Colorado’s high altitude means stronger solar exposure and big daily temperature swings. In Denver, the Front Range, and up to Cheyenne, roof surfaces can get extremely hot on sunny days—driving up cooling costs and stressing building materials. A properly designed cool roof reflects more sunlight and releases heat more efficiently, helping lower indoor temperatures, reduce energy bills, and extend roof service life.
Below, AC INC. Roofing explains how cool roofs work, which materials perform best in our climate, and practical considerations for homes, multifamily properties, and commercial buildings.
What makes a roof “cool”?
A cool roof is engineered to stay cooler in the sun by maximizing two properties:
- Solar reflectance: How much sunlight the roof reflects (higher is better)
- Thermal emittance: How efficiently the roof releases absorbed heat
Together, these properties are often expressed as a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). Higher SRI roofs run cooler under the same sun, which can reduce summertime cooling loads and improve occupant comfort—especially in top floors and attic-adjacent spaces.
Why cool roofs are a smart fit for Colorado
- High solar intensity: At altitude, UV and solar gain are stronger, so reflective roofs deliver outsized benefits on sunny days.
- Big diurnal swings: Cooler roof surfaces help stabilize interior temps when days are hot but nights cool off.
- Hail and wind: Cool-roof options are available in impact-resistant and wind-rated systems, crucial for the Front Range.
- Snow and ice: Materials with good emittance shed heat quickly when the sun sets; pairing with proper insulation/ventilation preserves winter efficiency.
Cool-roof materials we install and service
AC INC. Roofing is a licensed, insured contractor serving the Denver metro, the Front Range, and Cheyenne, WY. Our HAAG-certified inspectors provide free roof inspections and clear recommendations tailored to your building and budget.
- Low-slope commercial and multifamily:
- TPO: Highly reflective white membranes excel at cutting cooling loads and are popular for recover or replacement projects.
- White EPDM: Offers cool-roof performance with the durability of EPDM.
- Modified Bitumen: Reflective cap sheets or granulated cool-color options deliver better SRI with robust waterproofing.
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Fluid-Applied Coatings: Acrylic and silicone coatings can restore weathered roofs and raise reflectance without a full replacement.
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Steep-slope residential and light commercial:
- Metal Roofing: Cool-color pigments in modern metal panels reflect infrared heat while maintaining rich color options.
- Asphalt Shingles: Light and cool-color shingles, including impact-resistant options, can moderate attic temperatures when paired with proper ventilation and insulation.
- Tile Systems: Concrete or clay tiles with reflective finishes plus ventilated assemblies perform well in sunny climates.
We install premium systems including Atlas shingle assemblies, metal and tile roofing, TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, and fluid-applied coatings.
Energy and comfort benefits you can expect
- Lower indoor temps on hot days and reduced heat transfer into attics and top floors
- Reduced HVAC runtime and peak demand during summer
- Improved occupant comfort in rooms directly under the roof
- Potentially longer roof life thanks to lower surface temperatures and reduced thermal cycling
- Better performance for rooftop solar by keeping the roof surface cooler
Actual savings depend on roof geometry, insulation/air sealing, color, and HVAC efficiency. Our team can evaluate your roof and advise whether a cool roof will offer meaningful payback for your property.
Hail, wind, and durability in the Front Range
Cool roofs aren’t just about reflectivity—they must stand up to weather. AC INC. Roofing offers:
- Impact-resistant shingles and robust low-slope systems
- Fortified Roofing Solutions–certified assemblies designed to withstand up to 130 mph winds, EF-2 tornadoes, and 2″ hail
- Thoughtful details: secure edge metal, vents, and flashings to protect against wind-driven rain and uplift
Our Master HAAG–certified team documents existing conditions and storm damage thoroughly—supporting insurance claims when hail, wind, or debris strike.
Maintenance to keep your cool roof performing
- Keep drains and gutters clear to prevent ponding on low-slope roofs
- Periodic gentle washing of reflective membranes or coatings to remove dust and soot that reduce reflectance
- Monitor roof traffic: use walk pads to minimize scuffs on membranes
- Combine with balanced attic ventilation and insulation on steep-slope homes to lock in gains
AC INC. Roofing also offers roof rejuvenation for eligible asphalt shingle roofs to extend life and improve shingle flexibility—helpful when you’re not ready to replace but want better performance.
Codes, compliance, and documentation
Many Front Range jurisdictions encourage or require higher-reflectance roofs for certain low-slope commercial projects. Our team helps you:
- Select assemblies that meet local code and project goals
- Provide submittals with reflectance/emittance/SRI data where required
- Deliver photo reports and documentation for permits and insurance
As an Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified contractor, we can offer Atlas roofing warranties up to 50 years on qualifying systems. We’re also a GAF Certified contractor with System Plus warranty options, and Directorii-certified—adding a customer guarantee up to $20,000.
When coatings beat replacement—and when they don’t
Reflective coatings can be a cost-effective path to cool-roof performance if the existing roof is dry, well-adhered, and structurally sound. Coatings are not a cure-all for saturated insulation, widespread blisters, or failing seams. Our free HAAG-certified inspection determines whether:
- A restorative coating can extend life and boost reflectivity, or
- A re-cover or full replacement is the safer, more durable investment
Our proven process
- Assessment: Free, HAAG-certified inspection with moisture scanning and detailed photo report
- Options: Clear side-by-side choices—coatings vs. re-cover vs. replacement—with lifecycle considerations
- Installation: Manufacturer-approved methods and premium materials for lasting performance
- Warranty & Support: Strong manufacturer warranties and meticulous documentation
Ready to lower your cooling costs?
AC INC. Roofing has earned a 5.0-star Google rating by delivering integrity, reliability, and exceptional service. From Denver to Cheyenne, we help homeowners and property managers choose cool-roof solutions that fit the building, the climate, and the budget.