Does the Color of My Roof Affect Energy Efficiency?

As global temperatures grow more extreme, it is getting harder to maintain an adequate house temperature. Residents see higher heating and cooling costs yearly. Any avenue to save on outbound money is a forethought for all of us. As a professional in the industry, many times clients ask, “If I choose a dark shingle, will my home be hotter?”.

With the proper ventilation system designed into the structure of the roof, the color shouldn’t make much of a difference. A ridge vent should be installed to assist the cooling system of the roof to exhaust any heat gathered in the attic cavity. Gable end vents are another option if overheating is a concern.

Another aspect that I always enjoy toying with is, heat rises. I think that the dark shingle itself may heat more in direct sunlight but will not travel down into the living space. Maybe the heat that radiates around the roof does make a difference but it is most likely too little to notice.

The bottom line is that the shingle color of your choice should be based on your vision. What roof do you want to see when you pull into the driveway? What shingle will best compliment the color of your siding or the trim around the windows? The structure will ventilate properly every time when installed by a qualified local roofer.