Whether replacing an old and well-worn roof, or choosing what materials to cover a new home, picking the right roof can significantly impact the durability, health and comfort of a home as well as improve energy efficiency.
The first goal of a roof is to protect the home by managing the rain, snow and ice. But traditional dark colored asphalt shingles absorb tremendous amounts of heat during summer days. The absorbed heat also leads to two significant issues. First the homes cooling system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature within. This leads to high energy bills, excessive wear and tear on equipment, and often an uncomfortable living environment.
Another problem with dark roofs is a phenomenon called the urban heat island effect. In city or suburb neighborhoods the collective heat trapped and radiated by dark colored roofs can raise the relative local temperature by as much as five degrees during the day and keep it over twenty degrees warmer at night than surrounding rural areas. The urban heat island effect makes for a serious hot time in the city.
The good news is that "cool roofs" are available. Cool roofs reflect the solar radiation (heat) away from the house. This makes the individual home more comfortable during the warm months, and if entire communities do it, the urban heat island effect can be stopped which further reduces energy demand in that area.
| 
