A cool roof is a roofing system that is designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional roofing materials. Cool roofs are typically made from materials that are light in color and have a high reflectivity, such as white or light-colored shingles, metal roofing, or spray foam roofing.

The primary benefit of cool roofs is that they help to reduce the amount of heat that is absorbed by the building, which can in turn reduce the need for air conditioning and lower energy costs. Cool roofs can also help to reduce the urban heat island effect, which is the phenomenon by which urban areas become significantly warmer than rural areas due to the absorption of heat by dark surfaces such as asphalt and concrete.

Cool roofs are typically rated based on their Solar Reflectance Index (SRI), which is a measure of the roof’s ability to reflect sunlight and radiate heat. The higher the SRI rating, the more reflective and cool the roof is considered to be.

Cool roofs can be installed on both new and existing buildings, and can be an effective way to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of a building while also reducing the environmental impact. Some governments and organizations offer incentives or rebates for the installation of cool roofs as a way to encourage the use of energy-efficient and sustainable building practices.