Exploring the popularity of black metal roofs

By Jonny Suchor. 

Nobody can argue against the beautiful look of a black roof on a home, but why have they become so popular?  

Black metal roofs are a hot commodity, but black roofing is not a recent innovation. For many years, black shingles dominated the residential market, though the heat build-up and lack of durability became an issue for homeowners.  

In more recent years, metal roofs have gained popularity for residential homes. While shingle roofs are much more cost-effective upfront and give a more traditional look, metal roofs are known for their durability and modern aesthetics and do not have the same issues as shingles. Metal roofs in a black shade are one of the most popular selections for residences, according to McElroy Metal and here’s why they say they are so popular!  

The black roof trend 

Black roofs offer a multifaceted appeal for homeowners. First, black matches any complement of brick, stone, and siding. Black has become an easy and cost-effective way to make a house pop. This aligns with young homeowners as black roofs are becoming more of a modern and trendy style. The uniqueness of black roofs will complement most homes but may be a short-lived trend due to their recent popularity.  

Metal instead of shingles 

Without focusing on the color black, metal roofing now holds 12% of the remodel market share and 8% of the spending for new residential construction. For homeowners, the extended life expectancy of metal roofs and the recyclability of steel play a significant role in their decisions. Most metal roofs have cool paint technology, meaning the sun reflects off the steel and back into the atmosphere, making energy efficiency another draw for homeowners.  

Pro Tip from McElroy Metal: “When opting for a black metal roof, make sure to require Kynar 500Ⓡ paint so your roof looks as good in 25 years as it does the day you finish the installation! While Silicone Modified Paint (SMP) systems can offer acceptable performance with light colors, most homeowners would be very frustrated with the amount of fade and chalk that SMP systems deliver on dark colors like black or even dark greens.”  

If you’re just now considering offering black metal roofing for your customers’ homes, contact McElroy Metal.