Of course, the primary function of your gutter system is to direct water away from your home to prevent damage to your foundation, landscaping, basement, and siding. But it’s almost equally important that the gutter doesn’t detract from your home’s curb appeal. You want to choose a gutter color that complements your home’s architectural style and color scheme. So, how do you determine which color is appropriate for your home? Here are some tips on matching your home’s exterior colors for added visual interest.
Match Your Siding
If you want your gutter system to be unnoticeable and blend in perfectly, use a color that matches your house’s siding or exterior. This color will create an integrated look that doesn’t interfere with your home’s visual aesthetic. If, for instance, you have a yellow-shaded or brown exterior, it would be a great idea to pick a brown gutter.
When matched to your siding, the gutters will serve their functional purpose without getting in the way visually.
Match the Trim
If your home has a thick trim, this can be one of the most straightforward exterior components to match because it is likely that the trim is one of a few common colors. You should easily find some grey, white, or another standard gutter color to match your trim.
The vertical and horizontal lines of your gutters and downspouts will complement similar structural lines as the trim on your home. They won’t be too apparent in the front but will stand out more against the side of your house than if you match your siding. At the same time, the gutters will give great contrast and dimension to your home.
Contrast Your Home’s Exterior Color
Consider a contrasting gutter color if none of the previous options suit your taste. The reasoning behind contrasting your gutters with the exterior of your home is similar to why homeowners choose colorful shutters or a front door to contrast with neutral-colored siding. Using contrasting colors can help your home make a design statement and boost its curb appeal.
Work with your general color palette if you want to choose a contrasting color. For example, you could install a black gutter to contrast your white brick siding or match the gutters to your front door.
Match the Gutter Color with Your Roof
Matching the color of your gutters with that of your roof can be a great option since the gutters will look like a natural part of the roofline. In fact, matching with the roof is a popular choice for homes with modern, contemporary, art deco, and other architectural styles that may have thin or no trim.
Many roofs come in standard colors that are easy to match. However, you don’t have to match the colors of your roof and your gutters exactly. Choosing a shade that closely matches your roof should do the trick.
Consider Neighborhood Association Rules
If your home is in a neighborhood with HOA, you’ll most likely need approval before carrying out any kind of renovation. You can’t plan your project without your HOA’s permission, even if it’s just a simple window replacement or trim replacement job.
If you’re planning to replace or update your gutter system, check with your homeowners’ association board to see if there are any restrictions on your gutter color. The same goes if you live in a historical building. Both may influence the color and material allowed for gutters.
Consider the Effects of UV Rays
Your climate will also influence your gutter color decision. The more sun your area gets, the more UV exposure your gutters get. Certain colors respond well to prolonged UV exposure, where a slight change to the original tone can go unnoticeable. Some colors, however, will show visible signs of exposure to the sun.
While bleaching is a visual issue and doesn’t affect the function of your gutter, it can significantly affect the aesthetic of your home. As such, you want to take note of your climate patterns when picking your gutter system color.
What About the Downspouts?
Downspouts are the enclosed vertical pipes that run along the edges of your house. They carry water from your gutter and dispose of it on the ground level away from your home. The lower part of a downspout bends away from the house.
If you’re worried about the downspout sticking out and becoming an eyesore, consider matching its color to your landscaping feature.
Most Common Color Pairing Choices in Gutter and Siding
White or off-white is the most common choice for gutter color because it will go well with any roof, siding, or trim. These colors give your exterior a clean and finished look. Many other colors look great when combined. The right combination can mean the difference between a bland home and one with a pleasing visual effect. Here are some of the gutter-siding color combos that make for a beautiful home:
- Gray and blue
- Dark blue and white
- White and dark neutral colors
- Shades of green
- Brick and blacks or browns
- Gray and off-white
If it’s time to get your gutters installed or replaced, the experts at Titan Siding and Roofing are here to help. We will walk you through every aspect of your project and help you choose a color that complements your home’s exterior while also boosting its curb appeal. Contact us today for a free estimate on gutter replacement in the Greater Cincinnati area.
