Roof Shingle Color Heat

Roofing color effect on cooling costs.

Roof shingle color heat.

In warmer climates lighter colors will reduce heat absorption from the sun while cooler climates will want black shingles that help to melt winter snow. In general lighter colored roofs reflect away heat rays from the sun but dark colored roofs absorb much of that heat and transfer it into the rooms below. In contrast dark colored roofs absorb heat much like dark clothing and heat the rooms within your home. Roof color affects your home s internal temperature.

Roof color choice also may affect shingle life in those climates. How roof color reflects or absorbs heat before you learn anything else about roof color take away this fact. A dark roof color can tap heat from the sun and transmit it into your home making it warmer. Light colors would be in order there.

After all darker colors absorb heat and lighter colors reflect it so the climate in your area matters when you are choosing what color shingles and type of roofing material that you plan to use. For instance an attic under a black colored roof can be 30 degf. Roof absorption and reflection are not only determined by color. What s the impact on your pocket.

During winter your home needs heating. Lighter colored roofs tend to reflect the sun s heat rays resulting in your home being cooler especially in the summer months. Hotter than a white roof attic in florida according to the florida solar energy s phil fairey.