UPDATED FOR 2025
What Are the Most Energy Efficient Roofing Shingles? A Comparison
Compare GAF Timberline Cool and Owens Corning Duration Cool shingles for Long Island homes. Learn about energy savings, ENERGY STAR certification, rebates, and cool roof technology benefits.
Key Takeaways:
- Cool roof shingles reduce surface temperatures by 20-30°F compared to traditional dark shingles through advanced solar-reflective granule technology that maximizes solar reflectance
- Long Island homeowners typically save 10-15% on summer cooling costs with properly installed cool roof products from GAF or Owens Corning delivering meaningful energy savings
- Both products qualify for ENERGY STAR certification and may be eligible for PSEG Long Island and Con Edison rebates that reduce energy costs
- GAF Timberline Cool costs $100-120 per square while Owens Corning Duration Cool runs $95-115 per square installed
- Payback period averages 5-7 years through cumulative energy savings making cool roofs financially attractive for long-term homeowners focused on energy efficiency
- County Roofing Systems holds certifications with both manufacturers ensuring proper installation for maximum energy efficiency and optimal energy performance
Your roof absorbs massive amounts of solar heat during Long Island summers.
Traditional dark shingles reach 150-170°F on hot days. That heat radiates into your attic, forces your AC to work overtime, and accelerates shingle aging.
Cool roof shingles fix this problem.
GAF Timberline Cool and Owens Corning Duration Cool represent the most advanced energy-efficient roofing materials available today. These energy efficient shingles use specially engineered granules that reflect solar energy instead of absorbing it.
Surface temperatures drop 20-30°F. Your attic stays cooler. Your energy bills decrease.
Both products qualify for ENERGY STAR certification and Long Island utility rebates. An energy efficient roof delivers measurable savings while protecting your home.
Here’s what you need to know.
How Cool Roof Technology Works
Cool roof shingles use solar-reflective granules engineered to bounce sunlight away from your roof.
Traditional asphalt shingles use dark granules that absorb solar radiation. This absorption converts light energy into heat. That heat transfers through the shingle into your roof deck and attic space.
Traditional roofs with conventional shingles create significant heat absorption that drives up cooling costs.
Cool roof granules incorporate special pigments and coatings. These materials reflect sunlight and redirect more of the sun’s energy back into the atmosphere before it can convert to heat. This process helps reduce heat absorption dramatically.
The technology is measurable.
Standard dark shingles reflect roughly 5-15% of solar energy and absorb 85-95%. Cool roof shingles reflect sunlight at 25-40% of solar energy and absorb just 60-75%. That 20-25 percentage point difference translates directly to lower surface temperatures.
On a 90°F summer day, traditional dark shingles might reach 160°F. Cool roof shingles on the same roof stay around 130-140°F. That 20-30°F reduction makes a meaningful difference in how much heat enters your attic.
County Roofing Systems has installed cool roof products across Long Island for over 35 years. We’ve measured the performance differences firsthand through thermal imaging and homeowner energy bill analysis.
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GAF Timberline Cool Series Features
GAF’s Timberline Cool Series applies cool roof technology to their bestselling Timberline HDZ line.
The shingles use GAF’s Advanced Protection technology as a base. This includes LayerLock bonding for wind resistance, StrikeZone nailing area that’s 99.9% larger than standard shingles, and StainGuard Plus algae protection warranted for 25 years.
The cool roof enhancement adds solar-reflective granules to this proven platform.
Wind Resistance and Storm Protection
Timberline Cool achieves 130 MPH wind resistance when installed as part of GAF’s complete roofing system. This matches standard Timberline HDZ performance—you’re not sacrificing storm protection for energy efficiency.
For Long Island’s coastal exposure to nor’easters and occasional tropical systems, that 130 MPH rating provides real security.
Algae Protection
StainGuard Plus technology prevents the black algae streaks that plague Long Island roofs. The 25-year algae warranty covers the entire expected life of your roof.
In our humid coastal climate, this algae protection matters as much as the energy efficiency.
Color Selection
GAF offers Timberline Cool in lighter colors optimized for solar reflection. Options include Weathered Wood, Oyster Gray, Shakewood, and Birchwood.
The color palette focuses on lighter tans, grays, and earth tones. You won’t find dark charcoals or blacks in the Cool Series because those colors defeat the purpose of solar reflection.
Warranty Coverage
Limited lifetime warranty on materials covers manufacturing defects. When installed by a GAF Master Elite contractor like County Roofing Systems, you gain access to enhanced warranty options including the Golden Pledge limited warranty providing 25 years of materials and labor coverage.
The warranty terms match standard Timberline HDZ. You’re not accepting reduced coverage for choosing cool roof technology.
