Red shingles are roof shingles finished in a red-family color, from true fire-engine red through brick red, terracotta, and burgundy, sold mainly in asphalt but also in metal, composite, and clay. On asphalt, red is a granule-blend color, so choosing it costs the same as a standard gray or brown in the same product line. The real trade-offs are fade over time, a warmer roof surface than light colors, and a narrower resale buyer pool for the boldest reds.
What are red shingles, and what materials come in red?
Red shingles are any roofing shingle in a red color family. In asphalt, the color comes from mineral granules baked onto the shingle, so the same line offers red at the same price as its other shades. Red is available across most residential roofing materials, each with a different look and cost.
- Asphalt (architectural and 3-tab): the most common and cheapest red option, sold as multi-tonal blends like GAF Patriot Red.
- Metal (stone-coated and standing seam): vivid, long-lasting reds such as terracotta and brick red, often with a factory paint warranty of 30 to 40 years.
- Composite and synthetic: molded to mimic red slate or cedar, holding color longer than asphalt.
- Clay and concrete tile: the classic natural terracotta red of Mediterranean and Spanish-style roofs, colorfast because the red is fired into the clay.
Red shingle colors by brand
Every major shingle manufacturer carries at least one red-family color in its architectural line. The names differ, so shoppers comparing across brands need the specific color name, not just “red.” The table below maps the common red options in 2026 by brand and product line.
| Brand | Product line | Red-family color | Shade |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAF | Timberline HDZ | Patriot Red | Multi-tonal true red |
| Owens Corning | TruDefinition Duration | Terra Cotta | Reddish brown |
| CertainTeed | Landmark | Burnt Sienna | Brick red-brown |
| Stone-coated metal (e.g. DECRA) | Tile and shake profiles | Brick Red / Terracotta | Vivid saturated red |
GAF Patriot Red in the Timberline HDZ line is the most widely stocked true red in North America, which makes it the easiest color to source and color-match for future repairs. For the full range of shades in one brand, see GAF’s full Timberline color palette, and for how the major brands compare on warranty and performance, our 2026 shingle brand comparison report.
Do red shingles cost more than other colors?
No. On asphalt shingles, red costs the same as gray, brown, or black in the same product line, because color is set by the granule blend rather than a premium material. In 2026, architectural asphalt shingles run roughly $4.50 to $7.50 per square foot installed regardless of color. A price jump comes only from choosing a designer or luxury line, not from choosing red.
Red does cost more in other materials. Stone-coated metal or standing seam in a red finish typically runs $9 to $16 or more per square foot installed, and clay tile in natural terracotta red often lands $10 to $25 per square foot installed. In those cases the price reflects the material and installation, not the red color itself.
Do red roofs fade faster or run hotter?
Red pigment can fade and chalk more visibly than neutral grays over a 15 to 20 year span, because red and other saturated colors show UV breakdown sooner than muted tones. A standard red also runs warmer than white or light gray but cooler than black, since darker surfaces absorb more solar heat. Both effects are manageable with the right product.
For heat, look for a red shingle rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) or carrying an ENERGY STAR label. A typical red shingle has a solar reflectance near 0.10 to 0.25, while a cool-rated red can reach roughly 0.25 to 0.30, reflecting more sun and lowering attic heat gain in hot climates. For fade, higher-grade lines use color-stable granules that hold the red longer. Roof color and its effect on heat and resale is covered in our guide to how roof color affects resale and energy.
Are red shingles good for resale value?
Red shingles can lift curb appeal on the right house but may narrow the buyer pool for the boldest shades. Some agents estimate a bright or true red roof appeals to 10 to 20 percent fewer buyers than a neutral charcoal or weathered-wood roof, because red is a strong personal-taste color. Muted brick red and terracotta read as more timeless and carry less resale risk.
