A quality roof in good condition keeps your home dry and warm in winter. But it can also help keep the inside temperatures down in summer heat. Even temperatures can mean less energy use.
One way to help regulate the temperature of your home is by making sure you have plenty of high-rated insulation in the attic. Don’t skimp on insulation with a high R-value to keep the outside temperature out of your house.
Under-roof ventilation is another must-have for keeping inside temperatures in check. Heat rises, so in warm climates you want to be sure that heat can be released through adequate attic ventilation.
Roof color matters
It’s common knowledge that black absorbs heat and white reflects it. So it makes sense that a dark roof attracts heat and could affect the inside temperature. This has been backed up by research: the color of your asphalt shingles is the main factor affecting roof temperature during the daytime. A USDA study found that the temperature of roof sheathing underneath black roof shingles was 10°F – 15°F higher than the same sheathing material under white shingles.
In hot climates, choosing a light-colored shingle for your roof helps reduce its heat considerably. Interestingly, the color may also affect how long the shingles last. The continuous heat absorption of black shingles in hot climates, for example, wears down their lifespan.
A dark roof could help in cold climates, however. When the sun comes out, a black shingle could collect warmth that melts your snow more quickly.
Roof color can affect your home temperature, but with good insulation and venting, the effect from the color of your roof is negligible in most climates. A mid-range color, such as brown or gray, is a safe bet. The bottom line: choose a quality shingle that suits your personal style.