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Your house deserves the best roofing warranty on the market. Give us a call today and get a brand new roof with a 50-year material, 25-year labor warranty from the best roofing contractor in Long Island and New York.
Owens Corning Duration Cool Features
Owens Corning’s Duration Cool brings energy efficiency to their popular Duration shingle line by offering energy efficient asphalt shingles.
The shingles include SureNail Technology for superior wind resistance and TruDefinition color granules for exceptional color consistency across your roof. Duration Cool adds solar-reflective properties to these core features, functioning as solar reflective shingles that reflect sunlight to reduce heat absorption and improve energy efficiency.
Wind Resistance
SureNail Technology creates a reinforced nailing zone with dramatically improved fastener pull-through resistance. Wind resistance reaches 130 MPH with proper installation and Owens Corning accessories.
The technology provides some of the best wind protection available in residential roofing.
Algae Protection
Duration Cool includes StreakGuard protection warranted for 10 years. This is shorter than GAF’s 25-year StainGuard Plus coverage.
For Long Island homeowners planning to stay in their homes 15+ years, that warranty difference matters.
Color Selection
Owens Corning offers Duration Cool in lighter colors including Driftwood, Desert Tan, and Sand Dune. The selection is narrower than standard Duration’s 30+ colors because cool roof technology works best with lighter shades.
TruDefinition color technology ensures exceptional batch-to-batch consistency. Your roof color will be uniform across the entire installation.
Warranty Coverage
Limited lifetime warranty on materials covers defects. Installation by an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor like County Roofing Systems unlocks enhanced warranty options including extended materials and labor coverage.
The warranty structure matches standard Duration products.
Energy Savings: What to Realistically Expect
Cool roof shingles reduce cooling costs but won’t eliminate your electric bill.
Long Island homeowners typically see 10-15% reduction in summer cooling bills with properly installed cool roof shingles. For a home spending $200 monthly on air conditioning during July and August, that’s $30-45 in monthly savings during peak season.
Annual energy savings depend on your cooling season length. With Long Island’s humid climate requiring AC from May through September, you might save $75-150 annually compared to traditional dark shingles.
This reduced energy consumption translates to lower utility bills and decreased demand on HVAC systems.
The savings are real but modest.
Over a 25-year roof lifespan, cumulative savings might reach $2,000-4,000. For a typical Long Island roof replacement costing $12,000-16,000, the cool roof premium adds maybe $300-800 depending on the product and roof size.
Payback occurs within 5-7 years through energy savings alone. Everything after that is pure benefit.
Four-Season Performance
Cool roofs work best in hot climates with long cooling seasons. Long Island’s climate is mixed—we need cooling in summer but heating in winter.
Some homeowners worry that reflecting solar heat in winter increases heating costs. Research shows this concern is overblown. Winter sun angles are lower, days are shorter, and most homes need far less winter solar gain than summer solar rejection.
The net energy impact over a full year favors cool roofs even in mixed climates like ours.
Attic Temperature Reduction
Cool roofs don’t just lower energy bills—they reduce attic temperatures by 10-20°F during summer.
This protects anything stored in your attic from extreme heat. It also reduces thermal stress on your roof deck and extends the life of attic insulation and ventilation components.
Proper ventilation works with cool roof technology to maximize hot air removal and energy efficiency.
County Roofing Systems has measured attic temperatures before and after cool roof installation. The reduction is consistent and meaningful.
ENERGY STAR Certification Requirements
Both GAF Timberline Cool and Owens Corning Duration Cool meet ENERGY STAR requirements for steep-slope roofing products.
ENERGY STAR certification requires shingles to meet minimum solar reflectance thresholds. For steep-slope products, the requirement is an initial solar reflectance of at least 0.25 (reflecting 25% of solar energy) and aged solar reflectance of at least 0.15 after three years.
Both manufacturers exceed these minimums.
Why Certification Matters
ENERGY STAR certification provides independent verification that cool roof claims are legitimate. You’re not just trusting manufacturer marketing—you have third-party testing confirming performance.
Some utility rebates and tax credits require ENERGY STAR certification. Without it, you may not qualify for available incentives.
Long Island Rebates and Incentives
PSEG Long Island offers rebates for energy-efficient home improvements including cool roof installation. Rebate amounts and qualification requirements change periodically, but Long Island homeowners have historically accessed $200-500 rebates for qualifying cool roof installations.
Con Edison serves some Nassau County areas and also offers energy efficiency rebates.
County Roofing Systems helps homeowners navigate available rebates. We provide documentation showing your cool roof product meets ENERGY STAR requirements and assists with rebate applications.
