Solar reflective roof shingles are designed to reduce your home’s cooling costs and improve overall energy efficiency. These shingles reflect more of the sun’s rays than traditional roofing materials, helping to keep your home cooler and reduce the strain on your air conditioning system. In the video above, Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey learns more about this reflective technology at a research and development facility in Massachusetts.
How Solar Reflective Shingles Work
Solar reflective shingles reflect more of the sun’s energy than standard roofing materials by using different colors and materials. This reflection helps reduce the heat absorbed by your roof, keeping your home cooler.
The Science of Sunlight
Sunlight is composed of three main types of radiation:
- Infrared light: Slightly more than half of sunlight, which carries most of the heat energy
- Ultraviolet (UV) light: A small percentage of the sunlight that can be destructive to building materials and cause skin damage
- Visible light: Approximately half of sunlight, which we see as colors
Solar reflective shingles are designed to reflect more of the infrared light, reducing the amount of heat transferred into your home.
Solar Reflectivity Ratings
We measure solar reflectivity on a scale from 0%–100%, with higher numbers pointing to greater reflectivity. Here’s how different shingles compare:
- Standard dark shingles: 3%–5% solar reflectivity
- Basic solar reflective shingles: Around 20% solar reflectivity
- Highly reflective shingles: Up to 40% solar reflectivity
The higher the solar reflectivity, the more effective the shingle is at keeping your home cool.
Benefits of Solar Reflective Shingles
Installing solar reflective shingles has several advantages for homeowners.
Energy Savings
One of the biggest benefits of solar reflective shingles is the potential for energy savings. By reducing the amount of heat absorbed by your roof, these shingles can help lower your cooling costs. In hot climates, homeowners may see a 10%–15% reduction in cooling expenses.
Extended Roof Life
Solar reflective shingles can also help prolong the life of your roof. Because of their reduced heat absorption, these shingles experience less thermal stress and degradation over time. This can lead to a longer-lasting roof and potentially fewer repairs.
Improved Indoor Comfort
With less heat entering through the roof, your home’s interior stays cooler. This makes everyday living more comfortable for you and your family, especially during the hot summer months.
Types of Solar Reflective Shingles
There are a few types of solar reflective shingles available, each with different levels of reflectivity and designs. Here’s an overview:
- Basic solar reflective shingles: These shingles offer moderate solar reflectivity, look similar to traditional shingles, and come in darker colors that many homeowners prefer.
- Highly reflective shingles: Highly reflective shingles offer maximum energy efficiency. They often have a lighter appearance, which may be noticeable from the ground and alter the design of your home.
- Cool roof coating: While not a shingle itself, you can add a cool roof coating to your existing roof to increase solar reflectivity. These coatings are typically white or light-colored and can significantly improve an older roof’s energy efficiency.
Installation and Maintenance for Solar Reflective Shingles
Installing solar reflective shingles is similar to installing traditional asphalt shingles, meaning there isn’t a steep learning curve for contractors.
- Installation process: The installation process for solar reflective shingles is nearly identical to that of standard shingles. Most roofing professionals can install them without additional training or specialized equipment.
- Maintenance requirements: Solar reflective shingles generally require the same maintenance as traditional shingles. Regular roof inspections and cleaning can help maintain their reflective properties and overall performance.
- Longevity and durability: These shingles are as or more durable than traditional asphalt shingles. They’re rigorously tested to simulate years of weather exposure to make certain the shingles can withstand diverse environmental conditions. On top of that, these shingles don’t deteriorate as quickly thanks to their greater sunlight reflectivity.
Solar Reflective Shingle Cost Considerations
While solar reflective shingles offer energy-saving benefits, they do come at a higher initial cost compared to standard shingles.
- Initial investment: Basic solar reflective shingles typically cost about 10% more than conventional shingles. Highly reflective options can be up to twice the cost of standard shingles.
- Long-term savings: Despite the higher upfront cost, the potential energy savings over time can offset the initial investment. The exact savings will depend on factors such as your local climate, energy costs, and the specific shingles chosen. If you live in a warmer climate, you can expect to get a higher benefit from solar shingles.
- Rebates and incentives: Some areas offer rebates or incentives for installing energy-efficient roofing materials. Check with your local utility company or government agencies to see if any programs are available in your area.
Environmental Impact of Solar Reflective Shingles
Solar reflective shingles are a great way to contribute to a more sustainable home and community.
- Reduced energy consumption: By lowering your cooling needs, these shingles help reduce overall energy consumption. This can lead to decreased reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Urban heat island mitigation: In urban areas, widespread use of solar reflective roofing materials can help mitigate the heat island effect. This phenomenon occurs when cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas because of heat-absorbing surfaces like roofs and pavement. The more houses have reflective shingles, the greater a difference in the community.
- Recyclability: Many solar reflective shingles use recyclable materials to further reduce their environmental impact at the end of their lifespan. Since these shingles may last longer, there’s also less material turnover over the lifetime of the roof.
Choosing the Right Solar Reflective Shingles for Your Home
We recommend considering several factors to pick the best solar reflective shingles for your home.
Climate Considerations
Solar reflective shingles offer the most benefit in hot, sunny climates where cooling costs are a significant concern. In colder regions, the energy-saving benefits may be less obvious.
Design Preferences
Account for the look of the shingles and how they will complement your home’s exterior. While highly reflective shingles offer the most energy savings, their lighter appearance may not be your favorite style.
Energy Efficiency Goals
Determine your energy-saving objectives and choose shingles that align with those goals. If maximum energy efficiency is your priority, highly reflective shingles may be the best choice for you, despite their higher cost.
Roofing Materials Comparison
When selecting solar reflective shingles, it helps to compare them with other roofing materials. Many homeowners opt for traditional asphalt shingles due to their affordability and ease of installation. However, solar reflective shingles are gaining traction for their energy-saving benefits.
Consider metal roofing as another option. Metal roofs are inherently reflective and often coated to enhance their reflectivity further. They tend to be more expensive initially but can offer durability and longevity that may offset the cost in the long run.
Tile roofs, such as clay or concrete tiles, also have reflective properties and provide thermal insulation. They’re heavier than asphalt or metal, so structural considerations are vital during installation.
Overall, consider your local climate, budget, and style before making a choice. Solar reflective shingles can be an excellent investment, especially for homes in warmer regions with high cooling costs.
