| Author |
Message |
    
AngelaK
Citizen
Username: Angelak
Post Number: 42
Registered: 7-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 8:02 pm: | 
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I'm ready to select a roofing contractor and now must also select a color for the shingles. I really like the look of the darker charcoal (which seems to be the most popular color judging by the contractor's reference list). However, a friend keeps insisting that I chose a lighter color using the reasoning that a lighter color will last longer and the house will be cooler as a light color will reflect more light.
I understand the physics of the argument, but I'd be interested to know if the shingle color really makes a difference as far as heating/cooling and longevity are concerned.
Does anyone have any long-term experience with this? |
Mommasan
Citizen
Username: Mommasan
Post Number: 12
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 8:56 pm: |
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I just had my roof done by R&G. Thought they were terrific.
I have heard the same thing about the darker roof but I think it depends if your attic is "overinsulated". At least that was what the roofer told me.
I was far more concerned about durability of color over time. We have a tremendous amount of tree coverage and I didn't want something that would be prone to staining.
In the end, I didn't go with Charcoal but with Pewter Gray. Not a common choice but I found the grades of color change to be exactly what I wanted |
J L Bryant
Citizen
Username: Jeffbryant
Post Number: 6
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 9:55 am: |
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Lighter surface color (of roofing) will absolutely reflect the sunlight. Less heat transmitted/absorbed by the roof = cooler house. It's not theory, it's proven fact. If I'm not mistaken, the primary reason most asphalt shingles are "darker" is due to the materials used & the manufacturing process.
To urge a bit of environmentalism, have you considered synthetic (frequently recycled) tiles, shakes or slates (go see Mtn. Station's new roof), metal roofing, and/or photovoltaics? Any of those choices do not 'cost' as much (environmentally speaking) to manufacture as asphaltic shingles, last longer, perform better, and won't degrade landfills like asphalt products will at the end of their lifecycle. Just an idea...... |
AngelaK
Citizen
Username: Angelak
Post Number: 49
Registered: 7-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 3:50 pm: |
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I've been leaning towards the Pewter Gray as well as a compromise on light vs. dark. Hmmm, no, Jeff I haven't looked into those materials. I can ask to roofer about some alternatives; thanks for the information. As you mention, solar would be great, but it's very expensive, isn't it? I'm on a bit of a budget. |
fabulouswalls
Citizen
Username: Fabulouswalls
Post Number: 152
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 4:46 pm: |
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I would worry about the lighter color roof showing stains and dirt much faster. |
MeAndTheBoys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 4214
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 6:11 pm: |
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Perhaps I'm a bit anal, but I chose a roof that had colors similar to the color I painted my house. It's not light or dark, but I think it looks great. And since I have no plans to change the color of my house any time in the foreseeable future, the roof will coordinate nicely for years to come! |
Window_doctor
Supporter
Username: Window_doctor
Post Number: 52
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 6:28 pm: |
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Angela read below as I think you will find some of your answers are here.
Fabulouswalls, A lighter color can be used, I would use Elk Shingles, we have had FANTASTIC SUCCESS with this product, the colors are more vibrant. If you use a premier dealer you even get a 30 year LABOR & MATERIALS guarantee for the full dollar of the contract plus cost of living increases. This guarantee is from the manufacturer and is non pro-rated for the first 15 years.
They even have a 10 year guarantee against mold or stains forming on the roof. They achieve this in the production process, they add copper granuals to react with the mold that can form.
Elk is also in the process of getting (here come the comments)an Energy Star approval for there new COOL ROOF. A Shingle that will reduce energy consumtion in the summer....Ooooooooooo
Pl Me if you would like to have all the details on Elk Roofing
As far as products that are available I feel that ELK has done a great job at "creation by imitation" they took what works about there products and others and worked on improving them.
Good Luck! |
Jelly
Citizen
Username: Jelly
Post Number: 36
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 12:14 pm: |
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Cooler in the summer - but cooler in the winter too, no? |
John
Citizen
Username: Jdm
Post Number: 86
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 10:26 pm: |
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Jelly,
The lower position of the sun in the sky and the shorter days during winter means that heat transmission is fairly low even with a dark roof, so the decrease in heat in the summer more than outweighs the gain of heat in the winter.
Or so I have read. |
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