This Obscure But Powerful “Dark Roof” Lobby May Be Making Your City Hotter Reflective roofs can reduce energy bills and make urban areas livable. Roofing manufacturers have other priorities.

So in 2023, he used $100 worth of white reflective roof paint to coat his roof. Henry said he and his wife immediately saw the indoor temperature drop. They reduced their electricity use by 24%.

A new roof isn’t just a protective shell—it’s a smart energy investment,” says Ahmad Faiz, roofing expert at Achilles Roofing and Exterior in Houston, Texas. “Whether you’re upgrading due to age, ...