Does a Black Roof Make Your House Hotter?

by | Jun 28, 2022 | Roofing

You’re likely familiar with the concept of the color black absorbing light and converting this into heat.

It’s why you’re advised to wear lighter colors on a hot day, especially white, to reduce heat build-up further.

But how does this concept apply to roofing? Is a black roof a good idea? Or does it make your house hotter?

A black roof will make your house hotter compared to other colors.

If you’re looking for a roofing company in Danville, Kentucky, then contact the team at Jacob’s Ladder today for a quote.

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Is a black roof a good idea?

In colder climates, black roofs can be a great idea and investment.

As the color black absorbs light, creating heat, the top of your house will be warmer than other colors.

Although subtle, this can help bring down heating costs in these colder climates, especially where you have the heating on most of the year.

But for hotter climates, black roofing is usually not the best idea. This is because the absorbed heat will heat up an already hot house, resulting in higher cooling costs through air conditioning (or other methods).

What are the disadvantages of a black roof?

Although you may be set on black roof shingles, there are a few potential disadvantages you should note:

  • Black roofs don’t reflect sunlight well – but you already knew this!
  • They are often less durable – the material used to make black shingles is sometimes less durable than others. Ask your supplier beforehand and compare lifespan to decide what color (and type) is best for you.
  • Increased moisture in the home – with added heat may come added moisture. This can lead to a build-up of mold, causing ventilation issues and perhaps other side effects if the mold is not dealt with in a timely manner.

What color roof is the coolest?

As you’d expect, white roofs are the coolest – these do not attract as much light and heat, allowing your house to stay a little cooler.

But then again, who has a white roof? You likely can’t remember the last time you saw one.

Instead, we see plenty of bronzes, browns, greys, and green shingles.

So, if you’re thinking about replacing your roof, think about the color you wish to choose for the best results (climate dependant, of course).

Does roof color affect temperature?

Yes! As previously mentioned, roof color does affect the temperature of your home (especially the upper floors).

In hotter climates, you should use lighter colors, such as whites, as these reflect light.

Alternatively, in colder climates, darker colors such as black are great for absorbing the heat and providing a little heat boost to the upper floors of your home.

The bottom line

Many people underestimate or do not give a second thought to the color of their roof.

Often, it’s a case of choosing a similar color roof to neighboring houses, fitting in, and ensuring your house does not look out of place.

But there’s a lot more thought that should go into what color your roof is.

As a general rule of thumb: hotter climates should choose lighter colors for their roof, and colder climates should choose darker colors.

If the climate you live in is mixed, perhaps with cold winter and hot summers, then somewhere in the middle is a great choice (brown or bronze).

Frequently asked questions

We’ve provided you with a short FAQ section below, answering a few commonly asked questions about roofing and roof colors.

Will a black roof make the house hotter?

Yes. A black roof will make the house hotter, but equally, a lighter shade will make the house cooler. So, choose your roof color depending on the climate you live in.

Is a black roof hotter than grey?

Black roofs will be hotter than grey, especially during the summer months and in hotter climates. However, the difference between a black and grey roof color and the heat absorption it provides is likely marginal.

What is the best color roof to reflect heat?

Lighter colors such as white are the best for reflecting heat, helping cool down your property with no additional air conditioning or cooling systems in place.

Local Reviews
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Jacob's Ladder Roofing and Restoration Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 12 customer reviews

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Got new roof for home and garage




Review of Jacob's Ladder Roofing and Restoration
DanvilleKY40422 37.6275-84.765

The whole team of Jacob's Ladder is fully committed to providing the best service for you. From quoting to invoicing and taking care of even the smallest of details like where to leave the satellite dish antenna. I'm really impressed with their level of attention to detail.


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Thorough and caring




Review of Jacob's Ladder Roofing and Restoration
DanvilleKY40422 37.6475-84.765

The Jacob's Ladder team very thoroughly inspected the roof and carried out the necessary repair work with utmost care.


Map of Danville, KY 40422

Awesome and professional job




Review of Jacob's Ladder Roofing and Restoration
DanvilleKY40422 37.6375-84.7725

They did an awesome and professional job, glad I chose Jacob's Ladder Inc.God bless your family and business.


Map of Danville, KY 40422

Jacob’s Ladder did a wonderful job on our roof




Review of Jacob's Ladder Roofing and Restoration
DanvilleKY40422 37.6475-84.7925

Jacob’s Ladder did a wonderful job on our roof. We got a new roof in one day, and the price was well below the other estimates we received. Thank you for being so professional and helpful!


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Satisfied




Review of Jacob's Ladder Roofing and Restoration
DanvilleKY40422 37.6525-84.775

We are very satisfied with the work!


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Took a Load off My Mind!




Review of Jacob's Ladder Roofing and Restoration
DanvilleKY40422 37.655-84.7825

I had a woman stop by in a car and give me a business card stating I had some missing shingles on my roof. I didn't see any but thought I might have a claim. Jacob's Ladder came out and checked it out for me. I ended up just needing some minors repairs. Sure am glad I had them take a good look!


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Fixed my leak




Review of Jacob's Ladder Roofing and Restoration
DanvilleKY40422 37.645-84.7925

I had storm damage from the recent tornado, and my roof was leaking in the utility room. Jacob's Ladder came out and fixed me up!


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Roof Installation




Review of Jacob's Ladder Roofing and Restoration
DanvilleKY40422 37.6475-84.79

We would highly recommend Jacob’s Ladder for your roofing needs. Our home was in need of a new roof before winter set in. Jacob’s Ladder walked us through every process to helping us with the insurance claim to explaining every detail regarding the roofing process. We also were given an additional recommendation for additional construction to have completed to coincide with the roofing process. We wanted to choose a locally owned company and their price matching was also an added benefit. Installation was fast and after completion, we were called to see if everything was completed to our satisfaction. A new roof is not something we were expecting to have to plan for but Andrea, Melinda, and Hugh made our process less stressful!


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So Professional!




Review of Jacob's Ladder Roofing and Restoration
DanvilleKY40422 37.65-84.7825

Jacobs Ladder did an amazing job on our roof! They communicated well with us throughout the whole process! Can't beat their workmanship warranty either!


Map of Danville, KY 40422

Our roof was done in one day!




Review of Jacob's Ladder Roofing and Restoration
DanvilleKY40422 37.605-84.69

This company was amazing. Personable and professional. The roofing crew was polite and fast. Would of never thought our roof could be done in one day. Thank you

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