Why Are People Painting Their Roofs Blue 

You may have heard recently that there is a popular trend among homeowners: painting their roofs blue.  Why?  The answer may vary, and some reasons might surprise you.

Painting Your Roof Blue: The Maui Laser Conspiracy

Following the catastrophic fires in Maui, Hawaii that took place in 2023, conspiracy theorists and internet misinformants began asserting that the fires were started purposefully by space lasers, or “directed energy weapons (DEWs).” False imagery circulated that claimed to depict lasers striking the island shortly before the fires broke out.  The overall belief in fire starting space lasers has been a popular conspiracy theory since 2018 when US representative Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested the California wildfires of that year were the result of targeted space lasers.

Now you may be wondering, what do fire-starting space lasers have to do with blue roofs?  Following the Maui fires, conspiracy theorists on Tiktok began sharing choice images of blue-colored items that were largely undamaged by the fires.  They suggested that this was not a coincidence but instead a direct result of the items’ color.  A belief quickly spread that the color blue could reflect the lasers.  Conspiracy theorists were further convinced after discovering the existence of Operation Blue Roof– a FEMA operation that distributed temporary blue coverings to homeowners who had lost their roofs to natural disasters.  This led conspiracy theorists to their final claim- that FEMA and the government were distributing blue roof covers to protect celebrities and other government insiders from the space lasers.  Some people began painting their roofs blue, with the belief that it will protect them from fire-starting lasers.

Of course, this theory is baseless and has been debunked on multiple fronts.  However, it does not change the fact that many people have fallen for this conspiracy, and chosen to repaint their houses blue.

Blue Roof Trends in East Asia

In addition to wild conspiracy theories, there are less dramatic reasons people may want to opt for blue roofing.  In East Asia, specifically Korea, China, and Japan, many buildings can be seen with blue roofs.  The origins of this trend are not fully certain; some suggest the blue roof color is a cultural choice, descended from an era where roofs made of blue ceramic tile were an indication of wealth.  In Korea, the major government building is blue, and many Korean traditionalists may choose to imitate this.

There is also the fact that uniqueness is often considered undesirable in Eastern cultures; it suggests you are uncooperative or selfish.  In this way, it is easy for uniformity to become widespread, even in something as simple as roof color.  Some suggest the color itself may have a symbolic meaning for East Asian cultures; blue often symbolizes calmness and stability in Chinese and Japanese cultures, which may have influenced the color choice.

Others feel the phenomenon is less complicated; the widespread blue roofing is simply due to the cheap, cost-effective nature of blue aluminum roofing materials or waterproofing.  Many buildings in this region were constructed or renovated by the government, which may also be the reason for the shared materials.  Shingles are a much less popular roofing material in East Asia, making the blue metal roof a common choice.

Blue Is A Pretty Color

While there are plenty of trends and conspiracies surrounding the blue roof, it may be popular simply because it looks nice.  Blue is a natural color that pairs well with a variety of siding materials.  Metal roofs, which are becoming more popular, are also commonly blue.  The color also reflects more light than a black or dark grey roof, which is a common roof color in the US; more light reflection means less heat absorption and lower cooling costs.

Whatever the reason, blue roofs are a popular choice for many.  At True Blue Roofing and Siding, we love a nice blue roof and we’d be happy to help you get one for yourself.  We are certified contractors licensed by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, and we bring quality materials and expert technicians to every roofing job.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, fill out our online contact form.  We offer free estimates for customers interested in our services, so call today!