Materials & Shingles · FAQ

Does shingle color affect energy bills in Illinois summers?

Modestly, but the effect is smaller than ventilation. A light gray or white shingle reflects 25 to 30% of solar radiation versus 5 to 10% for black, which can lower attic temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees on a July afternoon. That translates to roughly a 5 to 8% reduction in cooling cost on a typical Madison County home.

The bigger lever is attic ventilation. Trill’s measurements show that a properly sized ridge vent system drops attic temperature 25 to 30 degrees regardless of shingle color. If you want the energy gain, prioritize ventilation. Choose shingle color for curb appeal and neighborhood fit.