Why Your New Shingles

Don't Perfectly Match

Your Old Roof

When your roof needs a repair, whether from storm damage in Ridgewood or simple wear and tear in Mahwah, you expect the finished job to look seamless. You call a trusted roofer, the work is done, but then you notice
it—the new shingles are just a slightly different shade than the rest of your roof. It's a common concern for homeowners across Bergen County.

Why does this happen, and what can be done about it?

At Mattsson Roofing, we believe in educating our clients so they can make informed decisions about their homes. This guide is designed to walk you through the realities of shingle color matching. As Mattsson Roofing's Production, Manager Craig Buurman often advises, the goal is to find a solution that protects your home for the long term while managing aesthetic expectations. While we always strive for a perfect match, it's important to understand why a slight color variation is sometimes unavoidable. This isn't a sign of a job done poorly; rather, it's a reality of how roofing materials age and evolve. Let's explore the factors that cause these color differences and what you, as a homeowner in towns like Franklin Lakes or Saddle River, should know.

The Science of Shingle Aging: Why Colors Fade and Change

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements, and in a place like Bergen County, it endures everything from the hot summer sun to icy winter storms. This constant exposure takes a toll, and one
of the most noticeable effects is on the color of your shingles. Understanding the science behind this aging process is key to setting realistic expectations for a roof repair in towns like Wyckoff or Tenafly.

The Unrelenting Sun: UV Radiation and Color Fading

The single biggest factor in shingle color change is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Just as sunlight can fade the paint on your car or the fabric on your outdoor furniture, it gradually breaks down the pigments in your asphalt shingles. The dark, rich color of a new shingle is protected by a layer of embedded granules. Over time, UV rays cause these granules to loosen and fall away, exposing the asphalt underneath and causing the color to lighten.

Darker-colored shingles, which are popular for their dramatic look, tend to absorb more heat and UV radiation, making them more susceptible to fading than their lighter-colored counterparts. A deep charcoal or hunter green roof might show signs of fading more quickly than a light gray or tan one. So, when a roofer in Oradell performs a repair on a
10-year-old dark gray roof, the new shingles will inevitably appear darker and richer, as they haven't yet been subjected to a decade of relentless sun exposure.

Beyond the Sun: Dirt, Stains, and Environmental Factors

Sunlight isn't the only culprit. Over the years, your roof accumulates a layer of dirt, dust, and environmental pollutants. In wooded areas like Alpine or Haworth, you might also find that your roof develops dark streaks or stains from algae, moss, or fungus. This buildup can significantly darken the appearance of your shingles. When a clean, new shingle is installed next to these weathered ones, the color difference can be quite stark. 

As Craig notes,

"so your shingle color is not always going to match perfectly to your existing roof when we're doing a repair, and the reason why for this is just sometimes just the age. They can get darker from being dirty and stained, so the newer shingle could be lighter."

This is a natural process, and while a gentle roof cleaning can sometimes minimize the difference, it won't completely erase years of accumulated grime. Homeowners in towns like Glen Rock and Park Ridge should be aware that even a perfectly matched new shingle will look different until it has had time to "weather in" and accumulate its own layer of environmental exposure.

The Manufacturing Maze: Discontinued Shingles and Evolving Color Palettes

Even if your roof is relatively new and clean, finding a perfect shingle match can be a challenge. The roofing industry is constantly evolving, with manufacturers regularly updating their product lines and color options. This can create a frustrating situation for homeowners in places like Ramsey or Montvale who need a simple repair, only to find that their specific shingle is no longer available.

The Reality of Discontinued Shingles

It's a common scenario: a storm rolls through, a tree branch falls, and you need to replace a few damaged shingles. You call a trusted roofer in your area, like Mattsson Roofing, and they discover that the manufacturer has discontinued your shingle color.

Why does this happen? There are several reasons:

Changing tastes play a major role in shingle discontinuation. Home design trends come and go, and shingle colors are no exception. A color that was popular five years ago might fall out of favor, leading the manufacturer to replace it with a more modern option. Manufacturing updates also contribute to this issue, as companies are always looking for ways
to improve their products and processes. A change in the manufacturing process can result in a slight alteration to a shingle's color or texture, even if it has the same name. Finally, product line consolidation occurs when manufacturers streamline their offerings, sometimes discontinuing entire product lines, especially if they are older or less popular, like the classic 3-tab asphalt shingle.

When your shingle has been discontinued, the best a roofer can do is find the "next best match." As Craig Buurman explains,

"sometimes your shingle has been discontinued. The vendors sometimes are shaving colors off, so we got to get the next best match."

This means finding a shingle from a different product line or even a different manufacturer that is as close as possible in color, texture, and style. For homeowners in towns like Harrington Park or Demarest, this is often the only viable option for a small repair.

Navigating the "Next Best Match"

When faced with a discontinued shingle, a professional roofer will take several steps to ensure the best possible outcome. They will take a sample of your existing shingle to their suppliers to compare it against the available options. They will look for a shingle that not only matches the color but also the size, shape, and granule texture. The goal is to find a replacement that will blend in as seamlessly as possible, even if it's not a perfect one-to-one match.

In these situations, it's important to have a roofer you can trust to guide you through the process. A reputable contractor serving areas like Cresskill and Hillsdale will be transparent about the challenges and work with you to find a solution that you are comfortable with. They will show you samples and explain the differences, so you know exactly what to expect. While the idea of a "two-tone roof" might sound alarming, in many cases, the difference is subtle and becomes less noticeable over time as the new shingles begin to weather.

What Professional Roofers Do to Minimize Color Differences

At Mattsson Roofing, we understand that your home is your biggest investment, and we take pride in delivering high-quality workmanship on every job, whether it's a small repair in Westwood or a full roof replacement
in Oakland. When it comes to shingle color matching, our approach is guided by transparency, expertise, and a commitment to finding the best possible solution for your home.

Our Process for Color Matching

When you call us for a roof repair, our first step is to conduct a thorough inspection. We will assess the damage and take a sample of your existing shingle. We then take that sample to our extensive network of suppliers to find the closest possible match. We have long-standing relationships with all the major manufacturers, which gives us access to a wide range of products and colors. 

"We'll always do our best to get as perfect as we can, but be prepared for a two-tone roof in certain situations, but generally in the same family of color," Craig advises.

This honest approach helps homeowners set realistic expectations while ensuring they receive the highest quality repair possible.

Professional roofers use several techniques to minimize color differences. They may strategically place new shingles in less visible areas of the roof, blend different shades to create a gradual transition, or recommend cleaning the existing roof to reduce the contrast. The key is working with experienced professionals who understand both the technical and aesthetic aspects of roof repair.

When a Full Roof Replacement Might Be the Better Option

 In some cases, a repair may not be the most cost-effective or aesthetically pleasing solution. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, or if the damage is extensive, a full roof replacement might be a better long-term investment. This is especially true if your shingles are discontinued and a suitable match cannot be found. A new roof not only solves
the color-matching problem but also provides you with the peace of mind that comes with a brand-new, fully warrantied roofing system.

Our team can help you weigh the pros and cons of a repair versus a replacement. We will provide you with a detailed estimate for both options and help you choose the one that best fits your budget and your long-term goals for your home. Whether you live in Paramus, Teaneck, or Saddle Brook, we are here to provide you with the expert guidance you need to make the right choice.

Schedule Your Roofing Inspection Today

For homeowners in Bergen County looking for
peace of mind with their roof, Mattsson Roofing is here to help.

Call us today at 201.925.9709 or CLICK HERE to schedule your inspection.