Moire Black vs. Charcoal Black: Which CertainTeed Shingle Color Is Right For Your Home?

If you are a homeowner in Maryland choosing a shingle color for your roof, CertainTeed’s Landmark Moire Black and Charcoal Black are popular options. Both shades come with the same high‑performance features such as StreakFighter® algae resistance, QuadraBond™ durability, CertaSeal™ adhesive seal, NailTrak® installation lines, and a lifetime limited warranty. The choice comes down to the shade and visual impact, and how each interacts with your home’s siding, lighting and neighborhood style.

Moire Black vs. Charcoal Black: Which CertainTeed Shingle Color Is Right For Your Home?

Understanding the Differences

Shade and Color Tone

Moire Black leans slightly lighter, appearing as a deep charcoal gray in bright sunlight, while Charcoal Black is the darkest tone in the Landmark lineup and holds a consistent black color even in changing daylight. Moire Black has a more uniform, flat tone, making it a softer choice, whereas Charcoal Black shows more granule variation and depth, giving more visual texture across the roof.

Appearance in Maryland Light

In Maryland’s bright autumn and summer sunshine, Moire Black can appear slightly lighter and subtly gray—especially in shaded neighborhoods like Hampstead or Westminster. Charcoal Black tends to retain its bold color throughout the day, which suits high‑contrast aesthetics or Victorian style homes in Baltimore or Annapolis neighborhoods.

Practical Similarities

• Performance Features: Both shingle colors are built on the same Landmark platform, featuring Class A fire resistance, UL 2218 Class 3 hail resistance, and wind warranties up to 110 mph or more when paired with CertainTeed starter and hip & ridge products.
• Algae Protection: Each color includes StreakFighter® copper‑infused granules to resist unsightly black algae streaks that Maryland’s humid climate often causes. Maintenance cost and effort will be the same for both.
• Warranty and Installation: Price and warranty are identical for Moire Black and Charcoal Black, and both include SureStart™ protection for the first 10 years, followed by prorated limited warranty coverage for material defects and algae resistance up to 15 years. Both benefit from nail installation ease via NailTrak® technology.

Choosing the Right Shade for Your Maryland Home

Home Exterior Color

If your home features lighter or warmer siding—beige, off‑white, light gray or red brick—Moire Black provides a balanced, softer contrast without overwhelming the facade. It creates a classic, subtle effect ideal for colonial or farmhouse‑style homes in Carroll County. On the other hand, Charcoal Black creates a crisp visual statement on contemporary homes or homes with strong accent colors such as navy, blue or deep siding. It works extremely well on brick homes as well, especially those in downtown Baltimore or Annapolis, by emphasizing architectural features.

Curb Appeal in Your Neighborhood

Consider surrounding homes and overall style. In traditional neighborhoods where most roofs are medium gray or weathered tones, Moire Black blends with a timeless appearance. If the neighborhood features modern builds or high‑contrast trim, Charcoal Black makes your roof stand out elegantly.

Lighting, Weather and Heat Gain

Landmark Moire Black reflects slightly more light due to its lighter tone, while Charcoal Black may absorb more sunlight. That means Moire Black roofs may run slightly cooler in Maryland’s hot, humid summers—however both choices are fairly dark and require proper attic insulation and ventilation to mitigate heat gain and maximize energy efficiency.

Color Sample Testing and Final Tips

Experts recommend getting sample boards and placing them against your home outside at different times of day, even stacking them on your roof for comparison in natural light. Drive through neighborhoods to see these colors in use. What looks good in photos or on a brochure may look different on your siding or in your yard.

Why These Are Popular for Maryland Homes

Maryland climate and architecture benefit from strong, durable shingles that resist algae, wind and weather attacks. Both Moire Black and Charcoal Black offer the proven performance of CertainTeed Landmark shingles, along with aesthetic flexibility across architectural styles found throughout Hampstead, Westminster, Columbia, and Annapolis areas. These shades complement brick, stone, wood, and vinyl exteriors effectively while resisting algae in humid conditions.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Moire Black and Charcoal Black comes down to your aesthetic preference and home exterior palette. If you prefer a softer, more uniform roof tone, Moire Black may suit your Maryland home best. If you want a sharper, deeper contrast and bold visual presence, Charcoal Black delivers. In both cases you get industry-leading warranty, algae resistance, installation ease and durability.

See Your Options in Person

At Roof Right, based in Hampstead, MD, we offer sample boards and photo examples in Maryland neighborhoods so you can see Moire Black and Charcoal Black side by side. We help you preview how each interacts with your siding color, trim, and afternoon lighting.

Contact Roof Right For Roof Shingle Installations In Maryland

If you are ready to make the next step in enhancing your home’s appearance and protection, call Roof Right today. We specialize in CertainTeed Landmark shingle installations throughout Maryland from Hampstead to Carroll County areas. Our team will help you visualize Moire Black or Charcoal Black on your home and provide a detailed color consultation. You will also receive a free estimate and clear advice on which shade is best for your climate and curb appeal goals. Contact us today to schedule your consultation, you will be glad you chose the right roof color for your Maryland home.

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If you're looking for a roof contractor in Maryland, give Roof Right a call today at (410)-374-5923 to schedule an appointment!