How it works
Dark or dirty roofs absorb sunlight and heat up — sometimes far hotter than the air temperature on a summer afternoon. A clean white coating reflects a large share of that sunlight. The roof surface stays cooler, and less heat moves down into the house.
Where it helps most
- Single-story homes where the roof is right above living space
- Homes with little or no attic space
- Manufactured homes and metal roofs
- Rooms that bake in the afternoon
- Homes with refrigerated air running much of the summer
Keep it clean
A coating that's turned gray from dust and age reflects much less sunlight than when it was new. Washing the roof and recoating on schedule keeps the benefit. In Rio Rancho's dusty wind, a roof can dull faster than you'd expect.
Realistic expectations
A cool roof isn't a substitute for insulation or a working AC system. Savings vary with the home, the insulation, how you cool it and how you use it. But on a sun-exposed flat roof, reflecting the heat away is one of the simplest improvements there is.
Swamp coolers and reflective roofs
A cooler roof surface doesn't just help with refrigerated air. Evaporative coolers on a white roof sit in less radiated heat, too.
Want to know if your roof is due for a fresh white coat? Call (505) 448-1467.
Common questions
Will my utility pay for a cool roof?
Rebates change. Check with your electric provider.
Does the color have to be white?
White reflects the most. Light colors reflect less but still more than dark ones.