Cool / Reflective Roofing (Special order)

A cool roof is a roof designed to reflect more sunlight and release more absorbed heat than a standard roof, keeping the roof surface and the attic below much cooler. It works by taking advantage of reflective materials, finishes, or coatings that bounce solar energy back into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it as heat, so less heat enters the building, and air conditioners are able to run less.

The main benefits are lower cooling costs, a more comfortable home with fewer hot spots, less strain resulting in a longer life for your air conditioner, and extended roof life from reduced heat stress. In Florida’s intense sun, those benefits are even greater than in milder climates. In addition to reducing heat buildup inside your attic and home, a reflective roof also helps reduce the heat buildup stored by the mass of your home’s exterior surfaces.

Reflective roofs reduce energy costs by keeping heat out of the building in the first place. By reflecting a large share of the sun’s energy, they keep the roof and attic cooler, so less heat radiates down into the living space and the cooling system cycles less often, lowering electricity use during the long Florida hot season.

Cost depends on the roof size and pitch, the reflective system you choose, and whether it is a new roof or a coating on an existing one. The most accurate way to estimate the cost of a cool roof upgrade is to schedule a free inspection. While there, we will provide a clear, written quote and show you how much the energy savings can offset your investment over time.

Good reflective options include cool-rated architectural shingles with reflective granules, metal roofing with reflective finishes, light or reflective concrete and clay tile, and white reflective single-ply membranes or coatings on flat roofs. The best choice depends on your roof type and goals, and we help you compare them based on your preferences and their reflectance ratings.

A cool roof generally lasts as long as, or longer than, a comparable traditional roof, often much longer, because reflecting heat reduces the thermal cycling that ages roofing materials. Reflective coatings can typically be renewed with a recoat to extend the surface, so a cool roof is a durable, as well as an efficient, choice.

Reflective roofs are low-maintenance, but a little care keeps them performing well. We recommend periodic inspections, keeping the surface and gutters clear of debris to keep the roof clean and reflective, and recoating a coated roof when the finish begins to wear. Keeping the surface clean preserves its reflectivity over time.

Reflective roofing can be installed on both existing and new roofs. On a sound existing flat or metal roof, a reflective coating adds cool-roof performance without replacement, while reflective shingles, tile, or metal are chosen for a new roof or re-roof. We recommend the approach that fits your roof’s condition and your goals.

Color has a real effect, since lighter colors naturally reflect more solar heat than dark ones. That said, reflective pigments now let mid-tone and even darker roofs achieve strong reflectance, so you can gain meaningful cooling benefits without choosing a white roof. We help you balance the look you want with the reflectance performance you need.

Consider your roof type and how long you plan to stay, the reflectance ratings of the options, your climate and energy goals, the look you want, and your budget. In Florida, hot-season savings are significant, so a higher Solar Reflectance Index and an Energy Star rating carry real value. We help you weigh all of these during the inspection.