One relatively recent technology being used to a greater extent in residential homes is cool roofing. A cool roof is designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a typical one. This is usually achieved by having material on the outside of the roof that is exceptionally reflective, like paint, membrane, tiles, or shingles. Cool roofs can be especially useful in warm climates since they’re designed to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by a home. This means a lower peak electricity demand in the summer since air conditioning will run less frequently.
However, if you’re living in a northern, cooler climate, cool roofing may not be the best idea. In the winter, heat gains are very beneficial. These may not be possible if the cool roof is reflecting the minimal available sunlight. They can also accumulate moisture through condensation, so a cool roof in a cold climate may be more susceptible to water damage or other moisture issues.