A gray metal roof can run almost as hot as a black one or nearly as cool as a light tan, depending on which maker gray is on the order. McElroy Metal rates its Dark Charcoal PVDF at a solar reflectance (SR) of 0.08 and an SRI of 3, while Metal Sales rates its Metallic Silver (K7) at SR 0.60 and SRI 68. We compiled 62 gray, charcoal, silver and bare Galvalume finishes from seven makers’ published charts and pages, with calculated roof temperatures, fade warranty terms and October 2026 panel prices.
The scope is painted and bare steel and aluminum panels. Burnished Slate, often sold next to the grays, is a gray-brown with the same SRI as Metal Sales’ plain Brown (33), and it is covered in our brown metal roof guide. For black panels, see the black metal roof panels guide.
Key numbers at a glance
A gray metal roof buyer usually needs six figures first: the SRI spread (3 to 68), the gap between two charcoals with the same name (16 SRI points), the panel price ($1.29 per sq ft of coverage for 29 gauge painted), the paint premium over bare Galvalume (26.5%), the PVDF fade cap (5 Hunter units over 35 years) and California’s steep-slope reroof bar (aged SR 0.20 or SRI 16).
| Figure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| SRI range of gray, charcoal and silver finishes on current maker charts | 3 (McElroy Dark Charcoal PVDF) to 68 (Metal Sales Metallic Silver K7) | McElroy cool metal roofing page; Metal Sales 24 ga PVDF guide 9/2026 |
| “Charcoal” SRI across eight maker listings | 23 (CMG Charcoal Gray) to 39 (McElroy Charcoal SMP) | CMG 2026 color chart; McElroy |
| Calculated noon surface temperature, charcoal vs light gray | 158°F (McElroy Charcoal PVDF) vs 143°F (Metal Sales Ash Grey 25, Colorfast45); standard black 180°F | Roofing Brief calculation, ASTM E1980 medium-wind conditions |
| 29 gauge gray ribbed panel price | $1.29 to $1.35 per sq ft of coverage ($46.44 to $48.60 per 12 ft panel) | PBS Direct listings, Oct 19, 2026 |
| Paint premium over bare Galvalume, same 29 ga MasterRib panel | 26.5% ($46.44 vs $36.72 per 12 ft) | PBS Direct, Oct 19, 2026 |
| PVDF fade cap, Metal Sales | No more than 5 Hunter units for 35 years (ASTM D2244) | Metal Sales PVDF System Warranty, 6/1/2026 |
| California single-family steep-slope reroof threshold | Aged SR 0.20 and emittance 0.75, or SRI 16 (Climate Zones 4 and 8 to 15) | CRRC summary of the 2025 Title 24, Part 6 Energy Code |
Which gray metal roof colors do the makers sell?
The gray metal roof colors on the McElroy, Metal Sales, Drexel, CMG, Berridge, Englert and Sheffield charts fall into seven families: near-black charcoals, charcoals and graphites, slate and musket grays, zinc and lead looks, light grays, silver metallics and bare Galvalume. Published SRI runs from 2 and 3 in the near-black charcoals to 68 in the silver metallics.
| Shade family | Maker color names (with code where published) | SRI range on maker charts | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near-black charcoal | Dark Charcoal PVDF (McElroy); ULG Charcoal Gray (CMG) | 2 to 3 | McElroy; CMG 2026 chart |
| Charcoal and graphite | Charcoal Gray (CMG, Sheffield); Charcoal Grey (Berridge); Charcoal (Drexel, Englert 870D6, McElroy PVDF and SMP, Metal Sales 17); Graphite (Drexel); 3D Charcoal Gray (CMG) | 23 to 39 | CMG, Sheffield, Berridge, Drexel, Englert, McElroy, Metal Sales 29 ga |
| Slate and musket gray | Slate Gray (McElroy, Drexel, CMG, Englert 870D7, Sheffield); Slate Grey W38 (Metal Sales); Musket Gray (Drexel, CMG); ULG and 3D Slate Gray (CMG); Gray Slate, Keystone Gray and Manor Gray (McElroy Milan Tile) | 24 to 47 | McElroy, Drexel, CMG, Englert, Sheffield, Metal Sales 24 ga |
| Zinc and lead look | Weathered Zinc (Drexel, CMG); Zinc Grey (Berridge, Metal Sales 29); Old Zinc Grey W29 and Old Town Grey W25 (Metal Sales); Leadcoat (McElroy); Lead-Cote and Zinc-Cote (Berridge); Preweathered Galvalume (McElroy, Berridge) | 21 to 59 | Drexel, CMG, Berridge, Metal Sales, McElroy |
| Light gray | Ash Gray (McElroy, CMG, Sheffield); Ash Grey 25 (Metal Sales PVDF and Colorfast45); Dove Gray (Englert BN4A126B, Sheffield); Pewter Gray (McElroy SMP); Cityscape (Drexel, CMG, Berridge) | 41 to 57 (McElroy prints 32 for its Ash Gray PVDF) | McElroy, CMG, Sheffield, Metal Sales, Englert, Drexel, Berridge |
| Silver metallic | Silver and Silversmith (Drexel); Silver (CMG); Silver Metallic and Texas Silver Metallic (McElroy); Metallic Silver K7 (Metal Sales) | 52 to 68 | Drexel, CMG, McElroy, Metal Sales |
| Bare Galvalume | Galvalume 41 (Metal Sales); Galvalume Plus (McElroy, CMG); Acrylic Coated Galvalume (Berridge); Galvalume-Plus (Englert); Drexlume (Drexel, no SRI published) | 54 to 62 | Metal Sales, McElroy, CMG, Berridge, Englert, Drexel |
Retailer stock names often do not match a coil chart. PBS Direct sells its MasterRib panel in Charcoal Grey, Ash Gray and Deep Gray and its Panel-Loc Plus lines in Charcoal, Gray and Pewter, and Western States Metal Roofing stocks a Light Gray and a Steel Gray in its SMP line. None of those listings prints an SR or SRI, so ask for the coil maker and paint code before comparing them with the charted grays.
