Cool Roofs and Energy-Efficient Roofing in Florida

What is a cool roof in Florida? A cool roof uses materials that reflect more sunlight and release absorbed heat faster than a standard dark roof. In Florida, that can mean reflective shingles, coated metal, or light-colored tile. The goal is a cooler roof surface and less heat moving into the attic.

Are cool roofs worth it in Florida? They can lower attic heat, especially combined with good ventilation and insulation. The savings depend on the home, so treat any single savings percentage with caution and compare the rated products for your roof.

How a cool roof works

Two properties decide how hot a roof surface gets in the sun:

• Solar reflectance: how much sunlight the surface bounces back instead of absorbing. Higher is cooler.
• Thermal emittance: how quickly the surface gives off the heat it did absorb. Higher is cooler.

The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) combines the two into one comparison number. It is not a percentage cut in your electric bill. Ratings are published for a new surface and for an aged (weathered) one; the aged figure is the better guide to how the roof performs after a few Florida summers. The U.S. Department of Energy's cool roof guide explains both properties in plain terms.

Cool roof options for Florida homes

Reflective asphalt shingles

Some shingle lines use reflective granules that raise solar reflectance compared with standard granules in a similar color. Lighter colors usually rate higher, but the product matters as much as the shade. Ask for the exact product line and color and look up its rating.

Metal (coatings)

On a metal roof, the finish does the work. A coated panel with a rated reflective finish reflects far more sunlight than a dark or unrated finish. Ask for the panel system, finish and exact color, and the rating for that combination. See also metal vs shingles in Florida.

Light-colored tile

Light concrete and clay tile reflect more sunlight than dark tile, and the air space under a tile roof slows heat moving into the attic. Tile is heavy, so the structure has to be rated for it. See tile roofing and tile vs shingle.

Attic ventilation and insulation matter as much as the shingle

A reflective roof cuts the heat at the surface. What happens next depends on the attic:

• Ventilation. In a vented attic, intake at the soffits and exhaust at the ridge carry hot air out. Some homes have an unvented (sealed) attic by design; that isn't a defect, and adding vents to it is the wrong fix.
• Insulation and air sealing. Insulation on the attic floor or under the roof deck slows heat moving into the living space, and air sealing keeps hot attic air out of the rooms below.
• Radiant barriers reduce radiant heat but don't replace insulation, and they need an air space beside them to work.

PNNL's attic guidance treats air sealing, insulation and attic design as one system. A roof replacement is a good time to check all three.

How to check a product's rating

Ask your contractor for the manufacturer, product line and exact color, then look it up:

• Cool Roof Rating Council: the CRRC product directory lists rated initial and aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance. The CRRC's homeowner guide explains the numbers.

A rating describes the surface, not Florida product approval. Ask for the product's Florida approval record separately; you can search it on the state's product approval site.

HOA color rules in Central Florida subdivisions

Many Central Florida subdivisions have an approved list of roof colors and materials, and some require architectural review before a replacement. Before choosing a cool roof:

1. Get the current approved color and material list from your HOA.
2. Compare the rated products that come in those colors. A lighter approved shade often rates better than a darker one.
3. Submit the exact product and color for approval before the material is ordered.

For help with color, see our Florida shingle color guide.

Planning a replacement? Start with a Roof Report Card

Planning a roof replacement? Book a Roof Report Card. A technician photographs your roof and attic ventilation and talks through options, at no charge. You can also price a shingle roof online from your address first.

Noland's Roofing, Florida Certified Roofing Contractor #CCC1335461, with offices in Clermont and Orange City.