The Benefits of Cool Roof Technology for Energy Efficiency

Our climate is ideal for cool roofs. Much of Georgia gets over 200 sunny days each year, and our summers are famously hot and humid. You’ve probably wondered if your roof is making your home hotter—and your energy bills higher. A conventional dark roof can reach 150°F in direct sun. That heat flows into the attic and drives up air conditioning use and energy bills.

At Findlay Roofing, we believe your roof should help keep your home cool, not trap heat inside. Cool roof technology offers a simple way to reduce heat buildup, lower cooling costs, and protect our planet.

In this article, we’ll explore how cool roof technology can help Georgia homeowners save energy, lower costs, and protect the environment—all with the high-quality work that Southern builders are known for. For homeowners, a cool roof installed by a local roofer means peace of mind.

How Cool Roofs Work

Traditional dark roofs soak up sunlight and convert it to heat that transfers into the building. When your roof surface gets hot, that heat transfers into your home. Your air conditioner fights that extra heat, running longer and using more electricity. Cool roofs reduce the workload on your air conditioning by keeping your roof cooler, cutting your energy consumption and bills.

A cool roof is designed to stay cooler than its environment, reflecting heat and keeping residential buildings cool. It uses special materials to reflect more sunlight, sending most of the sun’s rays back into the air and absorbing less heat than ordinary roofs.

Homes with cool roofs don’t need their air conditioning to run as often or at higher settings. Even houses without AC see peak indoor temperatures drop a few degrees during heat waves under a cool roof.

The U.S. Energy Department reports that a reflective roof can be more than 50°F cooler in the sun than a conventional roof. How do cool roofs accomplish this?

A cool roof is built with high solar reflectance and thermal emittance:

• Solar reflectance is how much sunlight a roof bounces back
• Thermal emittance is how quickly a roof releases any heat it absorbs
• Together, these two features keep your roof and your home much cooler than a traditional dark roof by reflecting most of the sun’s rays back into the air and radiating heat away from your home

Cool Materials to Maximize Roof Performance

Homeowners have many choices for cool roofing. The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) keeps a directory of solar reflectance and emittance product ratings.

Some popular cool roofing options approved by the Cool Roof Rating Council are:

• Asphalt shingles: The most common residential roof. Modern cool asphalt shingles use mineral granules that are lighter-colored or reflective. These roof granules can reflect about 25 to 30 percent of sunlight. Energy Star cool shingles can reflect roughly 20 to 80 percent, significantly limiting heat gain and keeping your roof much cooler. If you’re re-roofing, choose ENERGY STAR-rated or CRRC-certified shingles to maximize solar reflectance.
• Metal roofs: Durable metal panels can be very reflective when coated or painted properly. Unpainted metal reflects some sun, but today’s cool metal panels use special light-colored coatings or “cool pigments.” These finishes boost both solar reflectance and thermal emittance. A coated metal roof can easily meet cool roof standards and last for decades.
• Cool coatings: For existing roofs (especially flat or low-slope roofs), a reflective cool roof coating is an option. These are white or light paints (often acrylic or silicone) applied by professionals. A cool coating forms a reflective membrane that bounces sunlight away and radiates heat. Properly applied, these coatings can dramatically cut roof temperature and extend the roof’s life.
• Concrete tiles or clay tiles: Both concrete tiles and clay tiles coated in light colors can boost thermal performance by limiting your home’s absorbed heat.

Going Green for Your Cool Roofing Project

A green roof is a roof covered with plants and soil that keeps your home cool and adds environmental perks. Think of it as a living blanket that sits on top of your regular roof.

Here’s why a planet-friendly roof is an excellent cool roofing option:

• Natural cooling: The plants on an environment-focused roofing system soak up less heat than traditional roofs, reducing heat absorption and helping keep your house cooler
• Energy efficiency: By lowering roof surface temperature, a roof that uses green, environmentally safe options can significantly cut down on energy costs
• Stormwater control: When it rains, the soil on a natural roof cover absorbs water, easing pressure on gutters and storm drains
• Cleaner air: Plants filter dust and pollutants, improving air quality around your home
• Longer roof life: The green roof layer shields roofing layers from sun and heat damage, extending their lifespan

Installing green roofs on residential buildings requires a strong underlayment, a root barrier to protect your home, and a simple irrigation plan to keep plants healthy.

Maintaining a green roof is easy: Check the plants a few times a year, remove debris, and make sure the soil drains well. Over time, your green roof will become a low-maintenance, energy-saving part of your home.

Are you worried about the upfront investment of installing a cool roof? Consider the financial benefits of energy-efficient roofing options.

Direct Energy Savings for Georgia Homeowners

Studies show cool roofs can lower summer cooling costs by around 10–20 percent, depending on your roof’s needs and the material you choose. For example, if your monthly cooling cost is $200, a cool roof could trim it by $20–40—that adds up over the hottest month.

