Pros and Cons of Black Shingle Roofs in Florida

For many years, browns were the go-to shingle color because people wanted their asphalt shingles to look like wooden shingles. Nowadays, though, there are virtually unlimited color options. In recent years, we’ve noticed a sizable uptick in interest in black shingles across Florida.

But are these a good fit for the Florida environment? We’re PITCH Roofing, and we’re here to look at the good and the bad of black roofing shingles to help you plan your next roof replacement. Let’s talk about the must-know information that will make sure you get the right roof for your Florida home!

Pros of Black Shingles for Florida Homes

While black shingles are perhaps not the most traditional choice, there’s no denying that they offer unique benefits to Florida homeowners. To see if these are the right fit for your home, let’s talk about some of the advantages of choosing black roofing shingles.

A Modern Look

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roof in North America. This means that your neighbors will likely have shingle roofs, although most likely in neutral tones of brown or grey. As a result, getting a black shingle roof is a way to stand out and differentiate your home without paying top dollar for metal or tile roof replacements.

A black roof offers a very modern aesthetic that is starkly different from the cozy, homey colors that shingles usually come in. This is a great way to boost curb appeal without paying extra for your new roof. When you invest in black architectural asphalt shingles, you can count on getting a roof that will generate plenty of visual interest!

Aesthetic Flexibility

As a homeowner, it can be challenging to identify the right color for your roof. This can be especially troubling with shingle roofs, which come in a nearly unlimited variety of colors. But with black shingles, you can take the guesswork out of your roof replacement and feel confident that your new roof will suit the overall look of your home.

The adage that black goes with everything definitely holds true in roofing. On some homes, a black roof is dramatic, while it can look completely natural on others. But no matter what color your home is, there’s a very high chance that a black roof will complement the aesthetic and contribute to increased curb appeal.

Cons of Black Shingles for Florida Homes

While there are great things about black shingles, they are far from a perfect roofing material, especially in Florida. And when picking something as important as your new roof’s color, it’s important to be aware of the bad as well as the good. Let’s talk about the biggest downsides to getting a black shingle roof replacement in Florida!

Higher Energy Bills

If you’ve heard that black materials attract more heat, you probably won’t be surprised that the same rule applies with roof shingles. Since black absorbs more light than other colors, it also takes on more heat. This means that your home may have a harder time releasing hot air through your attic, which in turn means your AC system has to work harder.

While it’s true that black shingles come with higher energy bills, the difference is not night and day. Your energy bill will not suddenly double if you get back roofing shingles. However, you can expect to have higher energy bills over the course of your roof’s life, especially during the summer months.

Premature Aging

When people think of Florida roof killers, hurricanes are usually the first thing that comes to mind. And while tropical storms pose a real danger to every roof in Florida, they’re not the only threat to your roof. In Florida, extreme exposure to UV rays does as much to damage roofs as any tropical storm.

Since black shingles absorb more light, they also attract more UV rays. This can lead to your shingles drying out and cracking early. Generally, you’ll know your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan when you start finding stone granules in your gutters. And while asphalt shingles last for 20-25 years in Florida, black shingles have lifespans closer to 15-20 years due to their increased risk of UV damage.

Higher Risk of Mold Development

Mold is another serious risk for roofs in Florida. Mold and algae can grow on roofs with damaged shingles, especially in the rainy season when things are warm and wet. Over time, that mold eats away at your shingles and can lead to widespread roofing issues including missing sections of shingles and roof leaks.

Because black shingles attract more heat than other colors, they’re an even more appealing home for mold and algae. The good news is that some shingles come with anti-mold protection, like slow-release zinc deposits that kill anything growing on your shingle. That’s why you’ll want to discuss this with your roofing contractor before they order your shingles!

Get a Free Estimate for a Shingle Roof Replacement

Black shingles are readily available in Florida, but they aren’t right for every homeowner. In most cases, black is not the color we recommend for a shingle roof replacement. But if the pros outweigh the cons for you, then we’re happy to install the black shingle roof of your dreams!

Whether you decide on a black shingle roof or another color, PITCH Roofing has your back. To get started on the shingle roof replacement process, all you need to do is sign up for a free estimate. Call us at 727-677-4824 or schedule your estimate online! If you’re already sure of what you want, you can even sign up for an online-only estimate using satellite images of your home.

Black shingles are a great option for some, but they’re not for everyone. Regardless of the color of your roofing shingles, you can count on PITCH Roofing to install a roof that’s ready for the worst that Florida’s weather patterns have to offer. If you’re in the market for a new roof, reach out to our friendly crew today. As long-time local roofers, we’re committed to roofing done right at every step of the roofing process!