What color roof is most energy efficient in Raleigh?
The most simple answer to this question is that a lighter colored roof will be more energy efficient compared to a darker colored roof. There are other factors to consider however when talking about roofing and how to make it the most energy efficient. The color of the roof will in fact make a difference for the overall temperature of the shingles and the temperature of the attic. There are however other factors which will be of more influence in regulating the temperature of the home such as insulation and proper ventilation in the attic. In general an attic space can vary as much as 15 degrees depending on the color of your shingles and the quality of the material. If you have a black roof for example this means that the attic could potentially be 15 degrees warmer on a hot summer day compared to a roof that was grey. You may ask “why do the majority of homes have a black roof then?” and the answer to that is two fold.
Firstly, the majority of all attics across the country and state of NC are heavily insulated and designed to release hot air through ventilation systems. These ventilation systems and insulation keep the majority of heat from entering the home in the summer months when it can get very hot. Even if your attic is 15 degree warmer due to a dark colored roof, if you have the proper amount of insulation you won't notice a huge difference in energy bills or interior temperatures. If your insulation is very old however or there isn't a lot of insulation in the attic you may notice a significant increase in energy costs.
The second part of our response is that black shingles are generally more affordable and match with every color of paint you can find compared to a brown or gray colored shingle. A black roof goes great with any color of house which makes it look amazing with each home. Generally speaking black shingles are the most common in the country and have a long lifespan of 25-30 years. Black asphalt shingles are also more affordable compared to a lighter grey colored shingle or light brown shingle. In most homes the reason energy bills keep rising are due to leaving windows and doors open, constantly changing the temperature and keeping the temperature too low.
Dark colored shingles also have benefits in the winter time. Since these shingles absorb more heat from the sun this will keep the home a little bit warmer in the winter months which may help lower the heating bill from December through March. Darker colored roofs also help water from rain evaporate faster which will result in lower chances of water damage and mold. Some people look into different shades of grey shingles to try and get the best of both worlds since grey shingles meet in the middle between black and white.
Even though some shingles may be more energy efficient compared to others it is important to consider everything such as insulation, curb appeal and lifetime expectancy of the shingles. If the most energy efficient roof color is white but your house is also white it may not be visually appealing which can lower the value of the home. Be sure to pick colors that fit your home well, that way if you do end up selling your home in the next 20 years it will have a nice curb appeal and be able to sell much faster.
Firstly, the majority of all attics across the country and state of NC are heavily insulated and designed to release hot air through ventilation systems. These ventilation systems and insulation keep the majority of heat from entering the home in the summer months when it can get very hot. Even if your attic is 15 degree warmer due to a dark colored roof, if you have the proper amount of insulation you won't notice a huge difference in energy bills or interior temperatures. If your insulation is very old however or there isn't a lot of insulation in the attic you may notice a significant increase in energy costs.
The second part of our response is that black shingles are generally more affordable and match with every color of paint you can find compared to a brown or gray colored shingle. A black roof goes great with any color of house which makes it look amazing with each home. Generally speaking black shingles are the most common in the country and have a long lifespan of 25-30 years. Black asphalt shingles are also more affordable compared to a lighter grey colored shingle or light brown shingle. In most homes the reason energy bills keep rising are due to leaving windows and doors open, constantly changing the temperature and keeping the temperature too low.
Dark colored shingles also have benefits in the winter time. Since these shingles absorb more heat from the sun this will keep the home a little bit warmer in the winter months which may help lower the heating bill from December through March. Darker colored roofs also help water from rain evaporate faster which will result in lower chances of water damage and mold. Some people look into different shades of grey shingles to try and get the best of both worlds since grey shingles meet in the middle between black and white.
Even though some shingles may be more energy efficient compared to others it is important to consider everything such as insulation, curb appeal and lifetime expectancy of the shingles. If the most energy efficient roof color is white but your house is also white it may not be visually appealing which can lower the value of the home. Be sure to pick colors that fit your home well, that way if you do end up selling your home in the next 20 years it will have a nice curb appeal and be able to sell much faster.