In Georgia’s hot climate, lower cooling loads mean big energy savings. White cool roofs can reflect around 60 to 90 percent of the sun’s energy, while cool-colored roofs can reflect 30 to 60 percent.

Lower Energy Costs and Money-Saving Incentives

You may be able to access rebates and tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades. Lower operating costs also mean that your new cool roof pays for itself faster through lower energy bills and reduced maintenance.

Additionally, many utility companies in Georgia also offer rebates for installing cool roofing materials, and federal tax incentives can further lower your out-of-pocket cost. Through the Georgia Home Energy Rebatesprogram, eligible homeowners may be eligible to receive significant rebates on whole-home efficiency retrofits. The program can provide up to $16,000 in rebates per household for deep retrofits. 

Low- to moderate-income households may qualify for the Home Efficiency Rebates, which can total $2,000–$4,000 depending on energy savings.

Energy Efficient Cool Roof Technology for New Residential Buildings

If you’re building a new home or replacing the roof, installing a cool roof during construction or full replacement usually adds little or no extra cost to your total roofing project.

Utilizing cool roof technology when installing a new roof is straightforward, and many traditional roofing choices have energy-efficient variants. For example, white or light-colored shingles naturally reflect sunlight. When you plan a roofing project, you should ask your roofing contractor about installing light-colored materials or green roof systems.

A cool roof can also make your home more attractive to buyers. Energy efficiency is a growing priority, and homes with lower projected energy costs often sell faster and for higher prices. Homebuyers appreciate reduced cooling demands and lower expected utility bills.

The Environmental Benefits of Cool Roofing for You and Your Community

Cool roof technology provides benefits that can help the planet and your home’s energy efficiency. Consider just a few examples.

Efficient cooling for your family

By reducing cooling loads, your HVAC system circulates air more efficiently and spends less time on high-demand runs. This not only saves energy but also improves your home’s indoor air quality since fewer drafts and better humidity control mean less mold and mildew and better filtration of indoor pollutants overall.

Since cooling systems often remove humidity, a properly installed cool roof can help maintain balanced indoor moisture levels and prevent mold growth in attics and upper floors. Cleaner air and a healthier home environment are important environmental benefits you can enjoy alongside energy savings.

Cool roofs help cool down neighborhoods and improve air quality

When multiple residential buildings use cool roof technology, your community becomes a more enjoyable place to live.

Less power usage in the community

Fewer urban hotspots mean less extreme hot days, lower electricity demand at peak times, and less stress on the power grid during heat waves.

Lower greenhouse gas emissions

Less strain on the power grid means fewer greenhouse gas emissions since power plants burn less fuel. This reduces smog and other air pollutants.

When there are fewer greenhouse gases, our communities become healthier and more comfortable.

Cool roofs can lower outside temperatures by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption. This fights the urban heat island effect. What are heat islands?

Heat islands: What are they?

Think of standing barefoot on the sidewalk in the middle of summer—it’s scorching, right? Now, imagine stepping onto a grassy lawn just a few feet away. The ground would be much cooler. That’s the heat island effect in action.

Heat islands, or urban heat islands, happen when cities, dense neighborhoods, and suburbs get much hotter than nearby rural areas. Sections of a city can even be 15 to 20 degrees hotter than other neighborhoods in the same city. Why does this happen? 

The materials that we use in constructing rooftops and buildings absorb and radiate a lot of heat. Areas with many dark features, such as traditional roofs and asphalt pavement, can be noticeably or unbearably hotter than nearby rural areas. 

Urban heat islands can radiate heat long after sunset. Cool roofs and green roofs can help reduce this effect. 

What happens when multiple residential buildings choose to install cool roof technology? Multiple residential buildings using cool roofs can push back against heat islands by allowing local ambient temperature drops.

Health and comfort for all

Urban heat islands are prone to extreme heat temperatures. When the outside temperature is 90°F for 2 days or more, it is called “extreme heat.” According to one report, extreme heat is the deadliest climate hazard.

People of all ages can suffer heat-related illnesses—from toddlers to seniors. According to another report, not only can children experience heat differently from adults and are susceptible to heat-related health issues, but living in heat islands can worsen these effects.

Living in cooler surroundings can lower the risk of:

• Heat exhaustion
• Heat-related illnesses
• Stroke or cardiac arrest
• Respiratory emergencies and more

Cool roofs can shave several degrees off neighborhood air temperatures by breaking up urban heat zones, making outdoor walks and play safer for children and seniors.

Maximize Your Home’s Energy Efficiency With Cool Roofing Options

For a comfortable home that maximizes energy efficiency, a well-chosen, cool roof is a smart investment. Cool roof technology offers real benefits: lower energy costs, better indoor comfort, environmental advantages, and long-lasting performance.

If you’re ready to maximize your home’s energy efficiency, it makes sense to hire a reputable local roofing company like Findlay Roofing. Since we live and work here, we know local building codes and weather challenges.

Ready to learn more? Contact Findlay Roofing today to schedule your roofing consultation. Discover how a cool roof can transform your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.