Gray metal roof colors by SRI: all 62 maker grays
Solar reflectance is the share of sunlight a panel bounces off, thermal emittance (TE) is how well it sheds absorbed heat, and SRI (ASTM E1980) combines both on a scale where standard black is 0 and standard white is 100. CMG also prints light reflectance value (LRV), the share of visible light reflected, which tracks how dark the gray looks from the street. Rows are sorted by published SRI, lowest first.
| Maker | Color (code) | Finish or line | SR | TE | SRI | LRV | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McElroy Metal | Dark Charcoal | PVDF | 0.08 | 0.88 | 3 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| CMG | ULG Charcoal Gray | Ultra low gloss PVDF | not listed | not listed | 2 (as printed) | 8 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| CMG | Charcoal Gray | Signature Series | not listed | not listed | 23 | 9 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| Drexel Metals | Weathered Zinc | Metallic | 0.24 | not listed | 21 | not listed | Drexel chart 08.07.25 |
| CMG | Driftwood Gray | Wood grain print | not listed | not listed | 21 | 18 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| Drexel Metals | Graphite | Standard | 0.25 | not listed | 24 | not listed | Drexel chart 08.07.25 |
| McElroy Metal | Manor Gray | Milan Tile | 0.25 | 0.87 | 24 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| McElroy Metal | Slate Gray | Met-Tile | 0.26 | 0.85 | 24 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| CMG | 3D Charcoal Gray | Textur3D, 26 ga | not listed | not listed | 27 | 8 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| McElroy Metal | Preweathered Galvalume | PVDF | 0.30 | 0.79 | 27 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| Berridge | Charcoal Grey | Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 | 0.29 | 0.84 | 28 | not listed | Berridge SRI chart |
| Sheffield Metals | Charcoal Gray | 24 ga PVDF | not listed | not listed | 28 | not listed | Sheffield Metals, Jan 2023 |
| Metal Sales | Slate Grey (W38) | PVDF, low gloss | 0.30 | 0.85 | 30 | not listed | Metal Sales 24 ga guide 9/2026 |
| Drexel Metals | Charcoal | Standard, CRRC rated | 0.30 | not listed | 31 | not listed | Drexel chart 08.07.25 |
| Englert | Charcoal (870D6) | PPG coil coating | 0.303 | 0.86 | 31 | not listed | Englert PPG listing |
| McElroy Metal | Charcoal | PVDF | 0.32 | 0.85 | 32 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| CMG | 3D Musket Gray | Textur3D, 26 ga | not listed | not listed | 32 | 13 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| McElroy Metal | Ash Gray | PVDF | 0.39 | 0.84 | 32 (as printed) | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| Drexel Metals | Musket Gray | Standard, CRRC rated | 0.32 | not listed | 33 | not listed | Drexel chart 08.07.25 |
| McElroy Metal | Keystone Gray | Milan Tile | 0.32 | 0.87 | 33 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| Sheffield Metals | Slate Gray | 24 ga PVDF | not listed | not listed | 33 | not listed | Sheffield Metals, Jan 2023 |
| McElroy Metal | Gray Slate | Milan Tile | 0.32 | 0.89 | 34 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| CMG | Musket Gray | Signature Series | not listed | not listed | 35 | 14 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| CMG | ULG Slate Gray | Ultra low gloss PVDF | not listed | not listed | 36 | 19 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| Metal Sales | Charcoal (17) | MS Colorfast45 SMP, 29 ga | 0.35 | 0.86 | 37 | not listed | Metal Sales 29 ga guide 9/2026 |
| CMG | Slate Gray | Signature Series | not listed | not listed | 38 | 21 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| CMG | 3D Slate Gray | Textur3D, 26 ga | not listed | not listed | 38 | 20 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| McElroy Metal | Leadcoat | PVDF | 0.37 | 0.82 | 38 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| Berridge | Lead-Cote | Metallic | 0.36 | 0.86 | 38 | not listed | Berridge SRI chart |
| McElroy Metal | Charcoal | SMP | 0.37 | 0.86 | 39 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| Englert | Slate Gray (870D7) | PPG coil coating | 0.370 | 0.87 | 40 | not listed | Englert PPG listing |
| Metal Sales | Ash Grey (25) | PVDF, 24 ga | 0.38 | 0.86 | 41 | not listed | Metal Sales 24 ga guide 9/2026 |
| Sheffield Metals | Ash Gray | 24 ga PVDF | not listed | not listed | 41 | not listed | Sheffield Metals, Jan 2023 |
| CMG | Weathered Zinc | Metallic | not listed | not listed | 41 | 27 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| Berridge | Zinc Grey | Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 | 0.39 | 0.85 | 42 | not listed | Berridge SRI chart |
| Metal Sales | Old Town Grey (W25) | PVDF, low gloss | 0.40 | 0.85 | 43 | not listed | Metal Sales 24 ga guide 9/2026 |
| Berridge | Preweathered Galvalume | Metallic | 0.40 | 0.85 | 43 | not listed | Berridge SRI chart |
| Drexel Metals | Slate Gray | Standard, CRRC rated | 0.41 | not listed | 45 | not listed | Drexel chart 08.07.25 |