For the broadest resale appeal, neutral roof colors like charcoal, gray, and weathered wood remain the safest choice, since they suit the most exterior styles and future paint changes. Red works best when it ties into existing brick, stone, or architectural style rather than fighting it. Because a roof lasts 20 to 30 years, homeowners planning to sell soon should weigh a bold red against a neutral that fits any future buyer.
What house colors go with a red roof?
A red roof pairs best with neutral and warm siding that lets the roof lead. White, cream, and warm beige give a classic contrast, gray adds a cool modern balance, and muted greens bridge red brick with the roof. Avoid competing bold colors like bright blue or orange siding, which fight the red for attention.
| Exterior | Siding colors that work | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Red brick | Beige, cream, warm gray, sage green | Warm, cohesive, timeless |
| White or cream siding | Red roof as the accent | Classic farmhouse or colonial pop |
| Gray siding | Charcoal or medium gray | Cool, modern contrast |
| Tan or taupe siding | Warm earth tones | Harmonious Mediterranean look |
Pros and cons of red shingles
Red shingles trade bold curb appeal against fade risk, heat, and resale flexibility. The upside is a distinctive roof that complements brick and traditional homes at no color premium on asphalt. The downside is faster visible fading, a warmer surface than light colors, and a smaller resale buyer pool for the brightest reds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No price premium on asphalt vs standard colors | Bold reds narrow resale buyer pool 10 to 20 percent |
| Strong curb appeal, pairs with brick and stone | Red pigment can fade and chalk faster than neutrals |
| Widely stocked (GAF Patriot Red), easy to match | Warmer surface than white or light gray |
| Cool-roof rated red options exist for hot climates | Fewer red choices than gray or brown across lines |
If red asphalt is your pick, confirm the exact color name and lot before ordering so future repairs match, and compare it against the neutral options in our overview of types of asphalt shingles. New to roofing terms and materials, start with our roofing basics hub.
Frequently asked questions about red shingles
Do red shingles cost more than other colors?
Not on asphalt. Red is a granule-blend color, so it costs the same as gray, brown, or black within the same product line, roughly $4.50 to $7.50 per square foot installed for architectural shingles in 2026. A higher price comes only from choosing a designer or luxury line, or from a different material like metal or clay tile, not from choosing red.
Do red roofs fade faster than other colors?
Red can show fade and chalking sooner than neutral grays, because saturated colors reveal UV pigment breakdown over a 15 to 20 year span more visibly. Higher-grade shingle lines use color-stable granules that slow this. Metal, composite, and clay red hold color longer than asphalt, with clay tile being the most colorfast because the red is fired into the material.
What brand makes red asphalt shingles?
Every major brand offers a red-family color. GAF sells Patriot Red in its Timberline HDZ line, the most widely stocked true red in North America. Owens Corning offers Terra Cotta in TruDefinition Duration, and CertainTeed offers Burnt Sienna in Landmark. Names vary by brand, so confirm the exact color name when comparing quotes or ordering repair material.
What color house goes with a red roof?
Neutral and warm siding works best. White and cream give a classic contrast, gray adds a modern cool balance, and beige or sage green pair well with red brick. A red roof leads the look, so keep siding restrained and avoid competing bold colors like bright blue or orange, which fight the roof for attention.
Are red shingles good for resale value?
Red can help or hurt depending on shade. Muted brick red and terracotta read as timeless and carry low resale risk, while bright or true red may appeal to 10 to 20 percent fewer buyers than a neutral charcoal or gray. For the broadest resale appeal, neutral roof colors are safest, especially if a sale is likely within a few years.
Do red shingles make a house hotter?
A standard red runs warmer than white or light gray but cooler than black, since darker surfaces absorb more sun. In hot climates, choose a red rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council or carrying ENERGY STAR, which can reach a solar reflectance near 0.25 to 0.30 and reduce attic heat gain compared with a standard red near 0.10 to 0.25.
Reviewed by The Roofing Brief Team. Last reviewed July 2026.