What most of the other respondents said is correct. The white "cool" roof reflects the suns heat/radiation so it is not absorbed by the building. As far as energy saving goes, it is difficult to say as it is a case-by-case basis. Depends what other type of insulation and mechanical systems you already have, or do not have, in the existing home. You may not even have a choice on whether or not you can put on the cool roof membrane. Many states and jurisdictions require this now. For example, in California, Title 24 requires this for all new construction.
White roofs reflect heat and radiation from the sun more so than black or dark colored roofs do. As far as cutting costs, there are a bunch of factors that go into that, but can be projected to be between 5-20% savings.
In the heat of the summer the white roof reflects a majority of light rather than absorbing the heat and warming the house so you don't have to run the AC as much
This is a simple way to make a big difference. Having lived in a big city on the East Coast for some years and can attest to how disastrous summer heat in the city can be. I have also one big question, though this seems to be best solution for big apartment buildings and office buildings, but what about houses with slanted roofs? You can’t plant a rooftop garden on a sloping, and shingles would be pretty tough to paint white. I guess planting tall trees and increasing vegetation around the house is the way to go until they come up with “cool shingle” technology.
well it helps during the summer. the white reflects the sun light instead of holding the heat in.
It would be a wash. It would lower your summer air conditioning cost but raise your winter heating cost.
sadf
how does the white roof project lower household energy costs and by how much? Thanks in advance! :)
