Black Roofs versus Light Gray Roofs?

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Posted by plumeriavine (My Page) on

Tue, Feb 2, 10 at 17:50

Do black roofs make houses and attics hotter than light colored roofs?

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RE: Black Roofs versus Light Gray Roofs?

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Posted by sierraeast (My Page) on
Tue, Feb 2, 10 at 18:47

Not enough to worry about if you are considering a black roof for cosmetic reasons. Once the asphalt base is heated, that is what is transfering the heat. Asphalt heats up and holds it. A lighter color is going to reflect some, but a miniscule amount. For a cooler attic, there are materials such as radiant barrier along with proper venting that contribute to a cooler attic.

RE: Black Roofs versus Light Gray Roofs?

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Posted by plumeriavine (My Page) on
Tue, Feb 2, 10 at 19:35

radiant barriers - -hmm. That might be good to explore

RE: Black Roofs versus Light Gray Roofs?

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Posted by macv (My Page) on
Tue, Feb 2, 10 at 22:19

In field tests of different roofing materials and attic venting it was found that the only factor that made a significant difference in the temperature of the shingles was the color. The lighter color the cooler the shingles so it's hard to say how effective grey would be.

A radiant barrier will reduce the heat transfer to the attic floor and so will insulation.

RE: Black Roofs versus Light Gray Roofs?

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Posted by plumeriavine (My Page) on
Tue, Feb 2, 10 at 23:23

I was looking at Timberline Cool Color Shingles. I haven't seen them in real life yet. Anyone with opinions? Are they a gimmick?
Not sure I want to sacrifice appearance for energy savings. . .

http://www.gaf.com/Roofing/Residential-Roofing/Roofing-Products/Shingles-Styles-Shingle-Colors/Timberline-Shingles/Timberline-Cool-Series-Shingles/Timberline-Cool-Series-Shingles.asp#

Here is a link that might be useful: Cool Series Shingles

RE: Black Roofs versus Light Gray Roofs?

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Posted by capeseashell (My Page) on
Sat, Mar 13, 10 at 10:25

A few random thoughts

The GAF timberline cool colors have a special coating on the granule and will reflect more light. They are produced in limited quanity and cost considerably more so its a wash with the energy rebate.

It cost more to cool a building than to heat it.

Dark colored roofs tend to look better longer - light colors will show stains sooner

light color roofs tend to last longer.

If you have proper insulation and ventilation, the roof color will not impact attic temp that much.

Best color - Weatherwood. It goes with everything and sits in the middle between light & dark.

RE: Black Roofs versus Light Gray Roofs?

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Posted by macv (My Page) on
Sun, Mar 14, 10 at 20:17

Ventilation has little effect on the heat from the underside of a roof because radiant heat energy (infrared) is transmitted through the air without heating it and is then absorbed by the attic floor and the floor then heats the air in the attic. Ventilation helps but it's primary purpose is to help moisture to escape. Excessive ventilation can introduce unwanted moisture.

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