Back to Black: Elevate Your Curb Appeal with the Right Color

Selecting a roof color can be daunting, but with the right tools and considerations, you can be confident in finding the shade that enhances your home’s long-term value without compromising your own taste. 

When it comes to selecting the perfect color for your roof, the decision can feel overwhelming. This is likely a choice you will make only a handful of times in your life, yet the impact on your home’s curb appeal and value can last for decades. Unlike repainting a wall in your living room, changing your roof color isn’t a quick switch. That’s why many homeowners are drawn to neutral roof colors, which offer both versatility and timeless appeal. Black, in particular, is a beautiful choice, not only complementing a wide range of styles but also adding a sophisticated edge to any home. 

Black may not seem like a typical neutral, but like shades of gray, beige or brown, black can seamlessly complement a variety of exterior styles and colors. Whether your home features bright, bold siding or a more subdued, natural look, a black roof creates a sleek contrast, adding elegance without overpowering the design. And because your roof accounts for up to 40% of your home’s exterior, the right color choice can significantly enhance its visual appeal. 

What to consider when choosing a roof color 

Before settling on a color, ask yourself a few key questions: 

1 – Are you staying or selling?  

If you plan to stay in your home long-term, choose a roof color that matches your personal style and home’s design. But if selling is in your future, neutral colors like black offer flexibility to potential buyers. Black provides a clean slate, allowing future owners to add their own touches without clashing with the roof. 

2 – What's the architectural style? 

A black roof can accentuate a range of home styles, from traditional to modern. For example, black shingles create a striking contrast on a home with white or light-colored siding, while they can provide a harmonious blend with darker, earth-toned exteriors. 

3 – How does your climate affect color? 

In warmer climates, light shingles can help reflect heat, while in cooler areas, dark roofs like black absorb warmth, helping to reduce heating costs. However, ventilation and insulation play a more significant role in your home’s energy efficiency, so don’t be afraid to opt for darker colors even in sunny climates, especially if you love the look. 

Elevating black asphalt shingles 

PABCO Roofing Product’s Antique Black is one of my favorite choices for homeowners seeking a true black with extra visual depth. Unlike other black shingles on the market, Antique Black offers a subtle sparkle and texture that adds dimension and sophistication to your roof. This color is one of our top selling colors for a reason – it combines the classic versatility of black with a little extra visual interest. Available in several shingle lines, this color option works across various home styles, from classic to contemporary.  

• Cascade™ shingles: Perfect for historic styles, Cascade shingles are uniquely diamond-shaped to honor your home’s heritage. Featuring Algae Defender® technology, Class A fire resistance and our Limited Lifetime Warranty, this shingle accentuates roofs that are steeply sloped. 

• Paramount Advantage® shingles: Approved by many homeowners' associations (HOAs), this top-of-the-line shingle sets the standard for premium roofing products. These shingles offer a bold, heavyweight option with a classic appearance and high-performance ratings. 

• PABCO Premier® shingles: Reliable and long-lasting, these shingles are a favorite among homeowners and contractors alike. PABCO Premier offers fire and algae resistant qualities and is available in an array of neutral colors. 

Other factors that affect your color choice 

When selecting the color for your asphalt shingles, there are a few key factors to keep in mind aside from your home’s style and how long you plan to spend in your home. 

1 – Climate and geography matter 

Colors like blacks and grays tend to blend well in forested or mountainous areas, while lighter colors may suit sunny, southern regions. In forested areas, a black roof can blend into the surroundings, while in more open landscapes, it adds contrast and sophistication. 

2 – Energy efficiency 

Darker roofs absorb more heat, which can be a benefit in cooler climates but a drawback in warmer climates. However, proper insulation and ventilation can balance out temperature differences, allowing you to choose the color that best matches your home’s aesthetic without compromising your energy efficiency. 

3 – Homeowners’ Associations 

If you live in a neighborhood governed by an HOA, you’ll need to check to see if there are restrictions on roof color. Black is often a safe, approved choice, as it pairs well with most architectural styles and maintains the visual appearance HOAs often require. 

Seeing is believing: Visualize your new roof 

Seeing how a color will look on your home before investing in a full roof replacement is crucial. PABCO Roofing Products offers a Design Your Roof tool that allows you to explore various shingle colors and styles by either selecting a sample home image or uploading a photo of your own home. This way, you can see how Antique Black or any of our other popular colors will look in real life, taking into account lighting, angles and other factors that may affect the appearance of your roof. 

Viewing a physical shingle sample can also help you make the right decision. Many roofing contractors offer sample boards or larger swatches to help you get a better sense of how the colors will look. It’s important to consider things like how sunlight and shadows might play on the roof throughout the day. 

Whether you’re drawn to the classic versatility of black or exploring other neutral options, PABCO Roofing Products has the styles and colors to match your vision.