Home roof replacement in your near future?
Here is what is said about many homeowners who are about to replace the roof of their home ⇒ the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) will initially not be all that important to them. This because what could be more of a priority, to that homeowner, is that the roof color needs to be coordinated with and/or be complementary to the current color scheme of their home exterior walls and trim.
If it is within your budget, the homeowner can also choose to change the colors of the exterior to complement the new roof color. Either way, initially the LRV is not what one thinks of first while in the initial process to purchase a new roof. I get it-believe me-I get it, the cosmetics in regards to “the look” of your home is important.
All I want to get across here is that a homeowner, who is about to purchase a roof, needs to know and understand what LRV is. In regards to a roof, the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures the amount of sunlight that reflects from roofing tiles or shingles. Typically, the lighter color roofing will have a “higher” LRV than darker colors.
Keep in mind; That the darkness or lightness of your roof does affect how much heat is absorbed into your attic. Also simply know that the darker color roofs tend to absorb more heat from sunlight, this in itself traps the heat on the roof, thus the heat will work its way into your attic and eventually will force itself down into the “living space” of your home.
A darker roof in the summertime can most definitely mean higher indoor temperatures and higher energy bills due to the air conditioner having to worker harder and longer to cool down the house.
Lighter roof colors on the other hand reflect more sunlight (higher LRV), meaning your attic and living space will be much cooler. With lighter color roofs, your home will not only be cooler but will also be more energy-efficient during the "peak cooling demand" due to those hot summer sunny days.
While both darker and lighter color roofs provide their own advantages and disadvantages, the content of this message does not mean that I am advocating for you to only select and purchase a light color roof.
Bottom line is don’t flat-out be timid in purchasing a darker roof color if that’s what you prefer. Choose a roof that works best for your home and also think about the marketability and/or "the look" of your home if for some unforeseen reason you have to sell it “down the road” of your life.
A side note here: if you live in a neighborhood governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), make sure you communicate with them in regards to what are the allowable roof colors within and/or stated in their Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&R's).
Oscar Castillo : BROKER - REALTOR®
DRE # 01140298
(858) 775-1057
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