Extreme roof temperatures are a real problem.
Roof surfaces—especially dark asphalt on hot days—can reach temperatures exceeding 150°F, significantly heating homes and the streets around them.
This isn’t just a Georgia or Texas issue. We see it here in New Jersey too—especially during heat waves in July and August when asphalt rooftops bake under the sun. Even in “milder” Northeast climates, heat exposure adds up. That prolonged abuse to roofing materials shortens their lifespan, makes attic spaces unbearable, and drives up cooling costs in homes with A/C.
Why We’re Starting to Think Differently at Stern Roofing
Recently, we did a project in Gladstone, NJ on a home with both sloped and flat roofing sections. The pitched areas were traditional slate, but the flat section was failing—and prone to holding heat. Our repairs used reflective white materials on the flat roof, not just to fix the leak, but to help lower the surface temperature long term. The difference in heat absorption between the old and new sections was obvious—even mid-install.
Here is a work-in-progress picture.
We’re not saying every roof in New Jersey should be bright white. We’re not pushing a one-size-fits-all solution. But we are integrating these higher-reflectance materials into our workflow wherever they make sense—especially on flat or low-slope roofs, additions, garages, and porch extensions.
We’re not doing this because it looks good in a brochure. We’re doing it because the jobs last longer, and our crews don’t get called back for warranty issues. Cooler roof surfaces reduce material fatigue. Fewer temperature swings mean fewer cracks, fewer seams splitting open, and fewer failure points over time.
It’s Not Just About Temperature—It’s About Longevity and Cost of Ownership
Here’s what homeowners in New Jersey gain when they choose lighter-colored, more reflective roofing options:
- Lower attic temps = less strain on insulation and HVAC
- Extended roof material lifespan thanks to reduced UV and thermal stress
- Better moisture protection—less expansion and contraction means tighter seals
- Long-term energy savings even in temperate zones, especially on AC usage
- More resilient performance during future heat waves
It’s a Win-Win: Homeowners and Contractors Alike
The biggest myth is that cool roofing is just a Southern thing. That’s wrong. The energy savings are real. The material durability is measurable. And the cost differential is shrinking every year as more manufacturers lean into reflective options—even in earth tones.
For contractors like us, we win too. Fewer problems, better results, longer-lasting jobs. It’s not a marketing gimmick—it’s just smart construction.
We’re not here to sell trends. We’re here to build roofs that hold up. And when a better material lets us do that, we use it.
Why Are We Talking About This?
NPR recently published an OnPoint episode What are ‘cool roofs,’ and how do they work?. Atlanta has taken a legislative lead in driving the adoption of “cool roofs.” And that podcast spurred several observations from Stern Roofing founder, Aleks Krylov, which are summarized above.
Key Insights on “Cool Roofs”
Extreme roof temperatures are a real problem: Roof surfaces—especially dark asphalt on hot days—can reach temperatures exceeding 150°F, significantly heating homes and the streets around them.
Reflectivity and emissivity are the game-changers: Reflective materials reduce how much sunlight a roof absorbs (reflectivity), while emissivity determines how quickly it radiates absorbed heat back into the air. Cool roofs maximize both for better results.
Color and material choices matter: White or lighter-colored roofing materials reflect more sunlight and stay cooler. Advanced shingles now offer lighter hues (like pale grays or greens) with high reflectivity—for homeowners resistant to bright white roofs.
Energy savings are notable and cumulative: On homes with air conditioning, cool roofs can reduce peak cooling needs by around 11–27%, boost comfort, and slow the aging of roofing materials by reducing heat exposure.
Policy is driving adoption, from Ahmedabad to Atlanta: Programs range from painting slum rooftops white in Ahmedabad to a pioneering Atlanta ordinance requiring cool-roof materials for all new and replacement roofs—targeting up to 2.5°F of city-wide cooling.