Choosing the right shingle could be considered a small task, but it can make a huge difference in the look and curb appeal of your home! From the most basic of shingles to the most expensive, you definitely get what you pay for (as with most things). There are a few things to consider when choosing your shingles. The first I would say would be the color.
When choosing the color of your shingle, of course you're going to want to consider colors that coordinate well with your house. Another thing to think about when choosing a color is the type of climate you live in. If you live in a cooler climate, you may want to go with a darker colored shingle because it will absorb heat and help keep your home warmer. If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to go with a lighter colored shingle, which will reflect the sun and help to keep your home cooler. If you want to be a trendsetter you can go with a bolder color that's more of a "statement piece".
The next thing to consider when deciding on your shingles is which type of shingle to use. There are 5 different types: asphalt, wood, tile, slate, and metal roofs. There are 2 different types of asphalt shingles: regular and architectural. Asphalt shingles are the most common type of shingle you will see on roofs, so those are the ones I'm going to focus on. Here are some color options for asphalt shingles:
As you can see there are many color options to choose from. I also wanted to show you the difference between regular (3 tab) and architectural shingles. I personally love the look of architectural shingles and they just add little bit of a punch to your roof. Here's a comparison picture (regular on the top, architectural on the bottom):
As you can see there's a pretty big difference.
I blogged about metal roofs about a month or so ago, go back and check it our if you're interested in going that route. It's definitely more pricey, but it's well worth the investment and will probably outlast you!
Whenever I'm helping a customer choose the best color of shingle for their house, I always suggest going outside and looking at the shingle colors against their siding or brick. Eliminate the ones you don't like and then just choose from what's left. Remember, don't skimp on your shingles, as the exterior of your home is your main source of protection and you want them to last you a while!