bright white brick, darker shingles like black or charcoal create a classic, striking contrast that makes the house stand out. This choice highlights the clean, fresh look of white brick while adding depth and sophistication. Dark gray shingles can also work well, offering a slightly softer contrast that still feels polished and modern.
Cream brick, with its warmer undertones, pairs nicely with earthy shingle colors like brown or tan. Medium to light brown shingles complement cream brick beautifully, creating a warm, cohesive look that feels natural and inviting. If the cream brick has hints of beige or yellow, consider shingles with a subtle hint of warmth, such as a light brown-gray mix, to keep the exterior balanced. Avoid overly dark shingles with cream brick, as they can make the house feel too heavy and diminish the brick’s warm, welcoming feel.
Mixed Brick Colors
Some homes feature a mix of brick colors, adding a unique, custom look to the exterior. These bricks might combine shades of red, brown, and gray for a more textured, rustic appearance. In some cases, you’ll find a blend of cream or white with darker shades, giving the home an elegant yet natural look. Mixed brick colors allow for greater creativity in matching shingles, as homeowners can pull from the different hues to find a perfect balance.
When matching shingle colors to a mixed brick façade, look for shingle tones that complement the variety of colors in the brick. Mixed brick often includes shades of red, brown, and gray, creating a textured, rustic look. For a cohesive appearance, choose shingles in a medium or dark gray, as this color tends to blend well with all shades in the brick, balancing the mix without overwhelming any specific color.
If the mixed brick has warmer tones, such as reds and browns, medium brown shingles can also work nicely, adding warmth that enhances these hues. For a more neutral and versatile choice, consider shingles with a blend of gray and brown tones. This can help pull together all the colors in the brick, creating a unified look. Avoid overly light shingles, as they may clash with the richness of a mixed brick façade and make the exterior feel less cohesive.
FOR THE BEST ROOF PROTECTION,
CALL COUNTY ROOFING SYSTEMS
Matching Shingles
To Your Brick Home's
Architectural Style
When matching shingles to different brick home styles, consider the architecture to find a color that complements the home’s character. For traditional brick styles, like Colonial or Georgian, classic shingle colors like black, dark gray, or slate gray work well. These colors create a timeless look that matches the elegant, symmetrical features of these homes. Darker shingles also provide a sophisticated contrast against red or brown brick, adding to the home’s stately appearance.
In contrast, more modern or contemporary brick homes look great with neutral or earth-toned shingles, like light gray or warm brown. These colors complement sleek, clean lines and open spaces commonly seen in modern architecture. Ranch-style homes or cottages with brick exteriors may suit warmer shingles in shades like tan or medium brown, giving them a cozy, inviting feel. Matching the shingles to the home’s style enhances its unique design, helping it blend beautifully with its surroundings.
Shingle Styles for Traditional Brick Homes
For traditional brick Colonial or Georgian homes, architectural shingles that mimic natural materials like wood or slate enhance the classic look. These shingles often have a textured appearance, adding depth and character to the roof. Colors such as black, dark gray, or slate gray complement the brick’s rich tones and align with the home’s symmetrical design. This combination creates a timeless and elegant appearance.
Choosing shingles with subtle color variations can also add visual interest without straying from the traditional style. For example, shingles that blend shades of gray or brown can harmonize with the brick’s natural hues. It’s important to select high-quality materials that not only look good but also provide durability and protection against the elements. This ensures the roof maintains its beauty and function over time.
CertainTeed’s Highland Slate and Grand Manor shingles mimic the look of slate tiles, but are considerably cheaper per square foot and do not require the specialized installation and roof reinforcement that slate tiles demand. If you love the look of wood shake roofs but have concerns about the maintenance requirements and fire hazard, we recommend CertainTeed’s Carriage House shingles. You can choose between a variety of colors that will blend perfectly with your traditional brick home.
Carriage House
Carriage House shingles mimic the look of scalloped wood shake tiles. But they offer the durability and easy maintenance of asphalt shingles, as well as a variety of vibrant color options to suit any brick home.
Highland Slate
CertainTeed Highland Slate shingles combine the aesthetic allure of slate with the durability and lower costs of asphalt shingles. You get a showcase roof that protects your home from weather and impact issues.
Grand Manor
Grand Manor shingles are a symphony of textures that merge tradition and innovation. Randomly stacked tabs give your roof a three-dimensional appearance. Sunlight produces a captivating play of light and shadow.
Shingle Styles for Contemporary Brick Homes
For contemporary brick ranch homes or cottages, selecting the right shingle style can enhance the modern aesthetic. Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional or laminate shingles, are an excellent choice. These shingles feature multiple layers, creating a three-dimensional appearance that adds depth and texture to the roof. They provide a sophisticated touch that complements the clean lines of contemporary designs.
Color selection is also crucial in achieving the desired look. Neutral tones such as gray, black, or brown can create a sleek, cohesive appearance that aligns with modern architectural styles. Alternatively, incorporating shingles with subtle color variations can add visual interest without overwhelming the overall design. It’s important to choose high-quality asphalt shingles that not only enhance the home’s aesthetic appeal but also offer durability and protection against the elements.
