As summer temperatures soar, the heat beating down on your roof could silently increase your energy bill. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and the type of material you choose can dramatically impact how well it keeps your house cool.
In this post, we’ll compare metal vs. asphalt shingles, specifically looking at their performance during the summer months. We’ll also share how roofing professionals use tools like Pitch Gauge to make smarter, more energy-efficient decisions for their clients.
Why Roof Material Matters in the Summer
The roof you choose doesn’t just protect you from rain; it also determines how much heat is absorbed into your home. A poorly chosen roofing material can trap heat in your attic, force your HVAC system to work harder, and increase indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
Understanding which materials reflect sunlight and release heat efficiently can help lower cooling costs and improve comfort during the hottest months.
Asphalt Shingles: The Affordable Workhorse
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the U.S. because they’re affordable, widely available, and easy to install. However, asphalt doesn’t perform as well as its competitors when it comes to staying cool in the summer.
Key Points:
- Heat Retention: Asphalt absorbs significant solar heat, which can radiate into your attic space.
- Color Matters: Lighter-colored shingles reflect more sunlight but are still not as effective as metal.
- Cost Efficiency: While cheaper upfront, asphalt may lead to higher long-term cooling costs.
Metal Roofing: The Reflective Champion
Metal roofs may cost more initially, but they offer excellent thermal performance. They reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by up to 25%.
Key Points:
- Cool Roof Coatings: Many metal roofs have special reflective coatings that bounce sunlight away.
- Durability: Metal roofs last 40–70 years and are low maintenance.
- Eco-Friendly: Often made from recycled materials and fully recyclable at the end of life.
How Roof Pitch Impacts Heat—and How Pitch Gauge Helps
Roof pitch, or the angle of your roof, plays a massive role in how materials perform under the sun. A steep pitch may reduce heat transfer to the home’s interior, while a flat or low-slope roof can retain heat longer.
This is where Pitch Gauge comes in:
Roofing contractors across the country use Pitch Gauge to:
- Accurately measure roof slope in real time
- Generate roof reports with precise dimensions
- Choose the right materials based on pitch and region
- Provide clients with visuals and estimates that help them understand long-term energy savings
With PG Roof Reports, professionals can also assess how roof orientation, slope, and material choice work together to create a cooler, more efficient home.
Which Roof Should You Choose?
Choose Asphalt Shingles if:
- You’re on a tighter budget
- You live in a region with milder summers
- You’re planning to sell the home in the short term
Choose Metal Roofing if:
- Energy efficiency is a top priority
- You live in a hot or sunny climate
- You want a longer-lasting investment with long-term savings
Final Thoughts
Your roof does more than protect—it insulates, reflects, and regulates your home’s internal temperature. Choosing the right roofing material is one of the smartest moves to beat the summer heat.
And if you’re a contractor or homeowner looking for accuracy and insight, don’t make decisions in the dark. Pitch Gauge puts professional power in your pocket, helping you confidently analyze, plan, and execute.
Looking to upgrade your roof this summer?
Make sure your contractor uses Pitch Gauge for the most precise recommendations. The right roof and the right tools can make all the difference.