What is a cool roof?

A cool roof reflects sunlight and sheds absorbed heat to reduce heat entering a home. Solar reflectance measures the sunlight reflected; thermal emittance describes heat release. These properties distinguish it from conventional roofing. When choosing materials, compare both ratings rather than judging by color alone, and ask which products suit your roof.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated 2 November 2026

What this means for your home project

Read the proposed product’s solar reflectance and thermal emittance values on their 0-to-1 scale; identify which values are closer to 1. Source: Cool Roof Rating Council, read 2026-11-02.
Ask for a written roof scope naming the cool products offered, so you can look each up in the CRRC Rated Roof Products Directory. Source: Cool Roof Rating Council, read 2026-11-02.
Ask whether periodic cleaning is included in the maintenance scope, especially for a low-sloped roof; use the reply to identify ongoing upkeep. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-11-02.

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What are Solar Reflectance and Thermal Emittance?

Solar reflectance is the fraction of sunlight a surface reflects; thermal emittance describes how well it sheds absorbed heat. Both use a 0-to-1 scale, with 1 representing the most reflective or emissive surface. Compare the two values separately when reading product information. “Solar Reflectance is the fraction of solar energy that is reflected by the roof or wall’s surface.” Source: Cool Roof Rating Council, read 2026-11-02. “Thermal Emittance is a measurement of how well a material can shed the heat it absorbs.” Source: Cool Roof Rating Council, read 2026-11-02. “They are measured on a scale of 0 to 1 (0 to 100%), where 1 is the most reflective or emissive.” Source: Cool Roof Rating Council, read 2026-11-02.

What is Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)?

Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) combines reflectance and emittance into a calculated heat-rejection value. Its usual 0-to-100 range can extend below 0 or above 100; it is a different scale from either measured property. “Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is a calculated value that represents the ability of a roofing product to reject solar heat.” Source: Cool Roof Rating Council, read 2026-11-02. “The SRI values typically range between 0 and 100, with particularly hot materials having a negative value and particularly cool materials exceeding 100.” Source: Cool Roof Rating Council, read 2026-11-02.

Will a cool roof increase my heating bills during the winter?

Yes, it may increase heating demand in cold winters. Less absorbed sunlight can mean more energy for heating; discuss your heating season alongside cooling needs. “Because cool roofs reflect sunlight and reduce solar heat gain into a building, they may increase energy use in buildings during winter months in cold climates.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-11-02.

Are cool roofs affordable?

Costs depend on product type and upkeep. Reflective pigments can add cost compared with conventional pigments; periodic cleaning may add maintenance costs, especially on low-sloped roofs. “Products that use certain reflective pigments (e.g., infrared reflective pigments) tend to cost more than products with conventional pigments.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-11-02. “Ongoing costs of cool roofs may include periodic maintenance to keep the roof clean and maximize its reflectance, particularly for low-sloped cool roofs.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-11-02.

How do I get a Cool Roof or Cool Exterior Wall?

For a roof project, start with the cool products a contractor offers and look them up in the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) directory. Ask the written scope to identify each proposed product. Color alone does not establish reflectance performance. “Talk to your contractor about which “cool” products they offer, and look them up on the Rated Roof Products Directory and the Rated Wall Products Directory.” Source: Cool Roof Rating Council, read 2026-11-02. “Generally, lighter colored products are more reflective than darker colors, but color is not the only indicator of solar reflectance performance.” Source: Cool Roof Rating Council, read 2026-11-02.

Sources

General Cool Roof and Wall FAQs — Cool Roof Rating Council; read 2026-11-02.
Using Cool Roofs to Reduce Heat Islands — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; published 2026-06-18; read 2026-11-02.
For Home and Building Owners — Cool Roof Rating Council; read 2026-11-02.