Commercial flat roof systems have traditionally been black in color but the emergence of TPO/PVC roof systems have changed that mindset. The tone in the roofing industry is that white roofing equals a cooler roof surface and therefore more energy savings. Unfortunately, in the Pittsburgh area this is often used more as a sales strategy than actual technical fact. According to data from Roof Sense it is more energy effecient to install a black roof membrane in our area. Your project location would have to be as far south as Georgia in order to warrant the installation of a white roof membrane. This data has a lot do with the days we heat our buildings vs. the days we cool our buildings. Another added benefit of a black roof membrane is its ability to quickly melt snow and ice. Snow and ice that lingers on a white roof membrane will inevitably cause damage.
If your interested in installing a new, energy efficient, roof system let us run a Roof Sense analysis on your building.