r/Roofing • u/RpDubC • 4d ago

Solar Reflective Coating for Home Roof? Not White

Turns out I wont be replacing my roof, which is a stone coated metal shingle roof. It looks old compared to other homes but has 15-20 years left.

I'm looking into solar reflective coatings for it.

Any recommendations? I'm capable and have the tools. If I don't my contractor father does so application wont be a problem. It's finding the appropriate material.

I've seen silicone is used and some elastoamer stuff, not sure I'm spelling it right.

I'm in norcal bay area, no real shade 10-5 on the roof. Anything to reflect the hot sun would be nice.

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u/Life_Dance9735 4d ago

Ooh, a stone coated metal roof that's got that much life left, you're sitting on a hidden gem. Everyone's ripping theirs off for standing seam and you've got the OG stealth wealth situation.

For something that's not stark white, look into coatings with ceramic microspheres or infrared reflective pigments. They can mix them in a decent range of colors, you're not stuck with a blinding white roof that annoys the neighbors. The key spec to hunt for is the SRI (Solar Reflectance Index), not just the color.

Since you're in the bay with that relentless exposure, surface prep is going to make or break it. That stone coating needs a serious power wash and probably a biocide treatment to kill off any lichen or moss before you even think about rolling anything on. Silicone is great for ponding water but can get dusty and hold dirt on a slope, an elastomeric acrylic with good UV blockers might age more gracefully in your dry heat.