This is a great question which has some answers in an ABC news article here
![](https://www.colourdreamland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Roof-dark-1024x473.jpg)
![](https://www.colourdreamland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Roof-light-1024x473.jpg)
The article completed research on the temperature of houses with dark roofs compared to those with light roofs with the difference of 10 degrees in some studies. It also estimated a cost saving of up to $700 per year on electricity by having a light coloured roof.
From personal experience I agree with the cooling effect of a light coloured roof. Especially important in Australia during the summer months. Having lived in houses with different roofs – Old Colorbond, red roof tiles and light coloured Colorbond I can feel the difference in summer. Living next to a house with a dark coloured roof who has the air conditioning running constantly, by comparison, we very rarely use the air conditioning in summer.
Other articles I have read asked the question of home builders why they chose a dark coloured roof? Some have said for the look, others for the lower cost that the project builder offered, and some didn’t realise a dark roof increased the inside temperature.
If you’re building a new home, do some research and comparisons of adding a light coloured roof rather than a dark roof. Using less air conditioning is great for the environment, and better for your wallet when the electricity bill comes in.