Roof That Absorbs Least Heat

Thermal emittance as your roof absorbs solar radiation it begins to heat up.

Roof that absorbs least heat. These requirements alone do not ensure compliance with energy codes. Some of this radiated heat is dispersed into the surrounding atmosphere. It can lower a homeowner s heating bills in a northerly climate but it raises the cooling bills of someone who lives closer to the equator. An initial solar reflectance of at least 0 25.

While this cuts down on heat absorbed from sunlight some shades of colored metal roofing still absorb quantities of heat. In general light colors reflect the sun s rays while dark colors absorb the heat. Reflective surfaces can deliver high solar reflectance the ability to reflect the visible infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths of the sun reducing heat transfer to the surface and high thermal emittance the ability to radiate absorbed or non reflected solar energy. Roof color affects your home s internal temperature.

Cool roofs can be made of a highly reflective type of paint a sheet covering or highly reflective tiles or shingles. In most cases a cool roof will stay at least 50 f cooler than a non cool roof of the same color and construction. White and light colors white is the most reflective color and white metal roofing can actually lower the ambient temperature in the home by reflecting more of the sun s rays into the environment. In general lighter colored roofs reflect away heat rays from the sun but dark colored roofs absorb much of that heat and transfer it into the rooms below.

A cool roof is one that has been designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof. The researchers also discovered that solar panels prevent heat from escaping during the night when it is cooler. Some roofing materials come in cool roof options and others can be altered with a highly reflective type of paint or coating to absorb less heat. Nearly any type of building can benefit from a cool roof but consider the climate and other factors before deciding.

That s why you don t often see darker roofs in warmer climates. Reflective surfaces are a form of geoengineering. The panels block the heat from being absorbed by your roof and eventually your home and actually prevent extra heat from being generated. Instead solar panels absorb heat that otherwise would have been passed onto your roof.

Color changing roof tiles absorb heat in winter reflect it in summer. The converse is also true the darker the roof the higher the temperatures are likely to be in your roof or upper floors. The most well known type of reflective surface is the cool roof. Therefore lighter color roofs will deflect more heat away from the home and help to keep the interior cooler.

Before you learn anything else about roof color take away this fact. How roof color reflects or absorbs heat.