Thinking about putting a new black roof or black gutters on your house? You aren’t alone! Many Homeowners are replacing their older roofs with new black roofs, either asphalt shingle roofs or metal roofs.
Lately, many of our customers have been asking us to install black roofing and Black gutter systems. The pairing seems to work well with almost any house style and is particularly popular among homeowners with white houses.
This is one of the hottest new home trends our expert roofers have picked up on. But is it really a good idea to install a black roof or black gutters on your house? Or is this an aesthetic that will quickly fall out of fashion, leaving your home looking dated and behind the times?
Here’s a quick overview of a few things you need to know.
Black Roofs and Gutters: Trendy or Timeless?
Black makes a statement – particularly when used on a home’s exterior. However, it still has all the qualities of classic style.
It’s confident and bold yet elegant and upscale. It makes a statement while remaining tasteful and mature. It draws the eye without being attention-seeking or screaming to be seen. It can be striking and conservative at the same time. This is a sophisticated way to go against the grain.
A black roof or black gutters aren’t likely to fall out of fashion within a few years. This is a classic style that’s been in use for centuries. Interest levels may rise and fall, but these homes won’t look dated or behind the times within a few years.
Black roofs and gutters might be trending, but in our professional opinion, this style is absolutely timeless.
Pros and Cons of Black Roofs and Gutters
Black roofing and gutters represent classic style and won’t look out of place when something else starts trending in a few months or years.
Black is also a forgiving color that hides dirt, wear, and tear much better than lighter options. Lighter roofing products easily get discolored and stained from splashed or pooling water, mud, mold, mildew, and blown organic debris, like lawn clippings or fallen leaves.
Weather-related soiling from splashed mud and dirty water shows up right away on lighter roofs. Storms and seasonal weather often leave lighter roofs and gutters visibly dirty. Splatters, smears, and smudges don’t show up easily on black roofs or gutters.
Something else to consider is that black is absorbent. Black roofing and gutters absorb light and store warmth. This slightly improves the home’s energy efficiency and winter performance. It might not be by much but every bit counts.
One con is that darker-colored black roofing products can be more expensive than their more popular lighter alternatives.
How to pull off the black roof and gutters trend
This aesthetic trend is all about the clean visual contrast of black roofing elements against a lighter-colored white, gray, or cream house.
Most of the customers who ask us for black roofs have white homes. That said, homeowners with darker-colored homes can get in on this if they want to.
Black roofs bring presence, weight, and gravitas to red, brown, or dark-colored homes. Traditional brick buildings look far more imposing and conservative when finished with a black roof. This aesthetic might not appeal to all homeowners, but there’s no reason not to go for it if it’s for you.
Black is versatile enough to work with a range of styles, including colonial, ranch, contemporary executive, and modern. The key is to keep the home’s exterior clean and monochromatic.
Black Roof or Black Gutters
Black makes a statement. The way to pull off this trend is to make one roofing element black and keep the rest of the house plain, light, and one-toned.
Make either the roof or gutters black. A black roof can look reserved, toned down, or incredibly dramatic – all depending on its slope and other characteristics.
Black gutters and downspouts can be used to accent a home. Black gutters work extremely well with gray, slate, and cream roofing.
Installing a new gutter system is the easiest way to change your home’s appearance. Gutters aren’t too expensive and are fairly easy to replace. You can have the old ones torn down and a new set installed in less than one day.
If your roof doesn’t need replacing, think about swapping out the old gutters for a stylish new black system.
Black Exterior Trim, Windows, and Doors
Compliment a black roof and gutters with black window treatments, frames, shutters, or a black door. This design style highlights a home’s architectural features.
Homes with black roofs, gutters, and trim look fresh and stunning.
Black Outdoor Fixtures, Décor, and Landscaping
Accessorize black roofing, gutters, or trim with black outdoor light fixtures, landscaping elements, patio or deck furniture, décor, and lawn ornaments.
This brings up the drama level while keeping everything cohesive.
Black Accent Wall
Want a remodel that will make things a little more intense? Have a black accent wall put in or go black for the entire exterior.
Paint your siding or have a section replaced with black. Siding can be painted, but the results can be a little high-maintenance and may not last that long.
Vinyl siding can be purchased in all sorts of colors, including black, dark slate, dark gray, and navy blue. These options go well with black gutters, without looking dreary or severe.
Update Your Home with a New Black Roof or Black Gutters
Most people don’t want to invest in a home exterior that will look outdated within a few years. Fortunately, black has been used on houses for centuries and this home aesthetic reflects classic, timeless style.
Homes with black roofs, gutters, or siding look tasteful and elegant for decades on end.
Thinking of remodeling your exterior? Contact us at Canopy Roofing & Solar. Our roofing experts will walk you through product options to show you what’s available and what the right fit might be. We’ll show you how to embrace this trend in a way that matches your personality and budget.