Federal energy tax credits may also apply depending on current tax law. The Inflation Reduction Act provided tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, though specific qualification requirements and credit amounts change as legislation updates.
Installation Requirements for Maximum Efficiency
Cool roof shingles only deliver promised energy savings when properly installed with adequate attic ventilation and insulation.
Ventilation Matters
Proper attic ventilation removes hot air before it can radiate into your living space. Cool roofs reduce the amount of heat entering your attic, but ventilation removes whatever heat does accumulate.
County Roofing Systems assesses attic ventilation during every roof inspection. We recommend improvements when existing ventilation is inadequate.
Ridge vents combined with soffit vents create natural airflow that exhausts hot attic air. Powered attic fans can supplement passive ventilation in larger attics or complex roof designs.
Insulation Works with Cool Roofs
Adequate attic insulation prevents heat transfer from your attic into living spaces below. Cool roofs reduce attic heat, but insulation provides the barrier stopping that heat from entering your home.
Long Island building codes require minimum R-38 attic insulation. Many older homes fall short of this standard.
If your attic insulation is inadequate, adding insulation amplifies cool roof benefits. County Roofing Systems can recommend insulation contractors when upgrades make sense.
Proper Shingle Installation
Cool roof technology only works when shingles are installed according to manufacturer specifications. Incorrect nailing patterns, inadequate starter strips, or improper accessory installation can compromise both energy efficiency and storm protection.
County Roofing Systems is certified with both GAF (Master Elite) and Owens Corning (Platinum Preferred). Our team follows manufacturer specifications exactly, ensuring your cool roof performs as engineered.
If you’re looking for a new GAF or Owens Corning roof, you need the best roofing contractor to install the best roofing material.
Choose County Roofing to make your new roof a reality.
Fill out the form below or give us a call today at (888) 366-6619 to get started:
Cost Comparison and Long-Term Value
Cool roof shingles cost slightly more than standard architectural products but less than luxury designer shingles. Homeowners looking to save energy and reduce utility bills may also consider metal roofs, which frequently deliver energy savings of 25% to 35%.
Choosing energy efficient roofing shingles is a smart investment for saving money and increasing long-term value.
Upfront Costs
GAF Timberline Cool typically runs $100-120 per square installed on Long Island. Standard Timberline HDZ runs $95-115 per square. The cool roof premium is roughly $5-15 per square.
For a 2,000 square foot roof (20 squares), that’s $100-300 in additional material cost.
Owens Corning Duration Cool typically runs $95-115 per square installed. Standard Duration runs $90-110 per square. Again, the premium is modest—$5-10 per square or $100-200 for a typical Long Island home.
Long-Term Value Analysis
Let’s calculate complete return on investment for a typical Long Island home.
Upfront premium for cool roof: $300
Annual energy savings: $125
Payback period: 2.4 years
20-year cumulative savings: $2,500
Even conservative estimates show positive ROI within 3-5 years. Over a 25-year roof lifespan, the energy savings substantially exceed the modest upfront premium.
Additional value comes from extended shingle life through reduced thermal stress, improved attic conditions protecting stored items, and potential increases in home resale value as energy efficiency becomes more important to buyers.
GAF vs. Owens Corning: Which Cool Roof Should You Choose?
Both manufacturers offer excellent cool roof products with similar energy performance. The type of roof and roof types you choose can significantly influence your home’s energy efficiency, as certain materials and designs are better at reducing cooling costs.
If your existing roof isn’t too old, upgrades like reflective coatings or choosing suitable materials and colors can enhance energy performance without a full replacement.
Choose GAF Timberline Cool if:
You prioritize 25-year algae warranty over Owens Corning’s 10-year coverage. In Long Island’s humid climate, that extended protection matters.
You prefer GAF’s color selection or find a specific Timberline Cool color perfect for your home.
You want to work with a GAF Master Elite contractor and access GAF’s Golden Pledge warranty.
Choose Owens Corning Duration Cool if:
You value SureNail Technology’s superior wind resistance and exceptional fastener holding power.
You prefer TruDefinition color technology ensuring batch-to-batch consistency.
You want to work with an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor and access Owens Corning’s enhanced warranties.
County Roofing Systems holds certifications with both manufacturers. We can install either product to certified standards and provide honest comparison based on your specific priorities.
The energy performance is comparable. Your choice often comes down to algae warranty length, color preference, and which manufacturer’s overall product line appeals to you.
Cool Roofs in Long Island’s Climate
Long Island’s climate creates favorable conditions for cool roof technology.
Our summers are hot and humid with substantial AC demand. Cool roofs reduce that demand measurably.