| Metal Sales | Old Zinc Grey (W29) | PVDF, low gloss | 0.42 | 0.85 | 46 | not listed | Metal Sales 24 ga guide 9/2026 |
| Metal Sales | Zinc Grey (29) | MS Colorfast45 SMP, 29 ga | 0.42 | 0.86 | 46 | not listed | Metal Sales 29 ga guide 9/2026 |
| McElroy Metal | Slate Gray | PVDF | 0.43 | 0.85 | 47 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| Englert | Dove Gray (BN4A126B) | PPG coil coating | 0.439 | 0.86 | 49 | not listed | Englert PPG listing |
| CMG | Cityscape | Signature Series | not listed | not listed | 51 | 36 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| McElroy Metal | Ash Gray | SMP | 0.46 | 0.86 | 52 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| McElroy Metal | Pewter Gray | SMP | 0.46 | 0.86 | 52 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| Drexel Metals | Silver | Metallic, premium | 0.47 | not listed | 52 | not listed | Drexel chart 08.07.25 |
| Berridge | Cityscape | Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 | 0.48 | 0.85 | 54 | not listed | Berridge SRI chart |
| Englert | Galvalume-Plus | Bare, acrylic coated | 0.680 | 0.10 | 54 | not listed | Englert PPG listing |
| Metal Sales | Ash Grey (25) | MS Colorfast45 SMP, 29 ga | 0.49 | 0.86 | 56 | not listed | Metal Sales 29 ga guide 9/2026 |
| CMG | Ash Gray | Signature Series | not listed | not listed | 56 | 38 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| Sheffield Metals | Dove Gray | 24 ga PVDF | not listed | not listed | 56 | not listed | Sheffield Metals, Jan 2023 |
| Metal Sales | Galvalume (41) | Bare, acrylic coated | 0.67 | 0.14 | 56 | not listed | Metal Sales 24 ga guide 9/2026 |
| Drexel Metals | Cityscape | Standard, CRRC rated | 0.50 | not listed | 57 | not listed | Drexel chart 08.07.25 |
| McElroy Metal | Texas Silver Metallic | PVDF | 0.58 | 0.78 | 57 (as printed) | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| Berridge | Zinc-Cote | Metallic | 0.53 | 0.83 | 59 | not listed | Berridge SRI chart |
| Berridge | Acrylic Coated Galvalume | Bare | 0.67 | 0.20 | 59 | not listed | Berridge SRI chart |
| CMG | Galvalume Plus | Bare | not listed | not listed | 59 | 57 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| Drexel Metals | Silversmith | Metallic, premium | 0.54 | not listed | 61 | not listed | Drexel chart 08.07.25 |
| McElroy Metal | Galvalume Plus | Bare | 0.69 | 0.19 | 62 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| CMG | Silver | Metallic | not listed | not listed | 63 | 56 | CMG 2026 color chart |
| McElroy Metal | Silver Metallic | PVDF | 0.57 | 0.78 | 64 | not listed | McElroy cool metal roofing page |
| Metal Sales | Metallic Silver (K7) | PVDF metallic, upcharge | 0.60 | 0.77 | 68 | not listed | Metal Sales 24 ga guide 9/2026 |
Three printed values do not match their own inputs. McElroy lists Ash Gray PVDF at SR 0.39 and TE 0.84 with an SRI of 32, but those inputs calculate to SRI 41 under ASTM E1980, the same as Metal Sales Ash Grey (25) at SR 0.38. McElroy’s Texas Silver Metallic (SR 0.58, TE 0.78) calculates to 66, not the printed 57. CMG prints SRI 2 for ULG Charcoal Gray, against 27 for its 3D Charcoal Gray at the same LRV of 8. Ask the maker to confirm any of these three before a code submittal.
Why two “charcoal” roofs can differ by 16 SRI points
A gray metal roof color name does not fix its heat performance, because each coil coater mixes its own pigments. Charcoal runs from SRI 23 at CMG to 39 at McElroy (SMP), Slate Gray from 24 on McElroy’s Met-Tile to 47 on McElroy’s PVDF panel, and Metal Sales’ own Ash Grey (25) is SRI 41 in PVDF but 56 in Colorfast45 SMP.
| Color name | Lowest published SRI | Highest published SRI | Spread | Listings compared |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charcoal / Charcoal Gray | 23 (CMG Charcoal Gray, 2026 chart) | 39 (McElroy Charcoal SMP) | 16 points | CMG; Berridge 28; Sheffield 28; Drexel 31; Englert 31; McElroy PVDF 32; Metal Sales 17 at 37; McElroy SMP |
| Slate Gray / Slate Grey | 24 (McElroy Met-Tile Slate Gray) | 47 (McElroy Slate Gray PVDF) | 23 points | Met-Tile; Metal Sales W38 30; Sheffield 33; CMG 38; Englert 40; Drexel 45; McElroy PVDF |
| Ash Gray / Ash Grey | 41 (Metal Sales 25 PVDF; Sheffield) | 56 (Metal Sales 25 Colorfast45; CMG) | 15 points | Metal Sales PVDF and SMP; Sheffield; McElroy SMP 52; CMG; McElroy PVDF printed 32 |
| Cityscape | 51 (CMG) | 57 (Drexel) | 6 points | CMG; Berridge 54; Drexel |
| Weathered Zinc | 21 (Drexel) | 41 (CMG) | 20 points | Drexel; CMG |
| Bare Galvalume | 54 (Englert Galvalume-Plus) | 62 (McElroy Galvalume Plus) | 8 points | Englert; Metal Sales 56; Berridge 59; CMG 59; McElroy |
CMG publishes two numbers for the same Charcoal Gray: its Charcoal Gray project page gives SR 0.276, emittance 0.86 and SRI 27, while the 2026 chart prints SRI 23. If a bid says “charcoal” or “slate gray” without the maker and paint code, the SRI is uncertain by 16 to 23 points, so ask the seller to write the maker, code (for example Metal Sales Charcoal 17) and the SR and SRI on the quote.