For contemporary Long Island brick homes, we recommend CertainTeed Landmark, Landmark Premium, and Landmark Pro shingles. They offer superior durability and protection as well as a wide range of colors. Your roof will stand out alongside neighboring houses, but won’t be overly obtrusive or showy. They’re a great choice for homeowners who want to refresh and modernize their home.
Landmark
CertainTeed Landmark shingles protect your home with thick, high-quality asphalt and the industry’s toughest fiberglass mat. This gives you an energy-efficient roof that will stand up to the toughest New York weather conditions.
Landmark Premium
The Landmark® Premium line is the top tier of CertainTeed’s Landmark series of shingles. CertainTeed’s Landmark Premium shingles provide more durability and brighter colors for superior home protection and curb appeal.
Landmark Pro
Landmark Pro shingles use a thicker and heavier, asphalt bedding, which provides greater resistance to weather conditions. These dimensional shingles give your roof more aesthetic appeal than flatter shingles.
Take Your Brick Home to the Next Level
With County Roofing Systems
County Roofing Systems stands out as the top choice for Long Island homeowners planning to install a new roof on their brick houses. With over 35 years of experience, we understand the unique needs of brick homes in the area. Our team of skilled professionals ensures that each roofing project gets completed with precision and care, providing you with peace of mind and a beautiful, durable new roof.
One of the key advantages of choosing County Roofing Systems is our expertise in selecting the right shingle styles and colors to complement brick exteriors. Our knowledgeable team guides homeowners through the selection process, ensuring the final result aligns with the desired aesthetic.
We also offer excellent customer service and work closely with homeowners throughout the entire roofing process. From the initial consultation to the final inspection, we maintain open communication and keep you in the loop. We also use 3D imaging software to show you what your new roof will look like before you make any commitments. If your brick home needs a new roof, give us a call today!
People Also Ask...
County Roofing Systems has over 35 years of experience with roofing on Long Island. They understand the unique needs of brick homes and specialize in recommending shingle styles and colors that complement brick exteriors. Their expertise helps homeowners create a cohesive look that enhances curb appeal while also ensuring durability and weather resistance. With high-quality materials and a skilled team, they deliver roofs that look great and last for years.
Yes, County Roofing Systems offers expert guidance in selecting shingle colors that look great with brick. Their team knows which colors and tones work best with red, brown, or gray brick and can suggest options that match your style. They also understand how different shingle colors affect the overall appearance of a brick home, helping you achieve the look you want while also increasing curb appeal.
For a traditional brick house, architectural shingles are a top choice due to their textured, dimensional appearance that complements classic styles. These shingles mimic the look of natural materials like slate or wood, adding depth and sophistication to the roof. Colors like black, dark gray, or brown work well, enhancing the brick’s warmth while providing a timeless look. Architectural shingles also offer durability, making them both a stylish and practical option for traditional brick homes.
County Roofing Systems provides a variety of shingle styles to suit different architectural tastes. For traditional brick homes, they recommend classic options like architectural shingles that add dimension to the roof. These shingles often mimic natural materials like slate or wood, creating a timeless, sophisticated look. For more modern styles, they have sleek, durable options that suit a contemporary appearance, giving homeowners plenty of choices.
Shingle colors like dark gray, black, and deep brown complement brown brick houses beautifully. These shades create a cohesive, earthy look that enhances the warmth of brown brick. Dark gray or black shingles provide contrast for a sophisticated appearance, while deep brown shingles blend naturally with the brick’s tones. For lighter brown or tan bricks, medium brown or tan shingles can create a warm, balanced look that highlights the home’s natural, inviting style.
Yes, County Roofing Systems is committed to using only high-quality materials for each roofing project. We install roofs using the CertainTeed Integrity Roof System to ensure that your home is protected against Long Island's challenging weather conditions. And we offer the best warranties in the industry, with 50 year coverage on materials and 25 years on workmanship.
County Roofing Systems knows how important a weather-resistant roof is for Long Island homeowners. We use top-quality shingles designed to withstand wind, rain, and even snow. Our team installs each roof with care, following industry best practices to prevent leaks and other damage. This attention to detail means your roof will protect your brick home from harsh weather, keeping it safe and dry for years to come.
Yes, County Roofing Systems is equipped to manage roofing projects of all sizes across Long Island. Whether you need a full roof replacement for a large colonial brick home or repairs for a smaller cottage-style brick house, they have the skills and team to handle it. They approach each project with the same level of dedication, ensuring high-quality work and customer satisfaction, regardless of the roof size or style.
Architectural shingles are an excellent choice for many brick homes because they add texture and dimension to the roof. County Roofing Systems offers these shingles, which can mimic natural materials like slate or wood, adding depth and character. Architectural shingles also come in various colors, allowing you to choose an option that enhances your brick’s color. With their durability, they’re a stylish and long-lasting choice for brick houses.
County Roofing Systems stands out for their experience, commitment to quality, and dedication to customer service. With over 35 years in the industry, they know what works best for Long Island’s brick homes. They offer a wide selection of shingle styles and colors, use high-quality materials, and prioritize customer satisfaction. Our reliable service and knowledge make us a trusted choice for homeowners who need a new roof.
In over 3 decades of contracting work on Long Island, we’ve worked with many local lenders. Give us a call and we can make your old Long Island house look like a brand new home with CertainTeed roofing and siding products.
