cool roofing and climate

Roof insulation is specially important in cold climates (both for heating and cooling purposes), while cool roofing materials and roof coatings are specially important in hot climates. But one doesn't exclude the other, in any climate.

Cool roofs & Energy Savings in Air Conditioning

White metal, white elastomeric coating, new aluminum metal and other cool roofing materials are specially advantageous in hot and temperate climates. Roof coatings are also largely advantageous. They allow large air-conditioning savings.

In colder climates bet on cool roofing materials, cool roofing coatings and white and light-colors for your roof.

Colder climates & Cool Roofing Materials

Cool roof materials aren't so advantageous in colder climates. There is even some controversy and research on this issue, though most experts agree that reflective roof coatings and materials, or light roof colors, are more advantageous than traditional low-reflective and dark-colored roof materials, even in cold climates.

The higher heat gains provided by traditional roofs in winter do not compensate the higher energy bills that they are responsible for during the summer. But the main important in colder climates, for either cooling and heating benefits, is indeed roof insulation.