
What is the coolest roofing material?
The expense of owning a commercial structure is something most of us will never understand. Things like the roofing, the heating and cooling, can be outrageous, and in Texas, the cooling is especially a cost factor for a large structure. Which is why when it comes to new roofing, cool roofing is the first choice for many commercial building owners.
The cool roof energy savings are big, even though the initial expense of installing can be more than most building owners want to spend. The research and reviews is assurance that cool roofing will be a money saver over time.
Although it may seem simple in choosing a roofing material, when you’re about to spend that money, as a commercial building owner in Texas, you want the best cool roofing material possible. Cool roofing isn’t the only factor though. Watertight and weather resistance are two concerns too. Today, the cool roof guidelines meet all the other factors that a commercial building owner needs and wants.
Because most commercial roofs are flat or low sloped, the choices in cool roofing materials are limited, but here the best in cool roofing choices:
- BUILT-UP ROOFING MEMBRANE – also referred to as BUR, this is the basic tar-and-gravel roof that commercial structures have had for year. Installed in multiple layers, this flexible roofing material cost can vary based on the number of layers installed as well as the square footage. This helps a building owner keep the installation expense down, which is why it is so popular. For cool roofing needs, this isn’t the best material.
- METAL ROOFING – a popular choice in commercial roofing because of the different types of metal that can be used. Because metal is susceptible to rust, adding protective layers for protection against the UV rays is recommended for structures in hot climates. Metal roofing is a pleasing aesthetic, fire resistance, durable, and flexible. However, while different types of metal can provide cool roofing benefits with sufficient insulation, for the budget, metal isn’t the first choice.
- MODIFIED BITUMEN ROOFING – this type of roofing is built from reinforced roof fabrics which act like “carriers” for bitumen. They are cut and installed in a manner similar to the BUR we described earlier, then attached to the commercial structure in a 2-ply system to give it the stability it needs for providing the building protection against the elements. With annual inspections, maintenance is minimal, and with added tensile strength, it can withstand regular foot traffic, a feature many commercial structures require. This is not a roofing material that is chosen for a cool roofing, although it does have some features in that regard.
- EPDM ROOFING – this thermoset roof membrane offers a long lifespan of durability, low maintenance, easy repairs, versatility, and easy installation. For cool roofing material EPDM has a strong ozone and UV resistance for a single-ply rubber material. For climates where cool weather is as prone to exist as hot weather, this roofing material remains flexible year round and is a chemically resistant material.
- TPO and PVC – these to materials are both a thermoplastic membrane that is lightweight and offers a high level of reflectiveness, keeping the heat of the sun minimal for the interior of the building. In areas like Texas where the weather is constantly changing, it is a weather resistant material, puncture and tear resistant, as well as bacterial and chemical resistant. Strong seams created during installation make this a roofing materials that is perfect for second-generation applications, a popular choice for building owners on tight budgets. A great cool roofing material because of its resistance and tolerance of high-temperatures, with a fire resistance and strong in high winds.
- GREEN ROOFING – the number one choice when cool roofing is the goal. This roof type is popular because of its cooling, sustainability, and versatility. Great for managing water drainage while providing energy efficiency and lending to nature’s beauty, this environmentally friendly roofing material is becoming more common and popular each year.
What color roof is the coolest?
If going with green roofing isn’t an option for a commercial structure, and engineering inspections are required for green roofing to confirm that, then any roofing membrane in white will be the coolest. If the slope of the roof makes white roofing undesirable, and the desire is for a cool roof and coating, a reflective coating can be installed, making it more aesthetically pleasing.
What color roof is most energy efficient?
In places like Texas, where the weather dictates the need for cool roofing, a light colored roof is the most energy efficient color. For that light color to provide the cool roofing effect though, the right roofing material is needed along with proper amount and type of insulation during cool roof installation.

Do cool roofs work?
Yes, when the right materials are chosen and installed correctly, cool roof benefits are ongoing. Cool roofing that is highly reflective keeping the interior temperatures during the summer as much as 60 degrees cooler, which reduces energy costs while keeping occupant comfort at a premium. This cuts back on maintenance expenses and increases the roof’s lifespan, which contributes to the reducing urban heat island effects. Call 460-562-1990 today for your cool roofing needs in Plano, TX.