You don't see too many black roofs in Florida because people hear that a black roof will make the inside of a home hot. With the hot and humid Florida climate, it is a valid concern. Roof color and materials used should always be considered when installing a new roof in Florida.
Color Does Affect Temperature
In Florida, we always want to choose roofing materials to lower cooling costs, because we are dealing with hot weather almost all year long. Certain colors are known to absorb heat and others reflect heat, so the color choice you choose for your new roof can make a big difference when it comes to the temperature of your home...and your wallet!
Lighter roof colors reflect heat, so they are a good choice for asphalt shingle roofing on homes situated in warm climates. But material plays a role in the temperature too, such as a metal roof which reflects heat very well. Dark colors absorb the heat. This means that homes with dark-colored roofs tend to be warmer inside the living space.
Material and Temperature
The materials you choose for your new roof are just as important as the color they are. This choice can seriously affect your cooling bill. Metal is the top choice for reflecting heat away from your home. It is also long-lasting but costs more upfront. If you are planning to live in your Florida house "forever", this might be the best choice.
If you live right on the coast in Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Ponce Inlet, or New Smyrna Beach, a metal roof provides even more benefits. It stands up to the higher wind experienced by those homeowners who live on barrier islands.
Asphalt shingles are not as good at reflecting heat and will absorb most of it. Lighter-colored shingles will help. The upside is they cost less and can still last many years. They may not hold up as well in hurricanes or other severe wind and weather. However, many Florida homeowners have to obtain HOA approval for a new roof style. This may limit choices.
Solar Reflective Shingles
These shingles are designed to increase their reflective properties. Unlike asphalt shingles, solar reflective shingles are perfect for making sure the home's interior is cooler. Perfect for Florida, this truly is the choice for a "cool roof".
Still have questions about roofing materials? Get in touch with Joe from Triangle Roofing for a free new roof quote. Our quality roofing company can help you make the best choice for your home. We inspect and find leaks, soft spots, or other issues with your roof. Read more about roofing here: