Department of energy there is widespread belief that white reflective roofing systems even on buildings in northern cities like new york and chicago are more efficient and more cost effective than dark roofing and that these systems also reduce global warming and the heat island effect in which dark colored building materials raise the ambient temperature in urban areas by a few degrees in summer.
Why use a white roof.
First find a good paint.
Unlike a black roof a white roof will not absorb any heat.
White roofs are better for your heating bill and the planet.
The benefits of a white roof.
Generally white in color or with white surfacing these membranes reduce the solar radiation collected by roofing surfaces which lowers the roof surface contribution to the energy used to condition air and to the local environment.
Unlike green roofs which can require considerable infrastructure to support and maintain cool roofs can be achieved with a painted on coating to an already existing roof.
In addition to keeping your cooling costs down while improving the comfort of your home a white roof will also help prevent problems associated with excessive heat.
Painting your roof white can be as easy as painting any surface.
If you re in a very cold climate your roof if probably covered by reflective white snow for most of the winter regardless.
While white reflects.
In fact white is a reflective surface which means it will do the exact opposite it will reflect the sun s rays thereby helping to keep the heat outside of your home.
Rainwater that falls on a white roof however absorbs no heat.
From leed the cool roof rating council and energy star program all the way up to the u s.