Cool Roofs vs. Traditional Roofs: Which One Wins in 2025?
What Makes a Roof “Cool”? Picture a white T-shirt under the sun. It bounces light away and stays comfortable. A cool roof works on the same idea. High solar reflectance sends sunlight back into the sky. High thermal emittance lets trapped heat escape fast. The result is a roof surface that can stay fifty degrees cooler than a black shingle roof. Lower surface temperature means your attic breathes easier and your air conditioner gets a break. Traditional Shingles: Old Reliable or Energy Hog? Traditional shingles rule many neighborhoods for a reason. They cost less at the store, come in many textures, and most crews can install them in a single day. However, the absorbed heat leaks indoors and forces your HVAC system to work overtime. Extra heat also causes the material to expand and contract. That stress can shorten the roof’s life span. Head to Head: Cost, Comfort, and the Planet Standard asphalt shingles still own the bargain lane. A cool roof often costs ten to fifteen perc...