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Do Lighter Shingles Save Energy?

Asked by: Daija Harris
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The Temperature

Light shingles fair better in warmer weather, as light colors tend to deflect sunlight and keep your house cooler. Dark shingles are the opposite; they absorb heat, which makes them excellent for colder climates. They also tend to make snow melt much more quickly.

What Colour shingles last the longest?

Both light-colored and dark-colored shingles can last longer if given the necessary maintenance. The only thing tested and proven about light-colored shingles is that they help us keep the indoor temperature cooler in the hot summer season.

Do lighter shingles keep your house cooler?

In general, light colors reflect the sun’s rays, while dark colors absorb the heat. Therefore, lighter color roofs will deflect more heat away from the home and help to keep the interior cooler. The converse is also true – the darker the roof, the higher the temperatures are likely to be in your roof or upper floors.

Are black roof shingles a bad idea?

With a darker roof, you may be welcoming in more heat, causing your air conditioning to run longer and harder. This all can be mitigated with proper ventilation and insulation in your attic, so please don’t write off dark roofs completely – they can be made energy efficient as well!

Do dark colored shingles make house hotter?

Black and dark-colored roofs.

In general, dark-colored roofing materials will absorb the heat and cause your attic and/or the top of your house to be warmer than a lighter colored material.

How often should you change your shingles?

In general, this is the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used: Composition Shingles: 12-20 years. Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years. Wood Shingles: 20-25 years.

How can I make my shingles last longer?

5 Ways to Help Your Roof Last Longer

  1. Avoid Power-Washing Shingles. Concentrated spray can loosen the granules from the products’ top coating—and resulting damage might not be covered by the warranty. …
  2. Check the Ventilation. …
  3. Clean Gutters Regularly. …
  4. Insulate Attics and Cathedral Ceilings Properly. …
  5. Fortify the Roof.

Is a lighter color roof better?

Darker colors absorb more heat, and warmer roofs make it easy for snow and ice to slide right off. Lighter colors reflect sun rays, keeping roofs cooler and helping homeowners in warmer climates save a little on their energy bills.

Does a black roof increase electric bill?

In contrast, a dark-colored roof will most likely heat your home’s highest rooms. Your cooling system works harder to compensate for the extra heat, thus causing your bills rise.

How long does a 30 year shingle last?

The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it’s not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years.

The most popular colors of roof shingles are shades of black, brown, gray, and red. Today, variations of black, brown, gray, and red roof colors are available in a variety of different roofing materials.

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Does insurance pay for new roof?

Most homeowners insurance policies cover roof replacement if the damage is the result of an act of nature or sudden accidental event. Most homeowners insurance policies won’t pay to replace or repair a roof that’s gradually deteriorating due to wear-and-tear or neglect.

How long does it take to tear off and replace a roof?

In general, the roof of an average residence (3,000 square feet or less) can be replaced in a day. In extreme cases, it could take three to five days. Depending on the weather, complexity, and accessibility of your home it could even take up to three weeks.

How can I get a new roof with no money?

What Can I Do If I Can’t Afford a New Roof?

  1. Options to Consider. …
  2. Finance Repair Costs. …
  3. Apply for a Grant. …
  4. Reach out to Your Network. …
  5. Refinance Your Home. …
  6. Save the Money. …
  7. The Roof Doctor is an Affordable Option.

What color roof makes a house look bigger?

Black roofs provide an anchor for tall homes by helping visually lower the roof and making the home look wider in contrast to the siding color and trim. A black roof has a strong link to homes painted in gray, blue, green or white … and can also be used with a brick exterior.

What is the life expectancy of architectural shingles?

Lifespan. Because of their durability and high-quality composition, architectural shingles generally have a longer lifespan than the 3-tab variety. They stand up better to weather conditions such as heat, snow, ice, rain, and strong winds. Their average lifespan is about 18 to 20 years.

Are Cool roof shingles worth it?

A cool roof reduces energy usage, saving you money, and will also stabilize the temperatures in your unconditioned spaces, like the garage or the bonus room. Installing a cool roof is most beneficial in a warm climate, where the winters are not cold enough to require the inherent heat gain of a traditional roof.

Why do shingles turn black?

The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called Gloeocapsa magma. As the blue-green algae accumulate, they develop a dark, hardened outer coating, which results in the black stains you see. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.

What color metal roof is the coolest?

Compared to dark colors, light colors such as white, light bronze, beige and peach are better at reflecting the sun’s heat rather than absorbing it into the building. These light colors are often referred to as cool metal roofing colors.

Which roof is best for hot climate?

Better options for homeowners in warm climates are metal, slate, clay, or rubber shingles.

  • Begin Your Roof Replacement.
  • Metal roofs excel under extreme temperatures. …
  • Slate roofing is made of stone, it is impervious to weather, sun, heat, and cold.

Do black roofs fade?

Asphalt Shingles (Black Roofs)

This material is somewhat durable, but requires frequent maintenance. It cannot withstand very heavy winds, and darker asphalt shingles are prone to fading in direct sunlight. Some asphalt shingles can last around 50 years, but most only last about 20.

Can a roof be repaired instead of replaced?

Putting off needed repairs might save you money in the short-term, but it will end up costing you a lot more in the long run. However, not all home improvement decisions are cut and dry. For example, it’s sometimes possible — and entirely acceptable — to repair a roof rather than replace it.

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