(316) 927-2233As flat roofs are typically not visible from the ground, you typically don’t notice a commercial roof or its color. Color, then, is usually a performance and thermal efficiency question rather than a design question. In some areas of the country, like up North or in the mountains where snowfall is more frequent, black roofs are dominant because they melt snow faster and remove bearing loads from snow. In other parts of the country, like the South/Southwest where air conditioning is critical, white roofs are dominant because of lower cooling costs, or higher solar performance from reflected light onto rooftop solar arrays.
However, in the middle of the country, like where we are in Kansas and the lower Midwest, both dark and light roofs are common. Therefore, we get the question a lot: black roofs vs white roofs? In our market, which materials make more sense?
Color and Material Composition: Commercial Roofing
Material color selection isn’t independent of the material type. Modified bitumen (mod bit) EPDM, and other rubber membranes are typically dark. Older style rolled or mop-down (built-up) roofing are also dark because of the tar, and ballust systems with rock covering typically perform more like dark roofs from a thermal perspective. These dark roofing surface materials absorb heat by UV radiation. Just like wearing a dark shirt on a sunny day, a dark roof will become warm faster and remain warm longer than a light colored roof.
TPO, PVC, and metal are typically white or light-colored. Most roof coatings (retrofit coatings) are typically white as well. More reflected light means cooler surface temperatures and can mean lower energy costs for the building. However, it also means more glare if there are windows above the roofing, which can disrupt business. And similarly, light roofing tends to accumulate dust/dirt, and the dirtier look can be a downside for visible sections of roofing to some folks, like hotels, who care about the look of roofing materials from rooms above.
The color of a commercial roof is probably last on the list of priorities of business owners. But what many may not know is that the color of your roof has a significant impact on your business below.
Advantages of Black Commercial Roofing
Black commercial roofing options are typically made from modified bitumen, EPDM, or rubber roofing materials. Black naturally attracts heat; therefore, black commercial roofing systems are great for businesses in colder climates. By drawing heat, your black roof is more likely to keep your building warm and (if you only heat your building) lower your energy bills. This heating feature also reduces snow and ice forming on your roof and therefore reduces your maintenance costs and efforts.
If snow load is a concern, such as large spans or double layered roofing, narrowing a search to black roofing may make more sense. If your building use does not require cooling, then black roofing can lower maintenance costs. Finally, if glare is a concern, such as the roof of a lower lobby on the west or south side of a taller structure, dark roofing may make more sense for the comfort of the people working in the building above and aesthetic reasons.
Note that in dusty environments, like rural Kansas or life on the plains, black roofing won’t stay truly black over time. In general, we get feedback from customers that ‘dirty’ black roofs look better than ‘dirty’ white roofs because of the way dust accumulates in seams and corners – but often times with flat roofing, cosmetic appearance is only a minor concern.
Advantages of White Commercial Roofing
White commercial roofing systems are usually made from TPO, PVC, metal, or white coated metal roofing materials. Commonly referred to as the “cool roof”, white roofs are a great addition to businesses in warmer climates. They are capable of effectively reflecting light and heat away from your commercial roof. This reflection helps keep your commercial building cool, thus helping you save on your energy bills.
However, much like black commercial roofing, to reap the benefits of a cool roof, you need to keep your white roofing system well maintained and free of any dirt and debris.
As great as white commercial roofs are at keeping your building cool, they’re not the best at keeping your building warm in winter. You may end up spending more on heating your commercial building with a white roof.
When it comes to ice and snow formation, white roofing, unfortunately, is not as great as black roofing at getting rid of it. Snow and ice need to be removed as soon as possible because standing water can deteriorate your commercial roofing system.
Whichever color you decide to go for, rest assured that Rhoden Roofing will do an excellent job at installing your commercial roof. For all your roofing needs, give Rhoden Roofing a call today!
Summary
The color of your commercial roofing system affects how much heat is absorbed into the building, its ability to withstand harsh UV rays, how much heat it contributes to its surrounding environment and your energy bills at the end of the month.
While you can paint or coat your commercial roof any color you’d like, the most common commercial roofing colors are black and white. Today, we’ll be discussing the differences between these commercial roofing colors and how they may benefit your commercial roof and your business.
This article is part of our ‘Low Slope and Commercial Materials’ Series. Learn more about:
System Types and Surface Materials
- TPO vs EPDM
- TPO vs PVC
- Mechanically Attached vs Fully Adhered Roofing Systems
- Black Roofs vs White Roofs
- Is a Metal Roof Right for My Commercial Property?
- Can a Commercial Roof Coating Save Me Money
- 3 Best Commercial Roofs in Wichita, KS
Substrate Systems
- Polyiso Insulation vs EPS Insulation
- What Do I Need to Know About Tapered Roofing Insulation Panels?
