Is a lighter shingle color cooler than a dark shingle color?
The color of the shingle does effect the temperature of the surface of a roof. “The temperature on the surface of a roof with light-colored shingles, compared to one with dark-colored shingles, can vary by as much as 40 degrees. This does not mean, however, that the selection of a lighter or darker shingle color will significantly affect attic temperature. Light-colored shingles are often thought to result in lower attic temperatures; for this reason, white is commonly used in warmer climates. However, the interior attic temperature should be affected very little if proper ventilation is in place. With the CertainTeed recommended system of ventilation – a combination of ridge vents and soffit vents on a roof system with a pitch of 3/12 or better – much of the heat conducted through the roof deck will be forced up and out of the attic. Temperature can be reduced as much as 20 degrees .
