If you’ve ever touched a car hood on a hot day, you already know how much roofing materials can heat up in the sun. That heat doesn’t just stay on the roof—it seeps into your attic, your walls, and ultimately your living space. Which raises the question many homeowners are asking: Are metal roofs cooler than shingles?
The answer is yes—metal roofing is generally cooler than asphalt shingles, thanks to its natural reflectivity and heat-shedding properties. But like most things in roofing, there’s nuance. Some shingles can reflect heat too, and factors like roof color, insulation, and ventilation also play a role.
Let’s break it down in plain terms, so you can decide which roofing material is best for your comfort, energy savings, and long-term value.
How Roofing Materials Handle Heat
Every roofing system performs differently under the sun. Some reflect the sun’s rays, while others absorb them and radiate that heat inward. These differences directly affect how hot your home feels—and how hard your air conditioning system works to keep it cool.
Metal roofing is highly reflective by nature. Especially when paired with light-colored finishes or cool roof coatings, metal roofs bounce solar radiation back into the atmosphere instead of transferring it into your home.
Asphalt shingles, by contrast, are more prone to heat absorption. They’re made from a mixture of asphalt and granules, which retain heat for longer. That’s why an asphalt roofing system can feel much hotter to the touch, and why homes with shingle roofs may feel warmer inside—especially in summer.
How Metal Roofs Keep Homes Cooler
Reflecting Heat Instead of Absorbing It
Metal roofing is engineered to reflect the sun’s rays. That means less solar energy is transferred into the structure below, which translates to cooler attic spaces and lower interior temperatures. This ability to reflect radiant heat is one of the core reasons metal roofs are more energy efficient than traditional roofing systems.
Even when temperatures spike into the 90s or above, metal roofing panels stay cooler than many other materials. The surface may still feel warm, but the overall heat transfer is significantly lower.
Emissivity: The Hidden Factor in Staying Cool
Beyond reflectivity, there’s another factor at play—emissivity. This is a material’s ability to release heat once it has been absorbed.
Metal roofing doesn’t just resist heat—it cools off quickly. Even after a long day of sun exposure, a metal roof can shed heat rapidly as temperatures drop. Asphalt shingles, however, hold onto that heat much longer, radiating it into the attic and interior well after the sun has set.
The result? Homes with metal roofing often feel cooler for longer—without having to run the AC as much.
Roofing Color Plays a Role
It’s not just about material—it’s also about color. Light-colored roofs reflect more sunlight, while darker roofs absorb more heat.
A light-colored metal roof offers one of the best combinations for a cool home: high reflectivity, fast heat release, and modern aesthetic appeal.
Asphalt shingles can also come in lighter tones, and some modern shingle systems include reflective granules. But even so, asphalt rarely matches the total cooling power of a well-installed metal system.
How Shingle Roofing Compares
While it’s true that asphalt shingles have improved in performance over the years—especially with cool roof technology—they still absorb more heat than metal roofing. The composition of shingles is fundamentally different: fiberglass or organic mats coated in asphalt and mineral granules.
That structure makes them slower to cool off and more likely to retain solar energy, especially in high-heat zones.
Some shingle manufacturers now offer Energy Star-rated “cool shingles” with reflective granules. These can help reduce heat absorption compared to standard shingles—but they still don’t reflect as much as metal, nor do they cool down as quickly once the sun goes down.
The Role of Ventilation and Insulation
No matter which roofing material you choose, insulation and attic ventilation play a big role in indoor comfort.
Even the most energy-efficient roofing system can underperform if there’s inadequate attic airflow or insufficient insulation in the roof deck. That’s why Mountaintop Metal Roofing always evaluates the full system—not just the surface. A well-vented attic paired with a reflective metal roof can reduce cooling costs dramatically, especially during peak summer months.
On the flip side, if you install a shingle roofing system over poor insulation, your AC might be working overtime just to keep the upstairs livable.
Durability and Longevity in Hot Climates
Hot weather doesn’t just make your home uncomfortable—it can shorten the lifespan of your roof.
Asphalt shingles are prone to cracking, curling, and premature aging under prolonged UV exposure. In hotter regions, that means more frequent repairs or even full replacements long before the warranty ends.
Metal roofing, by contrast, thrives in high heat. Its durability and longevity are unmatched—especially when you use premium materials like aluminum or steel coated with UV-resistant paint. Homes in sunny climates benefit not just from cooler interiors, but from fewer long-term maintenance concerns.
Can Asphalt Shingles Be Cooler Than Metal?
In some specific cases—such as shaded homes, high-end reflective shingles, or well-insulated attics—shingle roofing can perform fairly well. Certain shingles with cool roof ratings offer decent reflectivity, especially in lighter colors.
But even in those cases, metal often performs better over time. Its heat-reflecting properties don’t degrade like granules on shingles can. And because metal sheds heat faster, the house returns to a comfortable temperature more quickly in the evening.
So while asphalt shingles can be made to stay “cooler” than they used to, they rarely beat metal roofing in direct comparisons—especially over the full life of the roof.
How Much Cooler Can Metal Roofing Make Your Home?
Studies show that homes with metal roofs can reduce attic temperatures by up to 20–40°F compared to asphalt shingle homes. That difference can translate to 10–15% lower air conditioning demand—especially in southern and sun-drenched areas.
Even in the Pacific Northwest, where we don’t see triple-digit heat daily, homes with reflective metal roofs enjoy lower interior temperatures and lower energy bills during the summer.
And when you combine cool roofing with modern insulation, energy-efficient windows, and smart HVAC systems, the savings really add up.
FAQs About Metal Roofs and Home Temperature
1. Are metal roofs cooler than shingles in the summer?
Yes. Metal roofing reflects the sun’s rays, sheds heat quickly, and keeps attic and living spaces cooler. This leads to lower AC usage and more comfortable indoor temperatures.
2. Does the color of a metal roof affect heat retention?
Definitely. Light-colored metal roofs reflect more solar energy and help keep homes cooler. Darker colors absorb more heat—but even dark metal roofs reflect more than dark shingles.
3. Can cool asphalt shingles compete with metal in energy efficiency?
Some asphalt shingles have reflective granules that offer moderate solar reflectance. But overall, metal is more reflective, releases heat faster, and lasts longer with less performance degradation over time.
4. Is it worth upgrading from shingles to metal for cooling benefits alone?
If you live in a warm climate or want to reduce cooling costs, a metal roof can be a smart investment. The energy savings combined with longer lifespan and low maintenance make it cost-effective in the long run.
5. Will a metal roof make my home colder in winter?
No. Metal roofs are energy efficient year-round. With proper insulation, they retain indoor warmth in winter just like any quality roofing system. The key is in the overall roof assembly—not just the outer surface.
Keep Your Home Cool—Without Compromising on Style or Strength
So, are metal roofs cooler than shingles? Yes—and not just in terms of temperature. They reflect heat, lower energy bills, and add modern, durable beauty to your home. In short, they’re built to perform under pressure—season after season.
At Mountaintop Metal Roofing, we specialize in premium aluminum and steel systems that offer long-term comfort, curb appeal, and peace of mind. Our metal roofs are designed to be energy efficient, long-lasting, and tailored to your home’s needs. And with a lifetime, non-prorated, transferable warranty, you’ll never have to wonder if your roof is doing its job.
Request a free estimate today or contact our team to learn more about upgrading to a roof that keeps your home cooler—and performs better—for life.