Shopping for a new roof can be an intimidating task for some folks. Homeowners will need to decide on several things, including the type of roof, the color of their shingles or panels, and the contractor that they’ll hire to install the new roof. Among the most common types of roofs, metal shingles often stand out for their exceptionally long lifespan, high durability, and minimal maintenance requirements. However, the concept of a metal roof is actually pretty unfamiliar to some people. At J-Tech Construction, one of the most common questions we hear is about whether a metal roof will heat your home in the summer. A metal roof can have an effect on the temperature of your home, but not in the ways you might expect.

Do Metal Roofs Reflect Heat or Do Metal Roofs Attract Heat?

A common misconception is that metal roofs will make your house feel even warmer during the summer due to metal’s conductive properties. This is, however, not the case. Most metal roofs come standard with a reflective coating. These metal roofs will actually reflect the sun’s heat away from your home, rather than absorbing it like some other roofing materials. As a result, metal roofs can help keep the interior of your home cooler during hot summer months.

Metal Roof vs. Shingles in a Hot Climate

Asphalt shingles are one of the other most popular roofing materials, so most homeowners will consider them before any other type of roof. However, in hot weather, metal roofs are more advantageous. While metal shingles are designed to reflect the sun’s heat away from the building, asphalt shingles tend to absorb and retain heat from the sun. The heat absorption and retention characteristics of asphalt shingles can increase cooling demands during hot weather. Asphalt shingles are also generally less durable in hot climates, as the constant exposure to high temperatures can accelerate their aging process. Metal panels, on the other hand, have an advantage in hot climates as they are more durable and resilient to heat exposure.

Does a Black Roof Make Your Home Hotter?

Yes, a black roof can make your home hotter during the summer. Dark-colored surfaces absorb more sunlight and heat than lighter-colored surfaces. This means that installing black or dark-colored shingles will raise the indoor temperature and make it more challenging to cool your home. The difference in temperature between a black roof and a light-colored roof can be quite substantial, which is why light-colored roofs are more common in areas with intense summers.

What Color Metal Roof Reflects the Most Heat?

While black metal roofs absorb heat, white colored roofs are the best color to choose for a reflective metal roof. Other light colors such as beige, light gray, and even yellow can also provide almost as much reflectiveness as white. Choosing one of these colors is commonplace in areas with warm summers, as they can help keep your home cooler and reduce your energy bills.

Do Metal Roofs Attract Lightning?

Contrary to the common misconception, metal roofs do not attract lightning. Lightning will usually strike the highest point in an area, regardless of the material. A metal roof doesn’t really need to be grounded, as a lightning strike would just dissipate through the structure. Any damage your home endures from lightning would probably be the same, regardless of roofing material.

Making the Most of Your Metal Roof

Metal roofs are durable, heat-resistant, and can reflect a significant portion of the sun’s heat away from the building. Combined, these attributes make metal roofs a great choice to withstand high temperatures without degradation. To make the most out of your energy efficient roof, it’s important to properly install insulation to optimize energy efficiency and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Spray foam insulation, rigid board insulation, and fiberglass batt insulation will all do the job of conserving energy during the summer and winter.

After highlighting some of the benefits and addressing some of the common misconceptions surrounding metal roofs in the summer, the key takeaway is that metal roofs can be highly reflective depending on the color of the panels. Metal roofs that are white or beige can reflect a significant portion of the sun’s heat away from the building. This alone can help reduce cooling costs during hot summers and make your home more energy-efficient overall.

If you’re ready to install a new residential roof, J-Tech’s team of roofing experts can provide a free estimate. Contact our team to get started!