Solar reflective shingles vs. conventional (Phoenix: for sale, 2014, house)

[darap]

Well, the time has come for a new roof. We have an historic 1925 bungalow home here in Phoenix and have been doing research into different shingle options (yes shingles - I know tile is popular here but it just doesn't work aesthetically with our historic house). I've been doing some research into solar reflecting shingles and wonder if anyone has any experience with them. Do they truly make a difference in terms of reflecting solar energy/heat? Could they possibly reduce home heat gain here in Phoenix - especially during the summers?

Keep in mind that we are dealing with a historic home - single pane wood windows, very little insulation in the attic (something we plan to remedy in the near future) and no insulation in the walls. So we can use all of the solar gain prevention we can get. Are solar reflective shingles actually effective? We are wondering if it is worth the extra cost to go with solar reflective shingles as opposed to conventional shingles. If anyone has experience with them I'd appreciate any input. Many thanks!

[Zippyman]

I don't have experience with "reflecting" shingles, but I would caution you to really put a pencil to any expensive "energy saving" technology. If the cost is comparable to a quality standard shingle, it's a no-brainer, but there is a lot of snake-oil for sale out there. Not saying it doesn't work at all, only that the savings will never approach the increased cost.

Just for a point of reference - adding 10" of blown cellulose to my home (and over the garage) ~roughly 1800 sq foot cost about $850 a couple years ago (that was professionally installed) - that gives you an r-value of about R30-R35~ish depending on who you believe.. and more-importantly, cellulose slows down air leaks from the house to the attic.. In the winter months, that cellulose pays back about $0 per month - in the hot months, it might save $20. The house *is* more comfortable - the A/C started kicking on later in the day, it doesn't get as hot if you leave the A/C off.. but pencil-wise, it'll take a while to get that money back. That's one of the most-effective energy upgrades out there - everything else takes longer to pay back.

[darap]

Thanks for your input Zippyman. We are definitely being cautious and are doing our research on the shingles. I appreciate your cautionary advice.

Blown cellulose insulation is the next major home improvement item on our list. Glad to know you've noticed a positive difference.

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by darap

Well, the time has come for a new roof. We have an historic 1925 bungalow home here in Phoenix and have been doing research into different shingle options (yes shingles - I know tile is popular here but it just doesn't work aesthetically with our historic house). I've been doing some research into solar reflecting shingles and wonder if anyone has any experience with them. Do they truly make a difference in terms of reflecting solar energy/heat? Could they possibly reduce home heat gain here in Phoenix - especially during the summers?

Keep in mind that we are dealing with a historic home - single pane wood windows, very little insulation in the attic (something we plan to remedy in the near future) and no insulation in the walls. So we can use all of the solar gain prevention we can get. Are solar reflective shingles actually effective? We are wondering if it is worth the extra cost to go with solar reflective shingles as opposed to conventional shingles. If anyone has experience with them I'd appreciate any input. Many thanks!

Have you investigated getting a grant from the city to put on a roof that is historically correct? The previous owners of our 1941 house put on a new wood shingled roof and the city paid for half of it. You probably couldn't get the type of roof that you are describing but with the money that you save you could beef up insulation, etc.

Historic Preservation Exterior Rehabilitation Assistance Program - Official Site of the City of Phoenix

[darap]

Yes thanks, I have looked into a grant. I called the city and the deadline for grant funding for 2014 has passed. Sadly, they were unsure if any future funding would be available.

[Juram]

Originally Posted by darap

Well, the time has come for a new roof. We have an historic 1925 bungalow home here in Phoenix and have been doing research into different shingle options (yes shingles - I know tile is popular here but it just doesn't work aesthetically with our historic house). I've been doing some research into solar reflecting shingles and wonder if anyone has any experience with them. Do they truly make a difference in terms of reflecting solar energy/heat? Could they possibly reduce home heat gain here in Phoenix - especially during the summers?

Keep in mind that we are dealing with a historic home - single pane wood windows, very little insulation in the attic (something we plan to remedy in the near future) and no insulation in the walls. So we can use all of the solar gain prevention we can get. Are solar reflective shingles actually effective? We are wondering if it is worth the extra cost to go with solar reflective shingles as opposed to conventional shingles. If anyone has experience with them I'd appreciate any input. Many thanks!

It isn't worth the extra money, go with standard shingles, put the extra money into insulation, sun shades and windows, particularly those facing west and south.


If you can get about R-38 of blown in cellulose into the attic, you should be pretty good to go.

[LivingDeadGirl]

As long as we are discussing solar gain on a shingled roof, I need some advice. I am ready to reroof one large house, a guest cottage and a work shop (estimate of $15,000) My question is this: What is the difference, has anyone done research on solar gain as it relates to shingle color? I'd like to go from desert tan to a darker brown as my home(s) are a pale yellow with dark brown trim. Any ideas? thanx