Cool Roofing in Myrtle Beach, SC
Beat the heat with reflective roofing systems that cut cooling costs 15-25% while protecting your home from hurricanes. The smart choice for South Carolina's hot, humid climate.
What is Cool Roofing?
Cool roofing refers to roofing materials specifically designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than conventional roofing products. While a standard dark asphalt roof can reach temperatures of 150-170 degrees F on a summer afternoon, a cool roof stays 50-60 degrees cooler under the same conditions. This dramatic temperature difference translates directly into lower cooling costs, improved indoor comfort, and reduced strain on your air conditioning system.
The science behind cool roofing is straightforward but powerful. Every roofing material has two key thermal properties: solar reflectance (also called albedo) measures how much sunlight is reflected away rather than absorbed, while thermal emittance measures how efficiently the roof radiates absorbed heat back into the atmosphere. High-performance cool roofs excel at both, achieving solar reflectance values of 0.25-0.65 (25-65% of sunlight reflected) compared to just 0.05-0.15 for standard dark roofs.
For Myrtle Beach homeowners, cool roofing addresses our region's biggest energy challenge: keeping homes comfortable during our long, hot summers. With average high temperatures exceeding 85 degrees F from May through September and humidity levels averaging 70-80%, air conditioning accounts for the largest portion of most households' electricity bills. By dramatically reducing heat transfer through the roof—which can account for up to 40% of a home's heat gain—cool roofing attacks energy costs at their source.
How Cool Roofs Work: The Science of Reflectivity
Solar Reflectance
Solar reflectance measures the fraction of solar energy reflected by the roof surface. A cool roof with 0.65 reflectance sends 65% of the sun's energy back into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it. This is achieved through light-colored surfaces, specialized pigments that reflect infrared radiation even in darker colors, and reflective coatings applied to metal or existing roofs. Higher reflectance equals less heat entering your home.
Thermal Emittance
Thermal emittance measures how efficiently a roof releases absorbed heat through radiation. A high-emittance roof (0.80-0.90) quickly radiates heat away rather than transferring it into the building below. Most roofing materials naturally have good emittance; the key is combining high emittance with high reflectance. Together, these properties minimize heat transfer into your attic space by 40-60%.
The Difference in Real Numbers
150-170 degrees F
Standard dark roof surface temperature on a sunny summer day
100-120 degrees F
Cool roof surface temperature under identical conditions
50-60 degrees F
Temperature reduction keeping your attic dramatically cooler
Why Cool Roofing is Perfect for Myrtle Beach Homes
Our coastal South Carolina climate makes cool roofing one of the smartest home investments available.
15-25% Cooling Savings
Myrtle Beach summers are brutal on energy bills. Cool roofing reduces attic temperatures by 30-50 degrees F, dramatically cutting air conditioning runtime. Most homeowners see $200-500 annual savings on cooling costs.
Improved Indoor Comfort
Beyond energy savings, cool roofing creates more consistent indoor temperatures. Fewer hot spots, reduced temperature swings, and more comfortable second floors. Your home feels cooler even when the AC cycles off.
Extended AC Life
When your air conditioner runs less frequently, it lasts longer. Cool roofing can extend HVAC system lifespan by 2-4 years by reducing wear and tear during peak cooling season, saving thousands in replacement costs.
Hurricane Protection
Cool metal roofing delivers both energy efficiency AND superior storm resistance. Standing seam metal with reflective coatings achieves 140+ mph wind ratings—essential protection for our hurricane-prone coast.
Environmental Benefits
Reduced energy consumption means a smaller carbon footprint. Cool roofing also helps combat the urban heat island effect, keeping neighborhoods cooler for everyone. Many cool roof materials are recyclable at end of life.
Longer Roof Lifespan
Reduced thermal stress means less expansion and contraction damage. Cool roofs experience less UV degradation and stay in better condition longer. Many cool roofs outlast their conventional counterparts by 5-10 years.
Types of Cool Roofing Materials
Weather Shield Roofing installs every type of cool roofing system to match your home's style and budget.
