As a homeowner, it’s safe to assume you know the color of your roof. But do you know the color of your next-door neighbor’s roof? Or how about three doors down? The color of your roof has more relevance than just aesthetic appeal. The color of your roof shingles can affect the overall efficiency of your utilities throughout the year. This article will help shed some light on the benefits of having either light or dark-colored shingles.
How Do Light Shingles Affect Your Home?
One of the most important things to realize about roof shingles is they are your roof’s first line of defense against harsh UV rays. The light-colored shingles help to reflect heat rays more than they absorb. That might not sound like such a big deal, but you can save a lot of money in the long run, especially during summertime. This will result in your air conditioner using less energy, which means less money spent on utility bills. If you live in an area that is prone to lots of sunshine and heat, it might be worth it to consider getting a lighter-colored roof if you don’t have one already.
How Do Dark Shingles Affect Your Home?
Since light shingles reflect heat, it’s only logical that dark shingles absorb it. This fact might not make dark-colored roofs ideal for sunny states. However, it would make them ideal for places that don’t get as much sun or that have long winters. Just like light shingles help lower utility bills in the summer, dark shingles can do the exact same thing in winter. During the fall and winter months, they can help lower your monthly heating bills by absorbing the heat from direct sunlight. Since they can absorb heat, that means that they can help melt the snow off your roof faster, right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work like that. For the dark shingles to absorb the heat, they must have direct exposure to the sun. This can be a problem in the winter months, as the days seem shorter due to the lack of sunshine.
Should You Get Light or Dark Shingles?
The easiest way to decide which color of shingle to have installed is to consult with a reputable roofing agency. A technician can come out and go over the options, pros, and cons for your area, and so forth. It is also largely based on your personal preference and any restrictions you might have from your HOA. Another thing to consider is how a dark roof might benefit your family in the spring and fall months. Depending on where you live, there might not be much snow during these times. This will mean more exposure to sunlight, which will help to heat your home in a natural way.