Owens Corning has officially announced its 2025 Shingle Color of the Year: “Merlot.” This color offers a rich yet inviting alternative to traditional reds, beautifully blending warm gray, oaky brown, and spiced sienna with deep crimson and earthy purple undertones.
Continuing its leadership in roofing color trends, Owens Corning presents “Merlot” as a timeless and full-bodied option that enhances a home’s exterior with an understated, welcoming aesthetic. “To make the most of your roof, the color should harmonize with your home’s overall look and its surroundings. This can significantly boost curb appeal and instill a sense of pride in your property,” said Sue Burkett, Owens Corning’s strategic marketing leader and senior color expert. “It’s essential that the chosen color reflects your personality. Too many homeowners settle for common roof colors simply because they are popular. While it can be a challenging choice, we are proud to offer a wide variety of options that simplify the decision-making process and make it enjoyable.”
The beautifully saturated “Merlot” adds a touch of elegance to roofs and complements a diverse range of exterior colors and styles, from vintage to contemporary. Its versatility allows it to serve as a neutral backdrop or as a bold statement piece that feels both dramatic and inviting.
Elevating Home Exteriors with Sophistication
The selection of “Merlot” brings warmth and sophistication, echoing the comfort found in indulgent experiences. “Just like savoring a piece of rich chocolate or enjoying a glass of red wine, sensory experiences enrich our daily lives,” added Burkett. “We’ve noticed a growing interest from homeowners eager to explore shingle color options, and their excitement indicates that we are helping them make significant color decisions. ‘Merlot’ stands out as a unique choice that allows homeowners to express their individuality.”
With the backing of America’s most trusted roofing brand, Owens Corning offers contractors and homeowners access to design resources and proprietary style boards, showcasing how “Merlot” can elevate a home’s exterior spirit and style. For instance, the “Americana” style board provides inspiration for modernizing historical designs, while the “Prairie-Craftsman” board highlights the appeal of simple elegance, and the “Italianate” board assists homeowners in enhancing ornate design features.
“We provide these tools to inspire homeowners about the potential a new roof brings to their exterior. We believe you shouldn’t just like the results—you should love them. That’s what we call ROOF LOVE™,” Burkett stated.
Protection Meets Aesthetic Appeal
The roof accounts for nearly 40 percent of a home’s exterior, making it an ideal area to enhance curb appeal. However, a roof must also withstand the elements to protect one of a consumer’s largest investments: their home. As part of the TruDefinition® Duration® Designer shingle line, “Merlot” shingles combine beauty with premium protection and performance, capable of enduring harsh weather conditions like wind-driven rain, hail, and intense sunlight. Beneath its elegantly blended color granules, “Merlot” shingles incorporate patented SureNail® Technology to defend against wind uplift season after season. This combination of trusted performance and vibrant color options supports Owens Corning’s selection for the Women’s Choice Award®—America’s Most Recommended Roofing—for seven consecutive years.
“We are excited to collaborate with roofing contractors and distributors, providing insights on integrating ‘Merlot’ into their offerings and empowering customers to embrace the transformative impact of shingle color,” Burkett added.
A Legacy of Color Leadership
Introduced in 2017, the Owens Corning Shingle Color of the Year honors cultural and stylistic influences shaping American homes. Drawing inspiration from timeless elements like nature, along with trends in design, fashion, and consumer goods, the Shingle Color of the Year raises awareness about the roof’s role in enhancing a home’s exterior and boosting curb appeal. “Merlot” is the ninth selection in this series and marks the first “red” hue featured.
For more information on the Owens Corning Shingle Color of the Year and design inspiration, visit www.shinglecoloroftheyear.com.
