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My roof is a dark color and I've heard that painting it white will help keep the attic and house cooler. Is this true?
If so, what kind of paint should be used and who should I get (painter or roofer) to do it? How long will such a paint job last in hot Houston? Thanks so much!
Thanks! I'm having a guy come out next week at add some insulation -- and I'm looking at solar attic fans, as well.
I had just read about someone who had her roof painted white and how much it reduced her energy bills. If it works, even just a little, it seems as though it'd be worth the investment. However, I wouldnt want to do it if it has to be repainted every few years.
Thanks! I'm having a guy come out next week at add some insulation -- and I'm looking at solar attic fans, as well.
I had just read about someone who had her roof painted white and how much it reduced her energy bills. If it works, even just a little, it seems as though it'd be worth the investment. However, I wouldnt want to do it if it has to be repainted every few years.
Most important is if you paint your shingles you will void any warranty that might be on them. Painted shingles will also trap water beneath them and degrade the shingles faster. Shingles need to breath to dry. To answer the original question there are very few paints that would survive our Texas heat that way and most likely you would be repainting to maintain the coating. Those paints that would possibly survive are very expensive. There are what are called "Cool Roof" paints but those I have seen only warrant for basically 5 years. The reported quality "Cool Roof" coatings can be expensive and only worth applying if you have sufficient life left in the shingles to warrant a 5 year period.
There have been many studies about the differences between light and dark asphalt shingles and their affects on solar gain, attic temperatures, energy loss, etc. Depending on whose view (shingle manufacturer, cool roof coating installer, etc.) you will receive different opinions. Many of the studies performed though show relatively small differences in effects. I say relative because in the Houston temperatures (not much different from DFW) when this sun comes down that attic is going to get hot regardless if it is a white or dark shingle. I've been in enough of both during this heat and hot is hot!
All of the temperature issues can be partly or wholly compensated for using other means such as sufficient attic ventilation, additional insulation, some of the aftermarket radiant barriers, etc. In my opinion you are better off spending your money in these areas than using the "Cool roof" coatings on standard asphalt shingles. These other improvements will be around regardless of what shingle is placed over your decking. When you get near the time your roof requires replacing you can then investigate even better roof systems such as specially coated and configured galvalume roofs, etc. At that time you might even decide to invest in solar panels given your location.
Another vote to not bother with painting the shingles. One of my neighbors in Jax did it, and while he did reduce his attic temperature somewhat, he hasn't seen a very noticeable decrease in utility bills. Plus, he now has a hideously ugly roof.
Invest your money in insulation, ventilation, and radiant barrier, preferably in that order. Also, if your duct work runs through the attic, check for any leaks and make sure it is insulated properly, as well.
Thanks so much, everyone! Your comments and advice have made me decide against the roof painting. Hopefully, the added insulation and solar attic fans will do the job. Thanks again!
I live in a moblie home with no attic to insulate in Palm Springs, Calif. Was told my roof would last a little longer by painting it white. I have asphalt shingles that are already white. Any suggestions here???
We use elastomeric white coatings on flat or low-pitched roofs like your mobile all the time. The coating lasts about five years in our sun, then you usually just re-coat over top.
The coating is more expensive the first time, because they usually coat the roof with ordinary tar, embed some fabric, then more tar, then more fabric, then the white coating. Once it's done right, a re-coat is cheap & quick.
But we don't get nearly as much rain in Phoenix as you do in Florida.. Might be worth asking your neighbors with white roofs how theyre holding up?
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