Do Black Shingles Heat Your Home? Uncover the Truth

Written By Kevin Kabaria

Imagine stepping into your home on a hot summer day, only to be met with a wall of oppressive heat. It's a scenario many homeowners face, especially those with black shingles on their roofs. Research indicates that homes with darker roofs can experience temperatures up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher than those with lighter-colored roofs (source: Department of Energy). For homeowners, this means increased reliance on air conditioning and, consequently, higher energy bills. Understanding whether black shingles make a house hotter in the summer is crucial for making informed decisions that impact both comfort and finances. In this blog post, we'll explore the science behind heat absorption, the impact on energy costs, and practical solutions to mitigate the heat, all while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your home.

[1] Dark shingles tend to look best when paired with lighter house colors and bolder color choices, where the shingles can sink into the background and let other elements of the house come forward and show off. However, when hotter days come around, dark shingle rooftops do have an issue. In direct sunlight, they tend to absorb heat from sunrays ...

Shingle Color Temperature Increase Energy Consumption Impact
Dark High Increased
Light Low Decreased

[2] 2. Black Shingles Can Lead To More Energy Consumption. Black shingles absorb the heat from the sun, which will increase the temperature in the overall house. This is a fantastic benefit in the ...

Season Energy Consumption Impact
Winter Decreased Positive
Summer Increased Negative

[3] Its a great idea until winter hits where those black shingles really help save energy. Unless every home has a fireplace, the energy consumption to heat the house is substantially greater. I just did a little research but feel free to do fact check; heating cost 25-50% of the yearly energy bill, not including water and stuff.

Season Heating Cost Contribution
Winter 25-50%

[4]

  1. Heat Absorption. Black shingles naturally absorb more heat compared to lighter-colored shingles. In hotter climates, this can lead to increased indoor temperatures and a higher reliance on air conditioning. 2) Increased Energy Costs. Due to their heat-absorbing properties, homes with black shingles may face higher energy bills.
Shingle Property Impact
Heat Absorption Increased Indoor Temperature
Energy Costs Higher Bills

Contrary to popular belief, black shingles can be energy-efficient. Advances in roofing technology mean that black shingles are now designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. Reflective Coatings: Many black shingles come with reflective coatings that help reduce heat absorption. This can lower your home's cooling costs during the ...

[5] The typical premise for this question about dark shingles vs light shingles stems from concerns about the thermal efficiency of your home and... (316) 927-2233 GET A FREE ESTIMATE

Shingle Color Thermal Efficiency
Dark Lower in Hot Climates
Light Higher in Hot Climates

[6] The color of the shingles can impact your home's temperature, especially in the attic, as darker shingles absorb heat more easily. If you live in a cold area, dark shingles can help your home's energy efficiency by helping keep the temperature higher during the colder months. On the other hand, if you live in a warmer area, light shingles can ...

Climate Shingle Recommendation
Cold Dark Shingles
Warm Light Shingles

The color of the shingles can impact your home's temperature, especially in the attic, as darker shingles absorb heat more easily. ... light shingles can help the house stay cool and therefore potentially lower cooling costs. While darker or lighter shingles can affect your home's energy efficiency, it's not the end of the world if you get dark ...

[7] Darker roofs tend to absorb more of the sun's energy, resulting in warmer indoor temperatures. This prompts some homeowners to prefer lighter shingles, hoping to reduce cooling costs. Yet, the actual temperature difference between light and dark shingles is a modest 4 to 7 degrees.

Roof Color Temperature Difference
Dark 4-7°F Warmer
Light Cooler

[8] The obvious answer is yes, black shingles do absorb more heat than a lighter shingle. However, advancements in technology and materials are far more efficient than they once were and installing a black roof is still a completely viable option. ... durability, positive aesthetics, and energy saving benefits, making them a great option for many ...

[9] Does Darker Colored Roofs Increase Cooling Costs? It is true that darker-colored shingles get warmer than lighter-colored shingles. A completely black shingle will increase the attic temperature by about 8-10 degrees, when compared to a completely white shingle.However, when it comes to the grays, browns, and tans, choosing a black shingle will only increase the attic temperature by about 2-3 ...

Shingle Color Attic Temperature Increase
Black 8-10°F
Gray/Brown/Tan 2-3°F

[10] Heat Retention: Once the heat is absorbed, black shingles tend to retain it longer, releasing the heat slowly throughout the day and night. Example: In a region with an average summer temperature of 90°F, black shingles can increase the roof surface temperature to over 150°F, significantly impacting the indoor climate.

Average Summer Temp Roof Surface Temp with Black Shingles
90°F 150°F+

Heat Absorption: Dark colors, including black, absorb more heat compared to lighter colors. Black shingles can absorb up to 90% of the sun's heat, which can raise the roof's surface temperature. Heat Retention: Once the heat is absorbed, black shingles tend to retain it longer, releasing the heat slowly throughout the day and night. Example:

[11] Light absorption is only half the battle. Black and white roofing materials also have different levels of heat retention. While both have nearly identical overnight temperature profiles, black shingles lose heat more rapidly than their white counterparts. Note that black and white are the two extremes on the color spectrum.

Shingle Color Heat Retention
Black High
White Low

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional roofing advice. Always consult with qualified roofing contractors and insurance professionals for specific guidance regarding your individual circumstances.

Kevin Kabaria
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