In 1991, researchers coated a Merritt Island home’s green-gray shingle roof with reflective material; the shingles reached about 110°F after treatment

Dark roofs tend to soak up heat from the sun, resulting in higher air conditioning demands and costs. Utilizing reflective roofing materials can significantly decrease surface temperatures by up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Research indicates that cool roofs can cut down cooling energy needs by roughly twenty percent. Although homebuyers often favor dark shingles for aesthetics and durability, lighter, reflective roofing alternatives can provide greater benefits in many climates.