What’s the Difference Between a White Roof and a Black Roof?

If you’ve ever wondered whether the color of your roof really makes a difference, you’re not alone. Many commercial property owners and managers ask us this exact question. At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we’ve been helping businesses make smart roofing decisions for over 40 years. And yes—the color of your roof absolutely impacts your building’s performance, comfort, and costs. 

Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your facility. 

How does roof color affect heat and energy costs?

The color of your commercial roofing membrane plays a big role in how much heat your building absorbs. On an 88-degree summer day, a black membrane roof can reach temperatures around 170 degrees. A white membrane roof, on the other hand, typically tops out around 95 degrees. That’s a huge difference. 

A white roof reflects most of the sun’s heat away from your building, helping to keep the interior cooler. If your building is air-conditioned, this translates directly into energy savings. Your HVAC system won’t have to work nearly as hard, reducing wear and tear and lowering your cooling costs. 

If you’re wondering whether this matters in Michigan or other northern climates—the answer is still yes. Even though summers are shorter up north, you still get months of strong sunlight. That solar heat builds up on black roofs and gets transferred into your building. With a white roof, you reduce that heat gain, helping your building stay cooler and more efficient. 

Will a white roof help if my building isn’t air-conditioned?

Absolutely. We’ve seen this first-hand. In one project, we converted a facility from a black roof to a white one. The building wasn’t even air-conditioned, but after the switch, employees noticed an immediate difference: “What did you do? It’s so much better working in here now!” 

Even if you’re not running air conditioning, a white roof lowers indoor temperatures, making it more comfortable for employees and visitors. Cooler working conditions can boost productivity, reduce fatigue, and improve morale—benefits that may not be easy to quantify but certainly add value. 

Does a black roof help in the winter?

Some people think a black roof can help melt snow and warm the building in winter. It sounds logical—but in reality, it doesn’t work that way. 

In northern winters, buildings are well-insulated to keep heat inside. Snow often covers the roof, providing extra insulation and reflecting sunlight because snow is white. Plus, the days are short and often cloudy, so there isn’t enough sun to meaningfully heat the building through the roof. 

So while a black roof doesn’t hurt your winter performance, it also doesn’t offer any real benefits during colder months. Meanwhile, the energy savings of a white roof pay off throughout the sunnier months of the year. 

What roofing materials come in white or black?

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is typically black, though there are versions coated with white. It’s a proven, durable system—but that black membrane will absorb heat. 

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is most commonly white. It’s a popular choice for commercial roofing because of its reflective properties and energy efficiency. TPO is available in other colors like gray, tan, or brown, but white is by far the most reflective and cost-effective option for managing heat gain. 

PVC membranes also come in white and perform similarly to TPO when it comes to reflecting sunlight and reducing cooling costs. 

Does roof ballast affect heat absorption?

You might notice some commercial roofs use gravel ballast—especially with EPDM systems. Gravel can help somewhat by covering the black membrane and reducing direct heat absorption. However, gravel surfaces are still much darker than white TPO or PVC membranes and won’t provide the same level of reflectivity or energy savings. 

One way to see this is by looking at satellite images of city rooftops. You’ll often spot bright white roofs scattered among darker ones. Those bright roofs are typically white membranes, chosen for their performance benefits. 

Does location matter when choosing roof color?

In the South, building owners are even more aware of the need for reflective roofing. In places like Nashville, you’ll find far more white roofs and fewer black EPDM systems. In northern climates like Michigan, you still see a lot of black roofs, sometimes due to outdated perceptions about winter benefits. 

But the truth is: regardless of location, a white roof generally provides more advantages. You’ll get tangible energy savings if your building is air-conditioned and improved comfort if it’s not. 

How can I calculate potential savings for my building?

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we often use tools from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), such as their energy calculator. This allows us to model different scenarios based on your building’s specifics: roof color, insulation levels, HVAC usage, and more. 

We can show you how different roofing options will impact your energy costs over the next 30 years. Even modest increases in insulation often pay for themselves in just a few years through energy savings. 

And because every building is different, we tailor roofing specifications to match your goals—whether you want to maximize comfort, lower utility bills, extend roof lifespan, or all of the above. 

If it were our roof, we’d choose a white membrane—and many of our clients who’ve made the switch say they’d never go back. 

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we are committed to helping you find transparent, cost-efficient solutions that protect your roof investment and keep your building running smoothly. If you have any questions or would like to explore options for your property, we’re here to help. Contact us today.