◆ The science
Reflective roof (cool roof): the science of reflectance
A roof that reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it. It's one of the interventions with the most measured evidence in climates like Panama's.
Quick answer
A cool roof reflects most of the solar radiation. White roofs reflect 60 to 90% of sunlight and can stay more than 28 °C cooler at the surface See. Panama's standard requires a roof reflectance of at least 70% See.
What the tropical studies measured
14.1 °C
Drop in roof surface (Singapore)
See evidence
2.4 °C
Drop in indoor air (Singapore)
See evidence
2.3 to 5.5 °C
Drop in indoor air (Jamaica and Brazil)
See evidence
◆ Gallardía
Your roof could be the point letting in the most heat.
A diagnosis determines exactly which layers your roof needs, without overselling. Gallardía assesses and installs.
◆ Sources for this page
Every important claim links to its evidence. Tap to see the source, its context and its limits: DOE Singapore Jamaica/Brazil Standard. Full bibliography in the evidence library.
What people ask most
In measured tropical studies, it lowered the roof surface by up to 14 °C and indoor air by 2 to 5 °C. The exact figure depends on your roof and insulation.
Panama's Sustainable Construction Guide requires a roof reflectance of at least 70%.