We’ve got a “cool roof.” Years ago, the mudroom and attached garage, with dark rolled roofing on sort of flat roofs, were SO hot that Alan got a bucket of “roof paint” and painted it white. WHAT A DIFFERENCE THAT MADE. White rubber paint — who knew! Sooooo, when it was time to get a new roof, well, way past time, we went for a white metal roof. Not only will we not need another roof in our lifetimes, but it’s WAY COOL!

On the way home from the North Shore this week, there was a great piece on MPR, “On Point” about “cool roofs” and a building code change enacted by the City of Atlanta. This is something I’ve advocated before our City Council during our first summer with our white roof, and our state House Energy Committee too. It’s SO simple, and it makes a HUGE difference.

What are ‘cool roofs,’ and how do they work?

YES, I’M SHOUTING — IT’S REAL! They DO work!

In that program above, there’s a lot of info about heat islands, and how roofs can heat up not only the building they cover, but around the building too. Heat island effect is also a valid issue with the large solar projects, we brought it up in both the ~3,500 acre Badger Hollow and ~2,500 Grant County solar dockets. The dark panels in the sun can raise temperatures of the surrounding area.

For example:

Heat island effect can be significant — from What are ‘cool roofs,’ and how do they work?:

Through ordinances, it’s possible to have a dramatic impact, lowering temperatures in cities.

Here’s the City of Atlanta’s press release about their ordinance:

Atlanta City Council Member Liliana Bakhtiari and Health Leaders Issue Statements Following Approval of Smart Surface Policy

Here’s the Atlanta ordinance – linked here:

CITY COUNCIL
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
25-O-1310
Last Updated: 05/30/25 Page 1 of 9
AN ORDINANCE BY COUNCILMEMBERS LILIANA BAKHTIARI, JASON WINSTON, AMIR
FAROKHI, BYRON D. AMOS, JASON DOZIER, MATT WESTMORELAND, ESHÉ COLLINS,
MICHAEL JULIAN BOND, MARCI COLLIER OVERSTREET, ANDREA L. BOONE, DUSTIN
HILLIS, ALEX WAN, HOWARD SHOOK AND MARY NORWOOD AS AMENDED BY COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT/HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE TO AMEND THE CITY OF ATLANTA
BUILDING CODE TO ADD A NEW SECTION FOR ROOFING REFLECTANCE STANDARDS TO
REDUCE HEAT PRODUCED BY DARKER ROOFING MATERIALS; AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.(FAVORABLE BY CITY UTILITIES COMMITTEE 5/27/25 4 YEAS 2 ABSTENTION)

Something to know — it’s about reflectivity, and so it doesn’t need to be white! There are many colors of roofing materials designed to be reflective! The “white roof” has been an issue when I’ve raised the coolness of white roofs. Some folks really don’t like the looks of them… and listening to the radio, I learned there are color options! From the link: What are ‘cool roofs,’ and how do they work?

Is it that simple? Yes, it is. Our roof proves it! If you’re going to be spending money on a new roof, whether taken out by one of the more frequent storms, or just old age, it pays to choose a reflective roof.

Now, cities and states, it’s time to update your ordinances for this simple and oh-so-cost-effective way to lower warming of the environment AND lower your air conditioning bill.