Columbia’s unlimited frame colour options – featuring black frames nationwide
Skylight frame colour trends have evolved significantly over the past decade. Once dominated by brown—chosen for its compatibility with the most common roofing materials at the time—frame preferences have shifted alongside changing architectural styles and a growing variety of roofing materials and colours. While brown remains a popular choice, today’s market demands more diverse and contemporary options.
In recent years, black frames have emerged as the top choice among homeowners and professionals. With the rise of dark grey charcoal, and black roofing materials, which create a striking contrast against lighter exterior walls, many architects and homeowners are now selecting black frames to match.
The demand for more frame colour options has grown in tandem with the expansion of modern roofing materials. These include a wider selection of asphalt shingles with unique patterns and textures, the increasing popularity of sleek metal roofs, and the availability of low-profile composite tiles. At the same time, certain traditional materials—like high profile tiles and cedar shingles—have declined in popularity.
Improvements in roofing technology, such as metal roofing and advanced asphalt shingles, have greatly enhanced durability and longevity. While these upgrades can be more costly, homeowners see them as long-term investments. Consequently, many are willing to spend a bit more on skylights that complement the look of their new roofs. Compared to the overall cost of a roof replacement, skylights represent a small addition—yet they offer a big visual impact to the exterior, while filling the interior with an abundance of natural light. Modern roofing creates an upscale aesthetic, and homeowners want skylights that seamlessly match the roof, enhancing curb appeal and property value.
At Columbia, we’ve have responded to these shifts in design preferences. Rather than limiting our customers to just one or two frame colours, we’ve long offered a palette of seven standard colours, along with an unlimited custom colour matching program. Simply provide a paint chip, and we’ll match it—perfect for everything from standard asphalt shingles to custom-designed metal roofs.
Our frame finishes are factory applied using a baked-on coating over an industrial grade primer, followed by a clear satin topcoat. This process ensures long lasting performance and a refined, elegant finish.
It’s worth mentioning that our main competitor only recently introduced black frames after decades of offering only grey—and their black option is currently available only in Western Canada, and in just four sizes. By contrast, Columbia offers all colours—including black—nationwide, on all standard and custom models, fixed and venting, in all glazing choices, without limitation.
If you’re looking for skylights that truly match your roof and elevate the look of your home, choose Columbia.
