White and light-colored roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat compared to traditional roofs. This reflective property can significantly reduce the amount of heat transferred into a building. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, conventional roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F or more on a sunny summer afternoon, while cool roofs can stay more than 50°F cooler under the same conditions.

This reduction in roof temperature translates to lower indoor temperatures, decreasing the need for air conditioning. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that in air-conditioned residential buildings, cool roofs can reduce peak cooling demand by 11–27%. This means homeowners can expect to see immediate, substantial savings on energy bills during the hot summer months. In Upstate South Carolina, where summers are long and hot, the cooling benefits outweigh any minor increase in your winter heating needs.