February 19, 2025
February 20, 2025
Summers in Reno can be brutal, with temperatures reaching 39–40°C on the hottest days. Staying indoors seems like the best way to escape the sun, but if your home feels just as hot, your roof might be part of the problem.
Your roof absorbs, retains, and transfers heat, which can impact indoor temperatures more than you think. The right materials, roof cooling techniques, and insulation can help lower energy costs and keep your home comfortable year-round.
In this guide, our roofing company in Reno explains how your roof affects indoor comfort, the best roof cooling methods, and whether a new roof helps with cooling and heating.
Your roof deals with three types of heat transfer:
A well-designed roof helps slow or block these processes to keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Have you ever noticed how wearing a black shirt on a sunny day makes you sweat more than a white one? Your roof works the same way.
Dark-colored roofs absorb more heat, while lighter colors reflect it. That’s why homes in warmer climates often have light-colored or white roofs—to keep indoor temperatures down.
Different roofing materials also have unique heat-handling properties:
Even with the best roofing materials, poor insulation can make your home uncomfortable.
An inadequately insulated attic forces trapped heat into your living space. Consequently, your air conditioner has to work harder to cool the house.
Upgrading to high-performance insulation—like spray foam, fiberglass, or radiant barriers—helps stabilize indoor temperatures, reduces energy use, and keeps your home comfortable year-round.
One of the best ways to reduce indoor heat and lower energy bills is to keep your roof cool. Here are some of the most effective roof cooling techniques to consider.
Cool roof coatings are specially made from reflective paints or membranes that bounce sunlight away. These coatings can lower roof temperatures by up to 10°C.
Some roofing materials (like metal and tile) already have reflective properties. But if you’re not ready for a full roof replacement, a cool roof coating can improve heat resistance.
A well-ventilated roof prevents heat buildup in your attic. Without proper airflow, your attic can turn into an oven.
If your attic still gets too hot, you might need additional soffit vents or improved airflow. Consult roofers in Carson City, NV, to evaluate your ventilation system.
A green roof, or a living roof, is covered with vegetation to create a natural insulating layer. The soil and plants absorb sunlight and prevent heat from transferring into your home. At the same time, the greenery helps regulate temperatures by keeping the roof surface cooler.
Green roofs work best in urban areas where buildings trap heat. However, they require a strong structure to support the extra weight. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to cool your home and cut energy costs, they’re worth considering.
Older roofing materials tend to absorb and retain heat. If your roof is outdated or inefficient, replacing it with a new one can improve temperature regulation.
Modern roofing materials are designed to minimize heat absorption. Some of the best options include:
New roofing cooling methods include materials infused with phase-change technology that store and release heat as needed. Solar-reflective coatings and cool-roof systems can also reduce heat absorption and improve indoor comfort.
Although upgrading to an energy-efficient roof requires an initial investment, the long-term savings on cooling costs can make it worthwhile.
Metal Roofs:
Tile and Slate Roofs:
Reflective Asphalt Shingles:
Standard Asphalt Shingles:
Metal and tile roofs come with a higher upfront price tag, but they provide the greatest long-term energy savings. Additionally, these cool roof materials last twice as long (or more) as traditional asphalt shingles.
Another financial advantage is energy efficiency rebates and tax credits. Many states and utility companies offer incentives for homeowners who install cool roofs. You can find out more at the Cool Roof Rating Council’s website.
Here are some advanced strategies that can enhance your roof’s ability to regulate temperature, brought to you by our roofers in Reno, NV.
A radiant barrier is a reflective layer installed in the attic that helps block heat from entering the living space. Typically made of aluminum foil applied to a backing material, radiant barriers work by reflecting radiant heat away from the home instead of allowing it to be absorbed.
Homeowners in warm regions can see up to a 5-10% reduction in cooling costs when using radiant barriers as part of a complete roof cooling system.
Spray foam insulation seals air leaks and improves temperature control. It works especially well when paired with a well-ventilated roof.
Most people think about a roof’s impact on summer cooling. However, an energy-efficient roof is just as important for winter heating.
When built with insulated, reflective materials, a roof helps maintain a steady indoor temperature no matter the season. As a result, your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard.
Installing an energy-efficient roof can reduce heating and cooling costs significantly, depending on the materials used. Plus, homes with energy-efficient roofing have higher resale values.
Your roof plays a major role in indoor temperature control. If you’re considering an upgrade, now is the time to explore roof cooling methods that provide long-term savings and comfort.
At Mountain Vista Roofing, we specialize in energy-efficient roofing solutions that work for Reno’s climate. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward a stronger shelter over your head!
