White Cool Roof Shingles

When you live in a hot climate with long summers and temperatures often close to or in the triple digits, the color of your roof matters. Roofs take a beating in the summer because they are constantly exposed to the Sun’s intense rays, and, like with any dark material, the typical dark roof will absorb all of that heat. It can reach up to 180ºF, and that heat can transfer into your attic and home without proper insulation. It will force your cooling system to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures, which will result in high energy bills and potentially shortening its lifespan.

To avoid this, you should have a light-colored roof, or even better, a "cool roof," which offers even more benefits and energy efficiency.

What Are "Cool Roofs"?

Cool roofs reflect more sunlight and can more efficiently radiate any absorbed heat away from the home or building compared to traditional roofs. It is an energy-efficient roofing option that can help homeowners save hundreds in cooling costs. The idea of cool roofs and even walls is not new; there are entire cities and towns that are thousands of years old across the Mediterranean and the Middle East, with all-white buildings in order to keep temperatures cool and regulated.

The Department of Energy began researching the benefits of cool roofing in the 1980s, and in 1998, the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) came into being. The CRRC’s main tasks were to develop fair, accurate, and credible methods of evaluating a surface's solar reflectance and thermal entrance levels.

By 2001, after rolling blackouts, California changed its Energy Code to require commercial buildings with low-sloped roofs to use cool roof products. This change was part of the Title 24 Building Codes Standards, and by 2005, it expanded to cover residential dwellings as well in various areas of the state.

Benefits of Cool Roof Shingles

There are many benefits to a cool roof. They include:

With the roof absorbing less heat, your cooling system doesn't have to work as hard to keep temperatures cool, which preserves the system's life and helps lower energy costs. It also helps decrease your overall reliance on the cool system to lower costs.
Cool roofs often qualify for money-saving benefits and rebates from utility companies and the government.
It helps lower the temperature of the roof, which can help ensure its longevity.
It decreases outdoor temperatures to lessen the urban heat island effect.
A cool roof reduces peak electricity demand, which can help prevent power outages.
They can slow the formation of smog caused by temperature-dependent air pollutants
It decreases power plant emissions by reducing energy demand.
Helps to offset global warming.

Cool Roof Color Options

Cool roofs are typically light colors, but with new advancements, they don't have to be. Special pigments allow darker-colored cool roofs that still provide all the same benefits and meet CRRC standards. However, when you want the most out of a cool roof, your best bet is to go with white cool roof shingles.

Why is White a Good Choice?

White cool roof shingles are the best choice for a cool roof because they reflect most UV rays and have a thermal emittance of up to 90 percent. It can reduce your roof's temperature to around 80º and lower your energy bills by 20 percent or more with adequate insulation.

Designing a Home With a White Roof

White roofs aren't a common choice in the U.S. It can make you unsure how it will work in your home, but luckily, they are easy to style. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Keep Things Monochromatic

Keeping everything white is a simple design that works well if you live somewhere particularly hot. The monochrome design will offer a clean aesthetic and help ensure that your house is as cool as possible.

2. Add Natural Wood Accents

Natural wood accents pair beautifully with a white roof. They can help bring warmth into the design and create a focal point on the home's exterior. You can have wood paneling on a small section of the front of the house, like the garage or by the front door.

3. Go For A White Design With Darker Accents

Instead of a monochromatic design, consider pairing a white roof and body with darker accents. Doing so will break up the monotony and add stark contrast. Ideas for accents include garage and front doors, trim, gutters, soffits, and fascia.

4. Make Your Siding a Pop Of Color

Colorful siding can help brighten your home and add visual interest. A soft, pastel color can be used as a softer touch without being too bold. Alternatively, you can choose something darker to create contrast and add more color and personality to the design. You can also stick with natural-colored siding, like cream or tan, to maintain a lighter, neutral palette.

5. A Flat Roof With Metal Accents

Flat roofs or very low-sloped roofs have a modern feel. Consider adding metal accents if you want to add to the modern feel. Modern metal railing for balconies makes it possible to incorporate metal for a modern-looking home.

White Roofing With Brava

Many companies offer cool roofing, including Brava, a leading manufacturer of synthetic roofing tiles. These tiles, made from compressed recycled plastics, are lightweight and durable. They offer Class 4 Impact Ratings and Class A Fire Ratings and are Miami-Dade County and CRRC certified. Beyond that, they are resistant to UV rays, mold, mildew, and algae.

They come in three realistic styles that mimic classic materials like cedar shakes, Spanish barrel tiles, and slate. All of these options offer white cool roof shingles to ensure you get the best material match for your home.