White vs Anthracite Grey Roofline: 2026 Trends
Grey fascia is not objectively “better” than white — both use the same PVC-U material and last equally long — but anthracite grey is the clear trend leader in 2026, particularly on refurbished properties and new builds with grey windows. The shift from white to grey started around 2018 and has accelerated every year since. In 2026, anthracite grey accounts for an estimated 30–40% of all new roofline installations in England, up from under 10% in 2018. White remains the majority at around 45–50%, but its share is declining year on year. The driver is simple: grey windows have replaced white UPVC as the default choice on new builds and replacements, and homeowners want a matching roofline.
This is the biggest aesthetic shift in UK roofline in decades. For 30 years, white PVC was the default — universal, clean, and unquestioned. Now anthracite grey (RAL 7016) has emerged as the new standard for contemporary homes, creating a sleek, modern frame around the roof edge that complements today’s popular window colours.
The Numbers: Market Shift
| Year | White | Anthracite Grey | Black | Brown/Woodgrain | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 70% | 8% | 12% | 8% | 2% |
| 2020 | 62% | 15% | 13% | 8% | 2% |
| 2022 | 55% | 22% | 14% | 7% | 2% |
| 2024 | 50% | 30% | 12% | 6% | 2% |
| 2026 | 45% | 35% | 12% | 6% | 2% |
Estimates based on industry data and installer surveys.
The trend is clear: anthracite grey is gaining 3–5 percentage points per year, almost entirely at the expense of white. Black remains steady (it has always been popular on period properties), and woodgrain finishes are slowly declining.
Why Anthracite Grey Has Taken Off
1. Grey Windows
The single biggest driver. Anthracite grey (RAL 7016) has become the default colour for replacement UPVC and aluminium windows. When homeowners fit grey windows, white fascia and soffit look jarring — the contrast is too stark. A grey roofline provides visual cohesion.
2. Modern Aesthetic
Anthracite grey gives properties a contemporary, architectural feel. It references the grey zinc, aluminium, and steel finishes popular in modern architecture. Even on traditional property types (1930s semis, Victorian terraces), grey roofline creates a crisp, updated look without being jarring.
3. Lower Maintenance Appearance
White shows dirt, algae, and staining more readily than dark colours. A white fascia on a north-facing elevation can look grubby within 6–12 months without cleaning. Anthracite grey hides surface grime much more effectively, maintaining its appearance with less frequent cleaning.
4. Better Colour Stability
Dark colours fade less noticeably than white. White PVC can develop a yellowish tint over 15–20 years (especially on south-facing elevations). Anthracite grey’s natural darkness means any fading is virtually imperceptible.
5. Increased Property Value
A full grey roofline upgrade — fascia, soffit, and guttering — is one of the most visible kerb-appeal improvements a homeowner can make. Estate agents report that a modern roofline in anthracite grey adds a perception of quality and recent renovation.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | White | Anthracite Grey |
|---|---|---|
| Material | PVC-U | PVC-U (identical) |
| Lifespan | 25–40 years | 25–40 years |
| Dirt visibility | High — shows staining quickly | Low — hides dirt well |
| Colour fade | May yellow over 15–20 years | Negligible visible fade |
| Cleaning frequency | 2–3 times per year to stay bright | Once per year |
| UV stability | Good (TiO₂ stabiliser) | Excellent (carbon black stabiliser) |
| Cost per metre | Standard | +5–15% premium |
| Best with | White windows, white render | Grey windows, dark roof tiles |
| Period properties | Can look appropriate with white render | Works well on refurbished period homes |
| Night appearance | Bright, reflective | Recedes, blends with darkness |
| Matching products | Full range available | Full range available |
Which Looks Better on Your Property?
White Roofline Works Best On:
- White rendered properties — the roofline disappears into the render for a clean, bright appearance
- Properties with white windows — maintain consistency, avoid the effort of a full colour change
- Coastal properties — bright white against blue sky and sea references nautical architecture
- Cottages and rural properties — traditional, unassuming, does not compete with natural surroundings
- Budget-conscious upgrades — white is the standard price point; no colour premium
Anthracite Grey Works Best On:
- Properties with grey windows — the defining use case; creates seamless cohesion
- Red brick houses — the cool grey contrasts beautifully with warm brick
- Modern new builds — matches the contemporary design language
- Refurbished 1930s–1960s properties — the grey upgrade signals modernisation
- Properties with grey or slate roof tiles — the roofline blends with the roof
- Urban properties — the architectural edge suits city and suburban settings
The Two-Tone Trend
The most popular roofline combination in 2026 is not all-grey or all-white — it is anthracite grey fascia with white soffit:
| Component | Colour | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fascia | Anthracite grey | Defines the roof edge with a dark line, matching grey windows |
| Soffit | White | Reflects light under the eaves, preventing a dark, cave-like appearance |
| Guttering | Anthracite grey | Matches the fascia for a continuous dark roofline frame |
| Bargeboard | Anthracite grey | Consistent with fascia on gable ends |
This combination gives the architectural definition of grey at the roof edge while keeping the underside of the eaves bright and airy. It works on virtually every property type from Victorian terraces to modern detached.
