Does a Black Roof Make Your House Hotter?

Black colors absorb heat but do shingle roof colors have a big impact on your home’s temperature? Is it better to have a light or dark roof? Our roofing experts are diving into the science behind roof colour and explaining the pros and cons of a dark-coloured roof. 

Roof Colour & The Albedo Effect

The colour of an item affects its temperature for everything from clothing to cars and, yes, even roofs. White and lighter colours reflect light, dark colours absorb the sunlight and heat, thanks to the Albedo Effect. Albedo refers to the ability of a surface to reflect sunlight, and colour is a crucial factor. 

So at the most basic level, your roof’s colour could affect your home's temperature, but the impact is minimal.

What color roof keeps a house the coolest?

The difference in temperature between light and dark roofing shingles colors is small because your indoor temperature is affected by several factors, including:

• Roof Material. The type of material used for your roof influences how well it absorbs heat. While black roof shingles made of asphalt absorb some heat, metal roofs and other highly reflective surfaces can lead to even more heat absorption.

• Insulation. If your home is well-insulated, the heat from your rooftop can’t easily pass into the home itself. Proper insulation helps you maintain indoor temperatures despite the outside elements.

• Climate. In Canada, the temperatures outside are colder than inside for most of the year. In cold weather, a dark roof that absorbs heat could make it easier to maintain your heat indoors. 

• Ventilation. Adequate ventilation ensures any unwanted heat escapes before it builds up in your home, regardless of the roof you choose. 

How to Keep a Black Roof Cool

If you’ve settled on black shingles because you like the way they look, there are plenty of ways to reduce any potential heat effects on your home.

• Ensure your home is adequately insulated between the living space and the attic to keep any shingle heat from penetrating your home. Get an inspection by a licensed insulation contractor who can assess your home and help you understand your needs. 

• Install a proper roof ventilation system for optimal airflow and heat reduction. The best systems are balanced, allowing an equal air volume to flow in and out of the attic. 

• Plant trees or install awnings for external shading to reduce the amount of sun directly hitting your roof shingles. 

Pros and Cons of Black Roof Shingles

With black shingles not a major contributor to your home’s temperature, there are other reasons why they might or might not be the best choice for your home. Take a look at these pros and cons to help make your decision a little easier.

Pros of Black Asphalt Shingle Roofs

1. Classic Look. Black asphalt shingle roofs are universally flattering with other colors, architectural styles, and materials, so you don’t need to worry about matching. This rich, deep colour adds dimension to your roof and enhances curb appeal. 

2. Melting Snow or Ice. Black shingles absorb heat from sunlight more efficiently than other lighter-colored roofs. In the cold Canadian winter, this can help melt snow and ice, reducing the risk of ice dams and heavy snow accumulation.

3. Camouflages Dirt and Debris. Dark colours hide dirt and natural debris well, making them appear cleaner for longer.

4. Affordability. Asphalt shingles are popular for a reason - they’re cost-effective and durable roofing options compared to other alternatives like metal or tile. It’s hard to beat asphalt shingles for budget-conscious homeowners.

5. Ease of Availability. Black asphalt shingles are readily available, so they’re easy to find and install. With plenty of options to choose from, you have plenty of options to choose from to best suit your budget.

6. Hides Imperfections. If your roof has any structural imperfections, black shingles can camouflage and blend unevenness or other deformities. 

Cons of Black Asphalt Shingle Roofs

1. Fading or Discoloration. Black asphalt shingles may experience some fading and discoloration over time due to prolonged exposure to sunlight and harsh weather elements. 

2. Shorter Lifespans. Asphalt shingles have a relatively long lifespan, with most lasting up to 20 or 25 years. But black shingles tend to get hotter, making them break down faster than lighter versions. 

3. Regulatory Restrictions. Some homeowners associations and municipalities restrict the use of dark roofing materials because of their heat retention properties and environmental impact. 

SameDay Roofing: Trusted Roof Contractors in Hamilton

So does a black roof make your home hotter? 

If your home is well-insulated and ventilated, it shouldn’t be an issue. Ultimately, you should choose the shingles colors for roof that’s best for your home based on comfort, value, durability, and curb appeal. 

Weighing your roofing options? Let's chat and start a free roofing insulation estimate - call (905) 544-4667 today.