Charcoal vs black: when a charcoal gray metal roof is not cooler
Charcoal is not always cooler than black on the same chart. CMG prints Charcoal Gray at SRI 23 against 25 for both its Matte Black and Deep Black, and McElroy’s Dark Charcoal PVDF (SRI 3) sits 23 points below McElroy’s Matte Black PVDF (SRI 26). On the Metal Sales 29 gauge chart, Charcoal (17) beats Black (06) by only 3 SRI points.
| Chart | Charcoal or darkest gray | Black on the same chart | Which runs cooler |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMG 2026 color chart | Charcoal Gray: SRI 23, LRV 9 | Matte Black and Deep Black: SRI 25, LRV 6 and 4 | Black, by 2 SRI points |
| McElroy cool metal roofing page (PVDF) | Dark Charcoal: SR 0.08, SRI 3 | Matte Black: SR 0.27, SRI 26 | Matte Black, by 23 SRI points (16°F calculated) |
| McElroy cool metal roofing page (PVDF) | Charcoal: SR 0.32, SRI 32 | Matte Black: SR 0.27, SRI 26 | Charcoal, by 6 SRI points (4°F calculated) |
| Metal Sales 29 ga guide 9/2026 (Colorfast45 SMP) | Charcoal (17): SR 0.35, SRI 37 | Black (06): SR 0.33, SRI 34 | Charcoal, by 3 SRI points (2°F calculated) |
| Drexel chart 08.07.25 | Graphite: SR 0.25, SRI 24 | Black: SR 0.05, SRI 0 | Graphite, by 24 SRI points |
| Berridge SRI chart | Charcoal Grey: SR 0.29, SRI 28 | Matte Black: SR 0.26, SRI 24 | Charcoal Grey, by 4 SRI points |
The LRV column explains why charcoal reads as near-black from the street: CMG Charcoal Gray has an LRV of 9 against 6 for CMG Matte Black, while CMG Slate Gray sits at 21. If the goal is a roof that looks dark gray rather than black at 50 ft, an LRV of 14 or more (CMG Musket Gray, Slate Gray or 3D Musket Gray) keeps the gray visible.
How hot does a gray metal roof get?
Under the ASTM E1980 medium-wind noon condition, the gray metal roofs we calculated run from 137°F for McElroy Silver Metallic to 179°F for McElroy Dark Charcoal, against 180°F for standard black and 112°F for standard white. Painted non-metallic grays share emittance of 0.82 to 0.88, so solar reflectance drives almost all of the spread.
| Surface (maker data) | SR | TE | Calculated surface temp | Calculated SRI (published) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM E1980 standard black | 0.05 | 0.90 | 180°F | 0 (0) |
| McElroy Dark Charcoal PVDF | 0.08 | 0.88 | 179°F | 3 (3) |
| McElroy Matte Black PVDF, for comparison | 0.27 | 0.86 | 163°F | 26 (26) |
| Berridge Charcoal Grey | 0.29 | 0.84 | 161°F | 28 (28) |
| Metal Sales Slate Grey (W38) PVDF low gloss | 0.30 | 0.85 | 160°F | 30 (30) |
| Englert Charcoal (870D6) | 0.303 | 0.86 | 160°F | 31 (31) |
| McElroy Charcoal PVDF | 0.32 | 0.85 | 158°F | 32 (32) |
| Metal Sales Charcoal (17) Colorfast45 | 0.35 | 0.86 | 155°F | 37 (37) |
| Metal Sales Ash Grey (25) PVDF | 0.38 | 0.86 | 153°F | 41 (41) |
| Englert Slate Gray (870D7) | 0.370 | 0.87 | 153°F | 40 (40) |
| McElroy Slate Gray PVDF | 0.43 | 0.85 | 148°F | 47 (47) |
| Englert Dove Gray (BN4A126B) | 0.439 | 0.86 | 147°F | 49 (49) |
| McElroy Pewter Gray SMP | 0.46 | 0.86 | 145°F | 52 (52) |
| Metal Sales Ash Grey (25) Colorfast45 | 0.49 | 0.86 | 143°F | 56 (56) |
| Metal Sales bare Galvalume (41) | 0.67 | 0.14 | 143°F | 56 (56) |
| McElroy Silver Metallic PVDF | 0.57 | 0.78 | 137°F | 64 (64) |
| ASTM E1980 standard white | 0.80 | 0.90 | 112°F | 100 (100) |
Method: Roofing Brief calculation under ASTM E1980 standard conditions (1,000 W/m² sun, 310 K air, 300 K sky, convection coefficient 12 W/m²K, the medium-wind case). The same method reproduces every published SRI in the table within 1 point. Moving from McElroy Charcoal PVDF to McElroy Slate Gray PVDF on the same chart cuts the calculated surface temperature by 10°F while staying gray.
For what that heat means in cooling cost, the Roofing Brief cool roof energy savings report compiles the measured studies; a gray roof over a well-insulated attic moves less energy than the surface temperatures alone suggest. The roofing SRI reference gives the equivalent values for shingles, tile and membranes.
Is bare Galvalume a gray metal roof?
Bare Galvalume reads as a light silver-gray and prints a high SRI, 54 to 62 on five maker charts, but its emittance is only 0.10 to 0.20. Low emittance means it sheds absorbed heat poorly, so in still air it runs hotter than a painted light gray with a lower SRI, by our ASTM E1980 calculation at the standard’s three wind cases.
| Surface | SR / TE | Low wind (5 W/m²K) | Medium wind (12 W/m²K, the SRI case) | High wind (30 W/m²K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard black | 0.05 / 0.90 | 219°F | 180°F | 142°F |
| Metal Sales Slate Grey (W38) PVDF | 0.30 / 0.85 | 192°F | 160°F | 130°F |
| Metal Sales bare Galvalume (41) | 0.67 / 0.14 | 191°F | 143°F | 117°F |
| Metal Sales Ash Grey (25) PVDF | 0.38 / 0.86 | 181°F | 153°F | 126°F |
| McElroy Galvalume Plus | 0.69 / 0.19 | 180°F | 138°F | 115°F |
| Metal Sales Ash Grey (25) Colorfast45 | 0.49 / 0.86 | 167°F | 143°F | 121°F |
| Standard white | 0.80 / 0.90 | 121°F | 112°F | 105°F |
At the medium-wind case, Metal Sales bare Galvalume and Metal Sales Ash Grey (25) in Colorfast45 tie at 143°F and SRI 56. On a still afternoon the Galvalume panel calculates 24°F hotter (191°F vs 167°F), nearly matching Slate Grey (W38) at 192°F. Bare Galvalume also changes color as it weathers: CMG’s 2026 chart says Galvalume Plus may develop a natural patina and that its standard finish warranties do not apply.
