How to Keep Your Roof Cool in Summer

Written By Cody Profitt

When summer temperatures soar—especially in Texas—your roof becomes the first line of defense against the heat. But did you know extreme sun exposure can actually damage your roofing system and drive up your energy bills?

How to keep your roof cool?

At Comanche Roofing, we’re here to share expert tips on how to keep your roof cool in summer, protect your home, and save on cooling costs.

1. Use Reflective Roofing Materials

The color and type of material on your roof plays a huge role in how much heat it absorbs.

Cool roofing systems, like TPO or white-coated flat roofs, are designed to reflect sunlight and lower surface temperatures.
If you have shingles, consider light-colored or specially coated “cool shingles” that help reduce heat absorption.

Upgrading your roofing material is one of the most effective ways to keep your roof cool in summer.

2. Install a Radiant Barrier

A radiant barrier is a reflective layer (usually aluminum foil) installed in your attic or under the roof deck. It reflects radiant heat away from your home and reduces the amount of heat that enters your living space.

Great for homes with poor attic ventilation
Helps your AC work more efficiently during extreme heat

3. Improve Roof Ventilation

Proper ventilation helps release trapped hot air from your attic, which reduces heat buildup under the roof and keeps indoor temperatures more comfortable.

Install ridge vents, soffit vents, or solar-powered attic fans.
Good airflow reduces the risk of heat-related roof damage and mold growth.

4. Add Roof Coatings (Especially for Flat Roofs)

If you have a flat or low-slope roof, applying a white reflective roof coating can significantly reduce surface temperatures.

Reflective coatings can lower roof surface temps by up to 50°F
Extend the life of your roof by minimizing UV damage and cracking

5. Insulate Your Attic

Even with a solid roofing system, poor attic insulation can lead to heat gain inside your home.

Use spray foam, blown-in, or batt insulation to help keep heat out and cool air in.
A properly insulated attic works with your roof to create a strong thermal barrier.

6. Keep Gutters & Roof Surface Clean

Debris like leaves, dirt, or moss can trap heat and moisture on your roof, causing faster deterioration in summer.

Clean gutters regularly
Trim overhanging branches
Wash down flat roof surfaces as needed

How Summer Heat Affects Different Roof Types

Not all roofs react to heat the same way. Here’s how summer temperatures impact the most common roofing materials:

Shingle Roofs

Cracking & Curling: Asphalt shingles absorb heat and may crack, curl, or lose granules under prolonged UV exposure.
Color Fading: Dark-colored shingles fade faster in the sun.
Shortened Lifespan: Without maintenance, heat can reduce the life of a shingle roof by several years.

Metal Roofs

Thermal Expansion: Metal expands and contracts with temperature swings, which can loosen fasteners and cause seams to shift.
Surface Fading: Prolonged sun exposure can cause the finish or coating to fade or degrade over time.
Noise: Expansion and contraction may lead to creaking or popping sounds, especially if the metal is improperly installed.

Flat Roofs (TPO, EPDM, Built-Up)

Heat Absorption: Flat roofs absorb more heat due to their horizontal design, raising indoor temps and stressing HVAC systems.
Membrane Breakdown: UV rays can cause materials to dry out, crack, or blister.
Ponding Risks: After summer storms, water may collect on flat roofs. Heat speeds up deterioration in these water-damaged areas.

Why Summer Roof Care Matters

Prolonged heat exposure can:

Cause shingles to crack or curl
Damage flat roof membranes
Increase the risk of leaks
Raise your energy bills

Let Comanche Roofing Help You Beat the Heat

Whether you’re interested in reflective coatings, improved ventilation, or a full roofing upgrade, Comanche Roofing is here to help you protect your home from the summer heat.