Can You Have a Black Roof in Florida?

Does a Black Roof Make Your Home Hotter?

You don’t see many black roofs in Florida—and there’s a reason for that. Homeowners in Ormond Beach and across the state worry that dark-colored roofs will make their homes hotter. And they’re right to be concerned.

In Florida's hot and humid climate, your roof color and roofing material directly affect how hot your house gets inside—and how high your energy bills climb. Choosing the right combination can save you money and improve comfort all year long.

Color Does Affect Temperature

Dark roof colors like black, charcoal, and dark brown absorb more heat from the sun. That heat may radiate into your attic and interior, making your air conditioner work harder—especially during summer. It doesn't matter if the roof is low-slope, shingled or metal panels.

Lighter roof colors, such as light gray, or brown, reflect sunlight, help to keep your home cooler and your energy bills lower. A popular color is Weathered Wood by CertainTeed.

Best Roof Colors for Florida Heat

If your goal is maximum cooling and energy efficiency, choose:

• Light gray or silver: Popular in Ormond Beach and HOA-friendly

• Cool roof shingles: Specially designed to reflect sunlight

Certainteed Landmark Driftwood

Roof Material vs. Color: What Matters More?

While color plays a big role in heat absorption, it is not the only indicator of how much a shingle will transfer heat into your home. Roofing material matters just as much.

Best Roofing Materials for Hot Climates:

• Metal Roofing: Reflects sunlight, lasts 40+ years, and resists hurricane-force winds. Metal roofs are excellent for coastal homes in Ormond Beach, and New Smyrna.

• Solar Reflective Shingles: Engineered to reduce heat absorption. A great compromise between cost and performance.

• Light Asphalt Shingles: Lower cost and lighter colors help reduce heat, but asphalt shingles don’t reflect as well as metal roofing.

  
  

Asphalt shingles still have an upside: they cost less and can last for many years, depending on your location. They are the most popular choice for Ormond Beach homes.

Coastal Considerations: Roof Choices by Location

If you live along Florida’s coast—especially on barrier islands—your roof needs to handle:

• Salt air corrosion

• High humidity and sun exposure

• Hurricane-force winds

Metal roofs are ideal here. They're energy-efficient, wind-resistant, and long-lasting. Plus, they reflect heat better than most other options. However, if your community has an HOA, you may be limited in material or color choices. In that case, solar reflective asphalt shingles in light colors may be your best bet. It's important to ask your professional roofer about the wind ratings. Obviously, the higher the rating the better for your home.

Certainteed Landmark Moire Black

Solar Reflective Shingles

These shingles are designed to increase their reflective properties. Unlike asphalt shingles, solar reflective shingles are perfect for making sure the home's interior feels cooler. Perfect for Florida, this truly is the choice for a "cool roof". It may cost you more but you can even choose black!

Still Not Sure? Ask Joe at Triangle Roofing

Still want a black roof? Choosing the right roof material and color can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. At Triangle Roofing Inc., our father and son team helps Florida homeowners make smart roofing decisions that balance style, performance, and budget.

We serve Ormond Beach and nearby areas - Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach and more. Whether you're replacing shingles or upgrading to metal roof panels, our experts can help you choose a cool, efficient roof that fits your needs.

Call Joe Delia today at (386) 673-6600 for a free estimate.

Visit Triangle Roofing Inc.