Cool Metal Roofing (Best Performance)
Metal roofing with reflective pigmented coatings offers the highest cool roof performance available. Standing seam metal roofing with Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 coatings achieves solar reflectance values of 0.50-0.70, reflecting the majority of solar energy. Stone-coated metal shingles provide traditional aesthetics with metal's superior thermal performance.
- 50-70% solar reflectance
- 50-70 year lifespan
- 140+ mph wind rating
- ENERGY STAR certified options
Best for: Homeowners wanting maximum energy savings AND hurricane protection
Cool Asphalt Shingles
Modern cool asphalt shingles use specially formulated granules that reflect infrared radiation while maintaining traditional appearance. Unlike older cool roofs that required light colors, today's cool shingles come in grays, browns, and even darker shades while still achieving ENERGY STAR certification. This is the most affordable cool roofing upgrade for existing asphalt roof replacements.
- 25-40% solar reflectance
- 20-30 year lifespan
- Traditional appearance
- Most affordable option
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners, HOA communities requiring shingle appearance
Reflective Roof Coatings
Reflective roof coatings transform existing roofs into cool roofs without full replacement. These elastomeric, acrylic, or silicone coatings are applied like paint, creating a seamless, reflective membrane. Coatings are ideal for flat roofs, metal roofs needing restoration, and homeowners wanting cool roof benefits without the expense of complete roof replacement.
- 50-85% solar reflectance
- 10-15 year coating life
- No tear-off required
- Extends existing roof life
Best for: Flat roofs, existing metal roofs, budget-friendly cool roof conversion
Cool Clay and Concrete Tiles
Clay and concrete tiles naturally reflect more heat than asphalt, and modern cool tile formulations enhance this with reflective pigments. Terra cotta, white, and light-colored tiles achieve excellent cool roof performance. These premium roofing options combine Mediterranean or Spanish Colonial aesthetics with superior energy efficiency and 50+ year durability.
- 30-60% solar reflectance
- 50-100 year lifespan
- Premium aesthetics
- Fire resistant (Class A)
Best for: Luxury homes, Spanish/Mediterranean architecture, long-term investment
Cool Roof vs Traditional Roof: The Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Roof | Cool Roof |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Reflectance | 5-15% | 25-70% |
| Summer Surface Temp | 150-170 degrees F | 100-120 degrees F |
| Attic Temperature | 130-150 degrees F | 90-110 degrees F |
| Annual Cooling Savings | Baseline | 15-25% reduction |
| HVAC Wear | Standard | Reduced 15-25% |
| Tax Credit Eligible | No | Yes (ENERGY STAR) |
| Environmental Impact | Higher energy use | Reduced carbon footprint |
Energy Savings for South Carolina Homes
South Carolina ranks among the top 10 states for air conditioning costs, with Myrtle Beach homeowners running AC systems 5-6 months per year. The Department of Energy estimates that properly installed cool roofing can reduce cooling energy consumption by 10-30% in hot climates. For Myrtle Beach specifically, with our combination of high temperatures, humidity, and intense sun exposure, homeowners typically see savings toward the higher end of this range.
Consider: a 2,000 square foot home in Myrtle Beach might spend $1,500-2,500 annually on cooling. A 20% reduction saves $300-500 per year. Over a 25-year roof lifespan, that's $7,500-12,500 in cumulative savings—often exceeding any premium paid for cool roofing materials. Add potential tax credits and insurance discounts, and cool roofing delivers compelling financial returns in addition to comfort benefits.
$300-500
Annual cooling cost savings for average Myrtle Beach home
30-50 degrees F
Attic temperature reduction in summer
5-6 Months
Of cooling season where savings accumulate
Cool Metal Roofing: Hurricane-Resistant AND Energy-Efficient
For Myrtle Beach homeowners, cool metal roofing represents the ultimate roofing solution—combining the energy efficiency of reflective technology with the storm protection essential for our hurricane-prone coast. This is not a compromise; modern cool metal roofing delivers maximum performance on both fronts.
Standing seam metal roofing with Kynar 500 or similar factory-applied finishes achieves solar reflectance values of 0.50-0.70, among the highest available. These same systems carry wind ratings of 140-180 mph, meeting or exceeding requirements for high-velocity hurricane zones. The combination is ideal for South Carolina: dramatically lower cooling costs during our hot summers, plus peace of mind during hurricane season.
