What color roof lasts the longest?
October 19, 2021
It might seem superficial — even trivial — but the color of your shingles has more significance than you might think. While aesthetic appeal is definitely something to consider when selecting a color for your roof, there are other practical implications that come along with the color you choose.
The amount of energy your AC system needs to exert to keep your home cool — and consequently the cost of running your AC — is directly linked to the color of your roof. And while it’s debatable whether the color of your roof shingles may impact your roof’s lifespan in any significant way, tests have shown that the durability of your roof might also be related to its color. Lighter colored shingles might be better for longevity than dark colored shingles because of the way they react to light and heat.
Dark Vs. Light Shingles
Light colored shingles — think: in the light grey or beige family — reflect heat instead of absorbing it. Just like you would stick to wearing whites on a hot summer day because lighter clothes help you stay cooler, it’s wise to choose a light color for your roof so that it can reflect heat and help your home stay cool and crisp. In fact, a lighter roof can also save you money by reducing how long you need to run your AC to cool off your home — cutting cooling costs.
Roofing Material
While the color of your roof is not something to take lightly, the material that your roof is made of also impacts its durability and longevity. Asphalt shingles are great at reflecting heat and light, but they’re generally outlived by metal, slate, and concrete or tile roofs by many years — sometimes even 30 or 40.
What’s Better For Energy Efficiency?
When deciding what color shingle to go with, there are two things to consider: how much light it will absorb and how much heat it will retain. Lighter colors absorb less light and hold onto less heat. Darker colors do the opposite of that: they absorb a lot of light, and hang onto heat.
If you want to make your home more energy efficient, it would make sense to go with lighter colored shingles. This way, your AC system won’t need to overexert itself to constantly stave off heat, because your roof will be doing part of that job.
Choosing lighter shingles is a simple but effective way to increase your home’s energy efficiency without doing anything costly or time-consuming.
Other Things That Impact Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Selecting a lighter color for your roof can go a long way in conserving your home’s energy, but there are other important considerations that have a big impact on your home’s energy efficiency.
- Ventilation: The circulation of your air — letting cool air in and releasing hot air — is vital for the proper functioning of your heating and cooling system. If your vents are clogged with dust or debris or they weren’t put in properly, you’ll have an issue with temperature regulation.
- Insulation: The highest quality shingles in the world won’t help you keep warm in the winter if your insulation is flimsy. Proper insulation keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. With a solid layer of protection, cool air won’t escape your home through leaks and crevices, and you won’t have any unwanted warm air sneaking in.
At the end of the day, when choosing a color for your roof, it’s important to keep in mind that while it might give you an added edge to choose a lighter color roof — there are other factors that impact your home’s energy efficiency. If your roof is made of a quality material and is installed correctly, as long as you have proper ventilation and insulation, your home’s temperature regulation will be up to par.
Thinking about a roof replacement? Houston Roofing and Construction will help you choose a material and color for your roof that’s perfect for your needs. Call us today!
