Anyone have a Black Roof? Advice needed.

[sprintx]

We are getting a new roof soon and we wanted to get a black one. The salesman said black roofs heat up your house too much and to go with something lighter colored. We live in Michigan.If you have one have you noticed extra heat? Thanks for any input.

[Advertisement]

[Quaker_Parrots]

http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml;j...tref=cat600013

Lower Energy Costs


Your roofing material can make a
difference in energy costs.

Anyone who's worn a black T-shirt in the blazing sun or sat on a dark vinyl car seat during the summer knows that darker colors absorb more heat than lighter hues. In a recent study, the Florida Power & Light Co. proved the same principle applies to roofs and directly affects homeowners' energy budgets. In tests comparing various residential roofing materials, the company found that the lighter the roof color, the lower the price of cooling the home.

During the four-month study of six roofing materials -- dark gray shingles, white shingles, white flat cement tile, white S-shape cement tile, terra-cotta S-shape "Spanish" tile, and white metal -- the dark gray roofs reflected only 8 percent of the sun's heat. On the other hand, the white metal roof reflected 66 percent, the S-shape cement tiles reflected 74 percent, and the flat cement tiles reflected 77 percent of the sun's energy. White shingle and terra-cotta tile roofs fell in the middle, reflecting 25 and 34 percent, respectively. Overall, though, the white, galvanized metal roof saved the most energy because it cooled down the most at night.

The study focused on identical, side-by-side residences built by Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy families build their own affordable housing. Each home's thermostat was set at a constant 77 degrees.

Based on these results, Florida Power & Light suggests a Florida homeowner in an average-size home (1,770 square feet) can cut annual cooling costs 23 percent by choosing a white, galvanized metal roof rather than a dark gray shingle roof. White S-shape cement tile can save a homeowner 20 percent, while white, flat cement can save 17 percent. Homeowners in areas of the country that use air-conditioning less frequently can expect similar, although less dramatic, savings.

[Quaker_Parrots]

On another note, you only have about one month of really hot weather in Michigan(if that,lol)(I live here too) Wouldn't you rather have the darker roof to help with heating costs?(I would)

[rlynn411]

I don't have a black roof, but I wouldn't put a black one on either,even though they look nice. Black will hold heat....similar to a car with black interior. I would think the life span of a black roof my be shorter also.My neighbor use to have a black one and when they replaceed it they went with a light color. Shes says they can tell a diffference in the summer.

[nanajoanie]

Sorry I can't help. I have an antique house with a tin roof.

[MsLynn]

Originally posted by nanajoanie
Sorry I can't help. I have an antique house with a tin roof.

my granny had a tin room, I MISS IT !!!

back on topic

around here most are going with the green or red roof, i guess its kinda a middle ground

[tommyjo]

I I were in Michigan, I would personaly go for the black roof, it does retain heat and with more cold/cool months as they have there, seems to make more sense. Unless they have heat waves often that i havent heard about.

[PrncsNYC]

if michigan summer weather is anything like Buffalo NY, then I would not get the black roof. I grew up in buffalo adn my parents still live there and the summer's are brutal. everyone thinks it's cold all the time but the summer is awfully hot and humid.

[twinkiesmom]

I'm in Michigan, and the humidity is just horrid. I have heard the same about black roofs and stayed away from it when we redid our house. Those 3mos cookin in the summer just isn't worth it for me. So I can't help ya.