Bare Galvalume also carries a different warranty. PBS Direct lists its 29 gauge MasterRib Galvalume panel with a 25-year warranty against 45 years on the painted version, and Drexel lists a 25-year warranty on Drexlume. Metal Sales gives its acrylic-coated Galvalume (41) a 45-year material warranty, and its chart marks it for LEED steep slope but not for a CRRC rating.
Does a gray metal roof meet cool roof codes?
Most painted grays start above California’s steep-slope bar; the two near-black charcoals do not. Per the Cool Roof Rating Council summary of the 2025 Title 24, Part 6 Energy Code (effective January 1, 2026), single-family steep-slope reroofs in Climate Zones 4 and 8 to 15 need an aged SR of 0.20 and emittance of 0.75, or an SRI of 16, from a CRRC-rated product (Section 150.2(b)1Ii).
| Gray product (initial values) | Initial SR | Initial SRI | Against aged SR 0.20 + TE 0.75, or SRI 16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| McElroy Dark Charcoal PVDF | 0.08 | 3 | Fails before any aging |
| CMG ULG Charcoal Gray | not listed | 2 as printed | Fails if the printed value is right; confirm with CMG |
| CMG Charcoal Gray | 0.276 (project page) | 23 to 27 | 7 to 11 points of SRI margin; confirm the 3-year aged value |
| Drexel Graphite | 0.25 | 24 | Initial values clear it, but Drexel’s chart shows no CRRC rating, and Title 24 needs a rated product |
| Drexel Charcoal, Musket Gray, Slate Gray, Cityscape | 0.30 to 0.50 | 31 to 57 | CRRC rated on Drexel’s chart; confirm the aged value |
| Metal Sales Slate Grey (W38), Old Town Grey (W25), Old Zinc Grey (W29) | 0.30 to 0.42 | 30 to 46 | Marked CRRC steep slope on the 9/2026 chart |
| Metal Sales bare Galvalume (41) | 0.67 (TE 0.14) | 56 | Emittance is below 0.75, so only the SRI path is open, and the chart shows no CRRC mark |
Maker charts print initial values, while Title 24 tests 3-year aged values, so the CRRC Rated Products Directory is the record a California inspector checks. An unrated metal product defaults to aged SR 0.10 and emittance 0.75 under Section 110.8(i), which fails the 0.20 bar. Exception 1 to 150.2(b)1Ii can waive the rule for homes with R-38 ceiling insulation, a qualifying attic radiant barrier, R-2 continuous roof-deck insulation, or no attic ducts in Zones 2, 4, 9, 10, 12 and 14; confirm with the local building department.
Low-slope roofs are a different test. At 2:12 or less, a Title 24 single-family reroof in Zones 4 and 6 to 15 needs aged SR 0.63 or SRI 75 (Section 150.2(b)1Iii(a)), and no gray on these charts reaches it; the highest is Metal Sales Metallic Silver at SRI 68 initial. McElroy’s page cites an industry steep-slope screen of 0.25 initial and 0.15 aged SR, which Drexel Graphite meets exactly at 0.25.
Do gray metal roofs fade? Paint systems and warranty terms
Every painted gray metal roof changes color over decades; the warranty sets how much change counts as a defect. Metal Sales’ June 1, 2026 PVDF warranty, which applies to its 24 gauge PVDF grays, Ash Grey (25), Old Town Grey (W25), Old Zinc Grey (W29) and Slate Grey (W38), caps fade at 5 Hunter units for 35 years. Its Colorfast45 SMP warranty for 29 gauge Charcoal (17), Zinc Grey (29) and Ash Grey (25) allows 6 NBS units over 30 years on roofs.
| Paint system and document | Fade limit | Chalk limit (ASTM D4214) | Salt water condition | Source date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Sales PVDF System Warranty | 5 Hunter units, 35 years (ASTM D2244) | No worse than No. 8 for 35 years | More than 1,500 ft from salt water | 6/1/2026 |
| Metal Sales MS Colorfast45 (SMP), roof (non-vertical) surfaces | 6 NBS units, 30 years | No worse than No. 7 for 30 years | More than 1,100 yards from salt water | 6/1/2026 |
| CMG Charcoal Gray | 35-year finish warranty in 22 and 24 ga; 30-year in 26 and 28 ga | Terms on CMG warranty request | Not stated on the project page | CMG project page, accessed Oct 2026 |
| Drexel Metals standard colors | 35-year paint warranty on Galvalume and aluminum substrates, excluding Exotics | Full terms on request | Not stated on chart | Chart 08.07.25 |
| PBS Direct MasterRib, 29 and 26 ga painted grays | 45-year painted finish warranty | Not stated in listing | Not stated in listing | PBS Direct, Oct 19, 2026 |
| PBS Direct Prime and Ultra Panel-Loc Plus, Charcoal, Pewter and Gray | Lifetime painted finish warranty | Not stated in listing | Not stated in listing | PBS Direct, Oct 19, 2026 |
| PBS Direct Liner Panel-Loc Plus, Charcoal and Gray | 10-year warranty; listed for interior walls and ceilings only | Not applicable | Not applicable | PBS Direct, Oct 19, 2026 |
The Metal Sales PVDF and Colorfast45 warranties measure fade in different units, so compare the years and read the unit rather than the number alone. Both documents also require a salt water setback (1,500 ft for PVDF, 1,100 yards for Colorfast45), and the Colorfast45 terms exclude panels damaged by snow retention systems or solar attachments. For a south-facing gray roof you plan to keep 30 years, the PVDF tier is the one with a written 35-year fade cap.