Metal's durability further enhances the value proposition. While cool asphalt shingles last 20-30 years, cool metal roofing lasts 50-70 years with minimal maintenance. This means homeowners enjoy cool roof energy savings for decades longer. Additionally, energy-efficient metal roofing qualifies for insurance discounts (10-35% in some cases) due to superior fire and impact resistance, partially offsetting higher initial costs.
Why Cool Metal is the Smart Choice for Coastal SC
Dual Protection
Energy efficiency + hurricane resistance in one system
50-70 Year Lifespan
Cool roof savings for decades, not just one roof cycle
Salt Air Resistant
Aluminum or coated steel withstands coastal environment
Insurance Discounts
Many SC insurers offer 10-35% premium reductions
The "Heating Penalty" Myth: Why It Does Not Apply to Myrtle Beach
One concern homeowners sometimes raise about cool roofing is the "heating penalty"—the idea that by reflecting solar heat in summer, cool roofs also reduce beneficial heat gain in winter, increasing heating costs. While this is a valid consideration in northern climates with long, cold winters and short summers, it simply does not apply to Myrtle Beach and coastal South Carolina.
Consider the facts: Myrtle Beach has an average January temperature of 48 degrees F (comfortable) versus average July-August temperatures of 89-90 degrees F (requiring significant cooling). Our cooling season runs 5-6 months (May-October) while heating is needed only 2-3 months (December-February), and even then heating demands are mild. The math strongly favors cool roofing.
Department of Energy research confirms that in climate zones 3 and 4 (which includes South Carolina), the cooling savings from cool roofing substantially outweigh any heating penalty. For homes with any attic insulation at all, the heating penalty is further minimized because insulation reduces heat transfer in both directions. The conclusion is clear: cool roofing delivers strong net savings in our region.
Myrtle Beach Climate Facts Supporting Cool Roofing
- Cooling season (May-October): 6 months of AC running daily
- Heating season (Dec-Feb): Only 2-3 months, mild temperatures
- Average summer high: 89-90 degrees F (intense cooling needed)
- Average winter low: 37-40 degrees F (moderate heating needed)
- Annual cooling costs: 3-4x annual heating costs for most homes
Cool Roof Tax Credits and Incentives
Federal Tax Credit
The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit allows homeowners to claim up to $1,200 annually for qualifying energy efficiency improvements, including ENERGY STAR certified roofing products. Cool metal roofing with proper certifications typically qualifies. The credit covers 30% of material costs up to the annual limit.
Note: Tax laws change; verify current programs with a tax professional when planning your project.
Utility Rebates
Some South Carolina utility companies offer rebates for cool roof installation as part of demand-side management programs. Reduced peak cooling demand benefits the grid, and utilities may share those savings with customers who install qualifying cool roofing. Check with your electric provider for current programs.
Programs vary by utility and may have limited funding; apply early in your project planning.
Insurance Premium Discounts
While not a tax credit, many South Carolina insurance companies offer premium discounts of 10-35% for metal roofing due to superior fire resistance (Class A) and impact resistance (Class 4). Since most cool metal roofing qualifies, this provides ongoing savings that compound over the roof's 50-70 year lifespan. Contact your insurer to verify available discounts before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cool Roofing
What is cool roofing and how does it work?
How much can I save on energy bills with a cool roof in South Carolina?
What types of cool roofing materials are available?
Will a cool roof save money in winter or cause a heating penalty?
Are there tax credits or incentives for cool roofing in South Carolina?
Can I add cool roof properties to my existing roof?
Is cool metal roofing hurricane-resistant?
How long does cool roofing last compared to traditional roofing?
Ready to Cut Your Cooling Costs?
Weather Shield Roofing provides expert cool roof installation throughout Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, and the Grand Strand. Get a free consultation and estimate to discover how cool roofing can reduce your energy bills while protecting your home from South Carolina storms.
5.0 Star Rating | 81 Reviews | Licensed & Insured | Serving Coastal SC Since 2015