Red brick homes have a strong, permanent visual element. Unlike siding, brick rarely changes, which makes roof color an important long-term decision. The right choice should complement the brick’s undertone, balance contrast, and age well over time.
Start with the brick’s undertone
Not all red brick looks the same. Some bricks lean warm, with orange or brown notes. Others lean cooler, with deeper reds or hints of purple. Before choosing a roof color, look closely at the brick in natural daylight.
Warm red brick usually pairs better with roof colors that include brown or tan tones. Cooler red brick tends to work better with charcoal, gray, or muted black blends.
Roof colors that usually work well with red brick
Certain roof colors consistently perform well on red brick homes because they create contrast without clashing.
- Weathered wood or similar blends offer warmth and flexibility, especially on traditional homes.
- Charcoal or black creates strong contrast and works well on colonial or modern designs.
- Brown or driftwood-style tones soften the look while still grounding the exterior.
Manufacturers like GAF outline how blended shingle colors are designed to balance natural materials such as brick and stone, helping homeowners avoid flat or mismatched results.
Colors that require extra caution
Very light gray or white shingles often clash with red brick and can make the exterior feel unbalanced. Roofs with strong blue or green undertones may also compete visually with the brick instead of complementing it.
If a color sample looks striking indoors but feels disconnected outside, that contrast usually becomes more noticeable once the roof is installed.
Consider the home’s overall style
Architecture matters as much as color. Traditional red brick homes often suit classic, blended roof colors. Modern brick homes can handle darker, cleaner tones with less variation.
Owens Corning’s shingle color guidance shows how roof color interacts with fixed exterior elements like brick, trim, and stone, emphasizing the importance of viewing samples in real lighting conditions.
See samples on your roof, not just online
Digital images rarely show how sunlight, shade, and scale affect color. Placing physical samples against your roofline allows you to see undertones clearly and avoid surprises after installation.
The practical takeaway
Choosing a roof color for a red brick house works best when you respect what will not change. Let the brick lead the decision, use contrast intentionally, and confirm your choice outdoors.
A thoughtful color match improves curb appeal and helps the roof look right for decades, not just the day it’s installed.