Matte, textured and metallic grays: what the finish changes
A low-gloss or textured gray metal roof looks less shiny and hides panel waviness, but it can cost SRI. On CMG’s 2026 chart, ultra low gloss (ULG) takes Slate Gray from SRI 38 to 36, and Textur3D takes Musket Gray from 35 to 32. Metal Sales marks three of its 24 gauge PVDF grays, W25, W29 and W38, as low gloss.
| Finish | Example | Standard SRI / LRV | Finish SRI / LRV | What else changes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra low gloss PVDF | CMG Slate Gray | 38 / 21 | 36 / 19 | Offered in 22 and 24 ga | CMG 2026 chart |
| Ultra low gloss PVDF | CMG Charcoal Gray | 23 / 9 | 2 (as printed) / 8 | Confirm the printed SRI with CMG | CMG 2026 chart |
| Textur3D, 26 ga | CMG Charcoal Gray | 23 / 9 | 27 / 8 | Textured surface | CMG 2026 chart |
| Textur3D, 26 ga | CMG Musket Gray | 35 / 14 | 32 / 13 | Textured surface | CMG 2026 chart |
| Low gloss PVDF, 24 ga | Metal Sales Slate Grey (W38) | Listed only in low gloss | 30 | Same SRI as Metal Sales Dark Bronze (50) | Metal Sales 24 ga guide 9/2026 |
| Metallic PVDF | Metal Sales Metallic Silver (K7) | Not applicable | 68 | Upcharge applies; batch specific and directional, do not mix coils | Metal Sales 24 ga guide 9/2026 |
| Wood grain print | CMG Driftwood Gray | Not applicable | 21 / 18 | Printed steel wood look | CMG 2026 chart |
Dark glossy grays show oil canning more than light, low-gloss ones, according to Sheffield Metals’ gray metal roofing article, which names Charcoal Gray and suggests a lower-gloss finish or a striated panel. Both the CMG 2026 chart and the Drexel 08.07.25 chart state that oil canning is not a cause for rejection, so the fix belongs in the panel spec; our page on striated versus flat metal panels covers it.
How much do gray metal roofing panels cost?
Gray 29 gauge ribbed panels listed at $1.29 to $1.35 per square foot of coverage at PBS Direct on October 19, 2026, or $3.87 to $4.05 per linear foot of a 36 in coverage panel. Gray carried no premium over other colors: a 12 ft 29 ga MasterRib cost $46.44 in all 18 listed colors, Charcoal Grey, Ash Gray and Deep Gray included, against $36.72 in bare Galvalume.
| PBS Direct listing (Oct 19, 2026) | Gray colors offered | Gauge and warranty | 12 ft price | Per linear ft | Per sq ft of coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MasterRib Galvalume | Bare Galvalume | 29 ga, 25-year warranty | $36.72 | $3.06 | $1.02 |
| Galvalume Panel-Loc Plus | Bare Galvalume | 29 ga | $37.80 | $3.15 | $1.05 |
| Liner Panel-Loc Plus (interior only) | Charcoal, Gray | 29 ga, 10-year warranty | $38.88 | $3.24 | $1.08 |
| MasterRib | Charcoal Grey, Ash Gray, Deep Gray | 29 ga, 45-year painted finish warranty | $46.44 | $3.87 | $1.29 |
| Standard Panel-Loc Plus | Charcoal, Gray | 29 ga SMP, 40-year painted finish warranty | $46.44 | $3.87 | $1.29 |
| Prime Panel-Loc Plus | Charcoal, Pewter, Gray | 29 ga, lifetime painted finish warranty | $48.60 | $4.05 | $1.35 |
| MasterRib | Charcoal Grey, Ash Gray, Deep Gray | 26 ga, 45-year painted finish warranty | $57.24 | $4.77 | $1.59 |
| Ultra Panel-Loc Plus | Charcoal, Gray | 26 ga, lifetime painted finish warranty | $61.56 | $5.13 | $1.71 |
Prices come from PBS Direct’s own product data, read on October 19, 2026. Every panel listed is 36 in coverage with a 3/4 in rib on 9 in centers and a 3:12 minimum recommended pitch, per the listings. Prices exclude trim, closures, screws and delivery and change often. The Liner panel is listed for interior walls and ceilings and “not designed for direct weather exposure,” so it does not belong on a roof even at $1.08 per sq ft.
Installed, our 2026 roofing cost report puts exposed-fastener metal at $6 to $10 per square foot and steel or aluminum standing seam at $10 to $18. Metal Sales lists its PVDF grays in its 24 gauge guide, and Sheffield Metals says engineered metal roof systems call for 24 gauge or thicker, which is why a Slate Gray standing seam quote and a Charcoal Grey MasterRib barn quote land in different ranges; the metal roof cost guide breaks those systems down.
