Black roofs are very popular in NWA and throughout the country. But If there's one question that roofing companies hear more often than anything else, it's whether a black roof will make the inside of a client's home unbearably hot. With the scorching summers that we see in Northwest Arkansas it is an understandable concern.

Let's take a look at the guidelines that NWA roofers and homeowners should follow when it comes to roof color and temperature. 

Why Color Affects Temperature

When you are trying to choose your roofing materials to mitigate heating and cooling costs, roofing companies in NWA always stress the importance of remembering the properties of the colors that these items have. Because certain colors are known to absorb heat and others are known to reflect heat, the color choice can make a big difference when it comes to the internal temperature of your home. 

 - Light-Colors



Light colors are known to reflect heat, which is why light-colored roofs are generally a good choice for homes situated in warm climates. However, any NWA roofing company will tell you that material plays a role in mitigating the temperature, so this is not a hard and fast rule.

Dark-Colors

On the other hand, dark colors are known to absorb heat. This means that homes with darker colored roofs tend to be warmer on the inside than the alternative. Of course, the materials used will play a factor here as well.

How Material Affects Temperature

The materials you use when constructing your roof are just as important as what color they are. All materials are distinct from one another, and as such, they interact with heat in different ways. Their relationship to heat can seriously affect your heating and cooling expenses, which is why contractors dealing with roofing in Northwest Arkansas are required to understand the following properties.

Metal

Depending on its thickness, metal is normally good at reflecting heat away from itself. When it comes to roofing materials, the metal used is definitely thick enough to reflect heat away from your home and keep the interior cool and comfortable. 

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt, however, isn't as good at reflecting heat and tends to absorb most of it. This is good during the wintertime when your home's interior is quite cold, but in the hot summers of Northwest Arkansas, it may not be ideal.

Rubber and Polymer Flat Roof

This new material is becoming quite popular in the industry, and for good reason. Not only is it great at reflecting heat and keeping internal temperatures low, but it also protects against moisture and water leakage better than any other commonly used substance.

Solar Reflective Shingles

These shingles are designed with the explicit intention of increasing their reflective properties. Unlike asphalt shingles, solar reflective shingles are perfect for making sure the home's interior is cool and the energy bills are low. 

Still have questions regarding roofing materials? Getting in touch with NWA roofers is a great way to learn more about the material best for your home.

Decide on the Roof Best For Your NWA Home

Now that you know the answer to one of the most frequent questions faced by NWA roofing contractors, you should have a better idea of the kind of roof your home needs. Reliable roofing companies in Northwest Arkansas will be able to answer any questions you may have. However, keeping these temperature-related factors in mind will help you make the best decision for your home.