When comparing cool roof shingles to other roofing materials, it’s important to consider factors like thermal mass, air space, and material composition. Tile roofing, often made from clay or slate, is considered energy-efficient due to its ability to reflect sunlight, allow air circulation, and absorb moisture.
Tile roofs can absorb and slowly release heat, helping to maintain steady indoor temperatures, and are especially effective in dry climates. Concrete tile offers similar benefits, with durability and a long lifespan.
Metal roofs, commonly used on both homes and commercial buildings, have low thermal mass, meaning they do not store heat as long as other materials.
This, combined with their reflective and strong insulation properties, makes metal roofs highly energy-efficient and known for their longevity. The air space between the roof deck and metal roofing further improves insulation and reduces cooling costs.
Green roofs, which are more common on urban residential buildings and commercial buildings, provide energy efficiency by reducing heating and cooling costs and creating rooftop gardens. However, they tend to be more expensive and are less common than traditional options in Long Island’s climate.
The traditional asphalt roof is widely used, but not all asphalt roofs are energy-efficient. Cool roof shingles are specifically designed to outperform standard asphalt roofs by reflecting more sunlight and reducing heat absorption. Reflective coatings can improve energy efficiency, but it’s best to choose shingles with built-in energy-saving features.
Our proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means salt air and high humidity. Both GAF and Owens Corning cool roof products include algae protection specifically engineered for coastal climates.
Our winters are cold but not extreme. The modest winter solar heat gain from traditional dark roofs doesn’t offset the substantial summer cooling benefits from cool roofs.
County Roofing Systems has installed cool roofs across Nassau and Suffolk Counties for decades. The performance holds up in our specific climate conditions.
Coastal homes see excellent results. Inland homes see excellent results. Properties with heavy tree shading see reduced benefits because the shading already minimizes solar heat gain, but cool roofs still provide value.
When Cool Roofs Make Most Sense
Cool roof technology delivers maximum value for specific Long Island homeowners.
If your existing roofing system is still in good condition, you may be able to improve its energy efficiency with targeted upgrades rather than a full replacement.
1. High Cooling Costs
If your summer electric bills exceed $250-300 monthly, you’re an ideal candidate. The percentage savings translate to meaningful dollar amounts.
2. Southern or Western Roof Exposure
Roofs with substantial south or west-facing sections receive maximum direct sun exposure. Cool roof benefits are strongest on these surfaces.
3. Minimal Tree Shading
Homes with clear sun exposure throughout the day benefit most. Heavy tree shading already reduces solar heat gain, diminishing cool roof advantages.
4. Long-Term Ownership
If you plan to stay in your home 10+ years, you’ll capture the full value through cumulative energy savings and extended roof life.
5. New Construction or Full Replacement
Cool roofs make sense when you’re already replacing your entire roof. The modest premium is easy to justify. Replacing a functional roof early just to add cool technology rarely makes financial sense.
Make Your New Roof a Reality with County Roofing Systems
Cool roof shingles from GAF and Owens Corning deliver measurable energy savings for Long Island homeowners seeking efficient roofing solutions.
Both Timberline Cool and Duration Cool asphalt shingles reduce surface temperatures by 20-30°F through advanced solar-reflective granule technology. While metal roofing also offers energy benefits, these cool roof asphalt shingles provide comparable energy efficiency with lower upfront costs and traditional aesthetics.
Long Island homeowners typically save 10-15% on summer cooling costs—$75-150 annually for most homes.
With upfront premiums of just $300-800 over standard architectural shingles, payback occurs within 5-7 years through energy savings alone. Over a 25-year roof lifespan, cumulative benefits reach $2,000-4,000 while also extending shingle life and improving attic conditions.
Both products qualify for ENERGY STAR certification and potential PSEG Long Island or Con Edison rebates reducing net costs further.
The choice between GAF and Owens Corning comes down to algae warranty length (25 years vs. 10 years), specific color preferences, and overall manufacturer preference. Both deliver comparable energy performance in Long Island’s climate for your new roof installation.
County Roofing Systems has served Long Island for over 35 years as a trusted roofing contractor. We hold both GAF Master Elite and Owens Corning Platinum Preferred certifications, allowing us to install either cool roof product to manufacturer specifications for your residential roofing project.
We assess your home’s specific conditions—sun exposure, existing ventilation, insulation levels—and provide honest guidance about whether cool roof technology makes sense for your situation.
Call County Roofing Systems today at (888) 766-6619 for a free roof inspection and consultation. We’ll evaluate your current roof, explain cool roof options from both manufacturers, help you understand potential energy savings for your specific home, and ensure proper installation for maximum efficiency.
Your roof protects your home for 20-30 years. Make sure it’s also protecting your budget through smart energy efficiency that pays for itself within just a few years.
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