Worked example: what a 2,000 sq ft gray metal roof costs
A 28 ft by 60 ft ranch at 4:12 pitch with 1 ft overhangs has 1,961 sq ft of roof and needs 42 panels at 16 ft. Each roof plane runs 15 ft horizontally (14 ft plus overhang), times the 4:12 slope factor of 1.054, for a 15.81 ft panel run. The 62 ft eave length divided by 3 ft of coverage is 20.7, rounded up to 21 panels per side.
| Line | MasterRib 29 ga bare Galvalume | MasterRib 29 ga Charcoal Grey | Prime Panel-Loc Plus 29 ga Pewter | MasterRib 26 ga Charcoal Grey | Ultra Panel-Loc Plus 26 ga Gray |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panels (16 ft, 36 in coverage) | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 |
| Price per 16 ft panel (PBS Direct, Oct 19, 2026) | $48.96 | $61.92 | $64.80 | $76.32 | $82.08 |
| Panels subtotal | $2,056.32 | $2,600.64 | $2,721.60 | $3,205.44 | $3,447.36 |
| Panel cost per sq ft of roof (1,961 sq ft) | $1.05 | $1.33 | $1.39 | $1.63 | $1.76 |
| Installed at $6 to $10 per sq ft, exposed fastener (Roofing Brief estimate) | $11,760 to $19,610 | ||||
| Installed at $10 to $18 per sq ft, standing seam (Roofing Brief estimate) | $19,610 to $35,290 | ||||
The 42 panels cover 2,016 sq ft, a 2.8% margin over the 1,961 sq ft roof. Choosing Charcoal Grey over bare Galvalume adds $544.32 to the panel order, and stepping from 29 to 26 gauge in the same Charcoal Grey adds another $604.80. Against an installed spread of $7,850 for exposed fastener alone, the gray shade moves the total far less than the system, gauge or labor. A 2,000 sq ft house footprint has more than 2,000 sq ft of roof once pitch and overhangs are added, so measure the roof, not the floor plan.
What house colors go with a gray metal roof?
The pairings below are editorial guidance, not survey results. Each row names a maker gray with its published SRI and, where CMG prints it, LRV, so you can weigh how dark the roof will look against how hot it will run. Sheffield Metals describes Charcoal Gray and Dove Gray as cooler grays and Ash Gray and Slate Gray as warmer ones.
| House exterior | Gray to consider | Published SRI / LRV | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| White or cream siding, black window frames | Charcoal Gray or Charcoal | 23 to 39 / LRV 9 (CMG) | Reads near-black (LRV 9 vs 6 for CMG Matte Black) with less contrast against black trim than a true black roof |
| Light gray siding | Charcoal or Musket Gray | 23 to 39 / LRV 9 to 14 | Western States advises one dark and one light gray when roof and walls are both gray |
| Dark gray or charcoal siding | Ash Gray, Cityscape or bare Galvalume | 51 to 62 / LRV 36 to 57 | CMG Ash Gray (LRV 38) is four times lighter than CMG Charcoal Gray (LRV 9), keeping the roofline distinct |
| Navy, blue or sage green siding | Ash Gray or Dove Gray | 41 to 56 | A light gray roof lets a saturated wall color carry the house; Sheffield calls Dove Gray a cooler gray |
| Red or orange brick | Slate Gray or Charcoal | 23 to 47 / LRV 9 to 21 | Pull the shade from the mortar and darkest bricks; a light gray can read washed out next to dark brick |
| Cedar, log or natural wood | Charcoal Gray or Weathered Zinc | 21 to 41 / LRV 9 to 27 | A darker roof than the wood separates roof from wall without the brown family’s red undertones |
| Tan stucco in a hot, sunny climate | Ash Grey 25 Colorfast45, Cityscape or Silver | 51 to 68 | Highest SRI grays on the charts; Sheffield suggests a lighter, warmer gray such as Ash Gray for desert sun |
A light gray metal roof (LRV 36 to 56 on CMG’s chart: Cityscape, Ash Gray, Silver, Galvalume Plus) works with white, navy, sage, black and dark gray walls because it sits near the middle of the value scale. The one combination to test with a physical chip is light gray roof over light gray siding, where values within 10 LRV points of each other can blend into one mass from the street.
HOA covenants and historic-district guidelines can restrict roof color, and a review board can approve only a fixed product. Submitting the maker name, color code and SRI, for example Metal Sales Slate Grey (W38), SRI 30, plus a physical chip, gives the board a specific product instead of the word “gray.”
Which gray metal roof should you pick?
Pick a gray metal roof by four facts in this order: code (Title 24 or an HOA), sun and wind exposure, panel type (stock SMP grays for exposed-fastener roofs, PVDF grays for standing seam), then shade. The table maps common situations to a specific product choice and the source behind it.
| If your situation is | Then choose | Reason, with source |
|---|---|---|
| California reroof in Climate Zone 4 or 8 to 15 | A CRRC-rated gray such as Drexel Charcoal, Musket Gray or Slate Gray, or Metal Sales W38, W25 or W29 | Marked CRRC on the 2025 and 2026 charts; McElroy Dark Charcoal (SRI 3) fails before aging |
| You want the darkest gray that still reads gray | CMG Musket Gray or Slate Gray | LRV 14 and 21, vs 9 for CMG Charcoal Gray and 6 for Matte Black |
| You want charcoal and a cooler roof | Metal Sales Charcoal (17) or McElroy Charcoal SMP | SRI 37 and 39, vs 23 for CMG Charcoal Gray; 155°F calculated vs 163°F for McElroy Matte Black |
| Hot, sunny site, light gray look | Metal Sales Ash Grey (25) Colorfast45, CMG Ash Gray or Metal Sales Metallic Silver (K7) | SRI 56 to 68; Ash Grey 25 SMP calculates 16°F cooler than McElroy Charcoal PVDF |
| Hot, still-air site and considering bare Galvalume | A painted light gray instead | Emittance 0.14 puts Metal Sales Galvalume at 191°F in low wind vs 167°F for Ash Grey 25 SMP |
| House roof in full sun, standing seam | A 24 ga PVDF gray (Metal Sales W38, W25, W29 or Ash Grey 25) | Metal Sales PVDF: 5 Hunter units over 35 years, vs 6 NBS units over 30 years for its SMP roofs |
| Barn, shed or garage on a budget | 29 ga MasterRib Charcoal Grey or Ash Gray, or bare Galvalume | $1.29 and $1.02 per sq ft of coverage at PBS Direct, Oct 2026 |
| Within 1,500 ft of salt water | Ask for a coastal-rated product or aluminum before ordering | Metal Sales PVDF terms require more than 1,500 ft; Colorfast45 terms more than 1,100 yards |
| Glossy dark gray and worried about waviness | A low-gloss or Textur3D gray, or a striated panel | Sheffield: dark glossy grays show oil canning more; CMG and Drexel do not accept it as a cause for rejection |
For the same maker-by-maker data in other colors, see the white metal roof guide, which covers whites up to Metal Sales Linen White at SRI 89, and the metal roof colors guide for paint systems across the whole palette.