Browse Kalsi’s full roofline range to see all available colour combinations for fascia, soffit, and bargeboards.
Cost Difference
Anthracite grey commands a modest premium over white:
| Item | White (per metre) | Anthracite Grey (per metre) | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fascia board (200 mm) | £5–9 | £6–11 | +10–15% |
| Soffit board (300 mm) | £5–8 | £6–10 | +10–15% |
| Gutter (112 mm half round) | £2.50–4.50 | £3–5.50 | +10–20% |
| Joint trim | £1.50–2.50 | £2–3 | +10–15% |
For a full roofline replacement on a typical 3-bed semi:
| White | Anthracite Grey | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | £300–550 | £350–650 | £50–100 |
| Labour + scaffolding | £1,500–2,500 | £1,500–2,500 | £0 |
| Total | £1,800–3,050 | £1,850–3,150 | £50–100 |
The premium is typically £50–100 for the full house — negligible compared to the total project cost.
Will Grey Date Quickly?
This is the question every homeowner asks. Will anthracite grey look dated in 10 years, the way avocado bathroom suites from the 1970s do now?
Unlikely. Anthracite grey (RAL 7016) is a neutral, architectural colour — it does not reference a specific era or fashion trend. Grey has been a standard colour in architecture for centuries (think lead, zinc, slate, granite). Unlike fashion colours that spike and crash, neutrals have long-term staying power.
The worst case is that grey reaches a saturation point and white stages a comeback — in which case, grey would still look perfectly acceptable, just not as fashionable. That is a very different outcome from looking dated.
Can I Change from White to Grey Without a Full Replacement?
Technically, you can paint PVC fascia and soffit with a suitable exterior-grade paint. However:
- It requires careful preparation (cleaning, light sanding, primer)
- The paint needs refreshing every 5–7 years
- The finish is never as smooth or consistent as through-colour PVC
- It negates the main advantage of PVC (zero maintenance)
If you are going to the effort and expense of scaffolding or a scaffold tower, replacing the boards with new anthracite grey PVC is almost always the better investment. The boards themselves are relatively cheap — it is the access equipment and labour that cost money. Do it once, do it properly.
Matching with Guttering and Downpipes
For the most cohesive look, match the guttering colour to the fascia:
| Fascia Colour | Recommended Gutter Colour |
|---|---|
| Anthracite grey | Anthracite grey |
| White | White, black, or anthracite grey |
| Black | Black |
| Rosewood | Brown or black |
Kalsi’s rainwater systems are available in anthracite grey across all profiles — half-round, ogee, square-line, and deep-flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is grey fascia better than white?
Neither is technically better — both use the same PVC-U material and last equally long. Grey hides dirt better, fades less visibly, and matches the current trend for grey windows. White is brighter, cheaper, and remains the most common overall. Choose grey if your windows are grey or you want a modern look; choose white if you have white windows or prefer a classic appearance.
Will anthracite grey fascia boards fade?
Minimal fading. Quality anthracite grey PVC-U uses carbon black as a UV stabiliser, which is one of the most effective UV-blocking additives available. Any fading over 20+ years is virtually imperceptible to the eye — far less noticeable than the yellowing that white can develop over a similar period.
Can I have grey fascia with white soffit?
Yes — this is the most popular combination in 2026. Grey fascia and guttering define the roof edge with a dark frame, while white soffit keeps the underside of the eaves bright. It works on almost every property type.
How much more does grey roofline cost than white?
Expect a premium of 10–15% on materials. For a typical semi-detached house, that translates to roughly £50–100 extra on materials. Labour and scaffolding costs are identical regardless of colour.
Should I change my white roofline to grey?
If you are having the roofline replaced anyway (damaged fascia, gutter upgrade, roof repairs), choosing grey costs only marginally more and gives a significant kerb-appeal boost. Replacing perfectly good white roofline purely for colour is harder to justify financially — it is a cosmetic choice rather than a functional necessity.
