How Roof Colors Affect Energy

The color of your roof is what makes it stand out. The right choice can be beautiful, eye-catching and appealing. What you might not know is that it also affects your energy bill. As an exterior remodeling contractor, we’d like to explain to you how your roof’s color affects your energy efficiency.

Color and Energy

Color is perceived thanks to light. Different spectrums affect the color and shade made visible. For example, an object that reflects all spectrums appears white. Meanwhile, an object that absorbs all spectrums appears black. That’s why people say not to wear a black top during a hot day. According to this theory, you’d be absorbing a lot of the light.


In the same manner, roofing shingles also are affected by the color. Lighter shingles have been proven to keep homes cooler during the summer days. Meanwhile, darker roofs absorb more solar heat and make the rooms hotter. This is known in residential roofing service as “the albedo effect.”

Cooling the Roof

Taking these principles into mind, one key to reducing energy savings is by changing the color. While many homeowners opt to change the material itself, that’s not always necessary. Scientists have found that lighter colors lead to significant changes in the energy bill.


Still, it’s not only the color that can make a difference. The key to a good roof is a well-insulated layer, too. Working together, a well-insulated roof with a cool color can be great for your home. For example, we recommend getting light blue or white for a well-insulated roof. The lighter color reflects more light, while the insulation diffuses heat better.


Timberland Exteriors has many years of experience in home improvement. We have helped clients with our different roofing and siding services, including roof replacement and redesign and hail storm damage restoration.


Contact us if you’d like to learn more about our services and products. We serve Detroit Lakes, MN and many other areas in Minnesota.

Schedule Your

Free Estimate

Contact Us

Convenient Financing Options

We Make Quality Exterior Remodeling Affordable

A group of people are standing in front of a house under construction.
May 8, 2024
Preparing your home for a roof installation is a crucial step to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Taking the time to get your home ready can significantly impact the efficiency and success of your roofing project.
A person is opening a window with a white handle.
April 26, 2024
In today’s environment-conscious market, energy-efficient windows have become a core component of home improvement projects, particularly in areas known for their harsh climates, such as Maplewood, MN.
A large white house with a black roof and red shutters
April 22, 2024
As the remnants of winter melt away and the first blooms of spring start gracing us in Maplewood, MN, it’s a signal for many homeowners to start contemplating home improvement projects that were put on hold during the colder months.
A blue house with white trim and a window
April 19, 2024
In the picturesque landscapes of Maplewood, MN, a home’s exterior is the visual handshake it extends to the neighborhood. Maintaining and enhancing the curb appeal of your property is crucial, not only for fostering a sense of pride but also for augmenting the value of your home.
Roof replacement
April 15, 2024
For homeowners in Maplewood, MN, and the surrounding areas, making decisions about roofing can be daunting. There’s a widespread practice known as a “roof-over,” where a new layer of shingles is installed over the existing one, which might seem cost-effective at first glance.
A large house with a large lawn and patio area in front of it.
March 29, 2024
One aspect that homeowners often overlook when tackling a siding installation or any home improvement project is the importance of a local contractor’s expertise.
An aerial view of a large house with a gray roof and blue shutters.
March 27, 2024
When embarking on a roofing project, the array of terminology used by professionals can sometimes be daunting. Understanding these terms is not just about making informed decisions for your home’s exterior but also about communicating effectively with your contractors.
A large house with a lush green lawn in front of it.
March 25, 2024
In the world of home improvement and design, a feature window isn’t just an opening in the wall; it’s a statement piece that transforms the aesthetics and functionality of your living spaces.
An aerial view of a residential neighborhood with houses and a pond.
March 22, 2024
Selecting the right color for your new roof is a significant decision that influences not only the aesthetic appeal of your home but also its resale value and compatibility with the surrounding environment. It needs to harmonize with the variable climate, as well as the architectural style of your home.
Show More