Roof Replacement - Color Choice Question

[Chocaholic]

Had extensive hail damage that is resulting in a roof replacement. Most homes in our area have dark or black roofs and after evaluating several colors for aesthetics, we will likely stick with black architectural shingles as well. But....this is the South where we have 92+ degree days for months on end.

White or light color roofing would look terrible on these houses so that's out of the question. But, is there really any difference in heat build-up between black and say, brown? I would assume not. We have gable and soffet venting as well as a temp controlled attic fan. Appreciate your thoughts.

[island911]

the amount of radiant heat absorbed is not directly related to the color seen. That is, we only see a small spectrum of what the sun sends us. So check the numbers, if available.

iirc the Parfessor (Webb) works in the housing materials business. Maybe he will give some suggestions (altho' hes usu short on specifics)

[kach22i]

Found this............comes with some claims.

Cool Metal Roofing | Reflective Roof | Cool Roof Coatings | Whirlwind Steel Buildings

Whirlwind offers a vast selection of cool metal roofing options designed to keep energy costs down by reflecting the sun's heat back into the atmosphere rather than transferring it into the building below. Qualified cool roof products can reduce peak cooling demand by 10-15% and can decrease the heat transferred into a building substantially.

[John_AZ]

I plan to replace my roof with metal shingles. I did not care for the "panel" look on my home.

With metal shingles, the old asphalt shingle does not come off or go to a landfill.

I am also researching/searching for a compatable solar shingle for the south facing portion if possible.

Stone Coated Metal Shingles

GL
John

[RWebb]

think there is a tax credit for some roofing

you are generally best off to ignore anything island posts

[kach22i]

A builder and I shared a booth at an Energy Fair last month. The guy in the booth next to us is the rep for a metal roof company - 50 year roofs. It looked pretty good, but was trying to look like a asphalt roof with the finish.

Chandler Metal Roofing: Michigan Metal Roofing Specialists

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

But, is there really any difference in heat build-up between black and say, brown? I would assume not. We have gable and soffet venting as well as a temp controlled attic fan. Appreciate your thoughts.

I couldn't say how hot a black roof gets but I recently had to do some work on a friends roof that was medium brown. I could not believe how hot the roof got. I had to lay down of the roof several times and you litterally could not touch the roof with your bare hand without getting burned. Of course, it was probably 90+ degrees out but I was shocked.

[herr_oberst]

Another thing to consider is will the new shingle color clash with your current or future house color.

Across the street from me is a house with blue shingles, another with red. Future house color choices will be limited in these cases, if the homeowner values a tasteful, handsome overall look.

[Scuba Steve]

My IR thermometer registered temperatures of about 180 on a south-facing area Of the roof on a hot day, back in San Antonio. Roofing material was dark gray in color.

I wasn't in the habit of measuring the outside too much, but did notice a 5 degree or so drop in the attic after going with a lighter material. However, radiant barrier and ridge venting made a lot more difference. I took loads of before / after measurements to see how well that worked.