Wisconsin Watch partners with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. Read our methodology to learn how we check claims.
Yes.
Darker-material roofs will tend to absorb more heat, leading to more strain on ACs, but probably not enough for you to notice.
In Dallas-Fort Worth, where 15% of 2023 saw temperatures over 100 degrees, it’s worth considering switching to a solar-reflective roof, especially if you’re already due a roof replacement.
But other factors have larger effects on temperature.
Most modern roofers use a synthetic underlayment beneath shingles, which insulates better than traditional tar paper or felt. A roof with outdated material will be more heat-sensitive.
Modern insulation also tends to negate the minor temperature differences between roof colors. An attic underneath lighter shingles is about 10 degrees cooler than one with a dark roof.
While it’s more effective to invest in insulation than different colored shingles, solar-reflective shingles have shown potential to reduce energy consumption in warm climates by 10% to 20%, though they run at a higher price.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Energy and Buildings: Effect of roof solar reflectance on the building heat gain in a hot climate
Atmospheric Environment: Practical issues for using solar-reflective materials to mitigate urban heat islands
Colony Roofers: Does the Color of Your Roof Impact Your Home’s Temperature?
Olympus Home: Does Shingle Color Affect Temperature and Insulation?
National Weather Service: Elite Remodeling Services Are Certain Roof Colors More Energy-Efficient? 100 day data
National Weather Service: 100 day dataElite Remodeling Services Are Certain Roof Colors More Energy-Efficient?
