Roof Color Selection: Light or Dark
#1
04-13-06, 11:40 AM
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Roof Color Selection: Light or Dark
Intuitively, I would expect dark-colored roofs on residential dwellings to increase cooling costs in the summer. Does anyone have data to support or deny this? If dark-colored roofs increase cooling costs, by how much?
[I don't see this issue discussed much if at all in online roofing guides, so maybe it is not a concern.]
Roland Garton
[I don't see this issue discussed much if at all in online roofing guides, so maybe it is not a concern.]
Roland Garton
#2
04-14-06, 04:17 AM
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Most do not worry about it. Each home is different size, different dimension, different location, etc. So al a result, not much is spoken about it. I guess if you think dark will be too warm, put on light roofing. Good Luck
#3
04-14-06, 06:11 AM
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In my area (Northeast) I think most folks are looking for heat gain. However, most houses have insulated and ventilated attics that isolate the roof from the rest of the house.
Personally, I think dark for colder climes and light for warmer would probably be a good choice.
Personally, I think dark for colder climes and light for warmer would probably be a good choice.
#4
04-16-06, 07:37 PM
I'm going to have my roof reshingled this summer and I think I'll just go with what looks nice. What with modern insulation and soffitt/peak venting, I doubt it really makes much difference on heating/cooling.
#5
04-19-06, 04:04 PM
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As a roofing contractor in Phoenix, I have found the difference between dark roofs and light roofs is about 2 hours........ Our attic temps in the summer reach near 160......It takes a light roof about 2 hours longer to reach the max..... I tell my clients to put on what they like since it will be with them for awhile....If heat gain (or loss) is a concern, then add insulation
#6
04-23-06, 07:11 PM
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Also don't forget about alage, I have a light colored roof, and my neighbor has a dark colored roof. Both houses face north and were built in the same month. Alage was visible in about 4 years on my roof, 7 on his!! The positioning of your house is also a factor to consider, along with the temp.
#7
05-05-06, 07:54 PM
Another factor to consider is the day/night thermal cycling and how it wears on the roofing. It is more severe with a dark roof. Everything else the same, a light roof can last a bit longer.
