Do Metal Roofs Make Your House Hotter?

Published on Wednesday August 21, 2024

Many homeowners choose metal roofs. They’re sleek and modern and add a distinguishing feature to their homes.

But do they make your house hotter? It’s a fair question since metal conducts heat. But the answer isn’t so straightforward.

Read on to learn more about metal roofs.

Do Metal Roofs Make Houses Hotter?

Metal roofs do not make a house hotter than other types of roof materials. Because metal roofs have a low thermal mass, they reflect light and heat rather than absorb it, like asphalt shingles. This means that rather than making your home hotter during the summer months, metal roofing actually helps keep it cool, increasing your home’s energy efficiency.

However, the degree to which your metal roof retains heat depends on the covering material and the construction of the roof itself.

How much your metal roof absorbs or reflects heat depends on the following factors:

Type of Finish

Metal exposed directly to sunlight will obviously heat up on its surface, but the degree to which it retains that heat depends on the finish of the material. Some coatings and finishes are available that are certified to reflect sunlight, helping keep your roof cooler even when exposed to direct sunlight.

Metal roofs from Long Homes are coated with Energy Star-rated Tri-Pigment Reflective Technology that reflects upwards of 70% of the sun’s solar energy to keep your home cool and reduce your energy needs.

Color Choice

Just as various finishes affect the heat absorption of metal surfaces, so does the color of the metal. Whether your roof is constructed with asphalt shingles, natural stone, or metal panels, dark colors will absorb more heat than light colors.

While metal does a much better job reflecting heat than other roofing materials, the surface temperature of a dark-colored metal roof is going to be higher. Make sure your roof is adequately ventilated to help reduce the amount of heat that leaks into your home.

Sun Exposure and Mass

The more direct sunlight a roof receives, the hotter it will become. As the sun goes down, your roof begins to cool until it reaches the same temperature as the air around it.

Heavier materials with more mass take longer to cool. However, most metal roofs are made from lightweight materials that lose heat faster, preventing that heat from transferring into your home.

Efficient Ventilation

An experienced roofing contractor will install your metal roof with plenty of ventilation. Combining ridge vents and soffits allows air to circulate out of the attic space, keeping your home cool in the summer and venting moisture out in the winter to prevent mold and mildew.