How to order a gray metal roof without a shade mismatch
Most gray roof color complaints come from ordering by name alone, because Slate Gray alone spans SRI 24 to 47 across seven listings. These seven steps tie the order to one maker, one paint code, one production batch and one warranty document.
- Pick the paint tier first. Metal Sales sells Charcoal (17), Zinc Grey (29) and Ash Grey (25) in 29 gauge Colorfast45 SMP, and Ash Grey (25), Old Town Grey (W25), Old Zinc Grey (W29) and Slate Grey (W38) in 24 gauge PVDF, with different fade terms for each tier.
- Get the maker name and paint code on the quote. Metal Sales codes its 24 ga PVDF grays Ash Grey (25), Old Town Grey (W25), Old Zinc Grey (W29) and Slate Grey (W38); Englert’s Charcoal is PPG 870D6 and its Slate Gray 870D7.
- Get SR, emittance and SRI in writing, plus the CRRC product ID if Title 24 or a local cool roof rule applies. Drexel’s chart marks which grays are CRRC rated; its Graphite carries no mark.
- Request a physical chip and view it outdoors. Drexel’s chart says metal color chips are available, and Metal Sales says its printed swatches are limited by printing and viewing conditions, so a chip held against siding shows the blue or brown undertone a screen hides.
- Buy every panel on one sales order. CMG’s 2026 chart says materials from separate sales orders should not be mixed on the same project, and Metal Sales says its metallic colors, Metallic Silver (K7) included, are batch specific and directional.
- Order trim, closures and screws in the same gray line. A Charcoal Grey roof with Galvalume trim reads as two colors at the rakes and ridge, and painted trim is priced separately from the panels on PBS Direct’s listings.
- Read the roof terms of the paint warranty. Check the salt water distance (1,500 ft for Metal Sales PVDF), the non-vertical fade limit (6 NBS units for Colorfast45 roofs) and the exclusion for snow guard or solar attachment damage.
For color choices by exposed-fastener profile, including the 3/4 in rib panels priced above, see the corrugated metal roof colors guide, and for system pricing beyond panels, the standing seam metal roof cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
What color house goes with a light grey metal roof?
White, navy, sage green, black and dark gray walls all pair with a light grey metal roof, because light grays such as CMG Ash Gray (LRV 38) and Cityscape (LRV 36) sit near the middle of the value scale. The pairing to test with a physical chip is light gray roof over light gray siding, which can blend into one mass from the street.
How much does a 2000 sq ft metal roof cost?
A 2,000 sq ft metal roof runs about $12,000 to $20,000 installed for exposed-fastener panels and $20,000 to $36,000 for standing seam, using the $6 to $10 and $10 to $18 per sq ft ranges in our 2026 roofing cost report. In our worked example, 29 gauge Charcoal Grey panels for 1,961 sq ft of roof cost $2,600.64 at PBS Direct in October 2026.
What is the best color for a metal roof?
The best metal roof color is the one that passes your code and heat needs first, then matches the house. Whites run coolest, up to SRI 89 for Metal Sales Linen White. Among grays, Metal Sales Metallic Silver (K7) prints SRI 68 and Ash Grey (25) in Colorfast45 SMP prints 56, while McElroy Dark Charcoal PVDF prints 3, close to standard black.
Is gray a good color for a roof?
Gray works on a metal roof when you pick the shade by its numbers. Painted grays on current maker charts run from SRI 3 to 68, so a light gray such as Metal Sales Ash Grey (25) SMP calculates 16°F cooler at noon than McElroy Charcoal PVDF. Gray also comes in more shades than most colors: we counted 62 across seven makers.
What is the biggest problem with metal roofs?
For a gray metal roof, the most visible problem is oil canning, the waviness in flat panel areas. Sheffield Metals says dark glossy grays such as Charcoal Gray show it more, and both CMG’s 2026 chart and Drexel’s 2025 chart state oil canning is not a cause for rejection. A low-gloss finish or a striated panel reduces how much it shows.
What colors go with a charcoal grey roof?
White, cream and light gray siding give a charcoal grey roof the strongest contrast, and cedar or log walls separate cleanly from it. CMG Charcoal Gray has an LRV of 9, close to its Matte Black at 6, so it reads almost black from the street. Pair it with lighter gutters only if you want the roof edge to stand out.
What color is a charcoal metal roof?
A charcoal metal roof is a dark gray that reads close to black at a distance. CMG prints its Charcoal Gray at LRV 9, against 6 for its Matte Black and 21 for its Slate Gray. Its SRI runs from 23 (CMG chart) to 39 (McElroy SMP) depending on the maker, so ask for the maker, code and SRI on the quote.
What are the most popular metal roof colors in 2026?
We found no national 2026 color sales ranking for metal roofing from a maker or trade group. Sheffield Metals says Charcoal Gray has held a place in its five most-sold colors for several years, in a January 2023 article. Retailer and contractor rankings you see online are their own sales or opinions, not industry data.
Is bare Galvalume a gray metal roof?
Bare Galvalume reads as a light silver-gray and prints SRI 54 to 62 on five maker charts, but its thermal emittance is only 0.10 to 0.20. By ASTM E1980 calculation, Metal Sales Galvalume (41) reaches 191°F in low wind, 24°F hotter than Metal Sales Ash Grey (25) SMP. PBS Direct lists its 29 gauge Galvalume MasterRib with a 25-year warranty.