There’s no doubt that simple solutions to complex problems can be very appealing. And in this era of rising energy costs and concerns about the environment, choosing the right roofing system is one of the most complex problems that contractors, architects, building owners and specifiers must face. The simple solution to this challenge has somehow evolved to be: “White is always right.” In fact, the white roof bandwagon has gained so much steam that some cities are even saying that slapping white paint on a dark roof will solve problems ranging from saving energy to eliminating the heat islands that are melting the ice caps.
But, as with most simple solutions, the “white is right” mandate is getting a long second look now that it has been put to the test in the real world, and the empirical data is causing many authoritative roofing experts to say, “Not so fast.” Tom Hutchinson, a nationally recognized consultant on roofing issues, said, “Roof system design is a complex skill, and a successful roof system depends on the effective interrelationship of all its components. Attempting to effect change with a single component mandate is a faulty approach.”