Clay tile roofs can often qualify as cool roofs because of their natural thermal properties and light colors, which reflect more sunlight than darker roofing materials. Cool roofs help reduce heat absorption, keeping your home cooler and potentially lowering energy costs. This happens because clay tiles have a porous surface that can reflect solar radiation and, in some cases, release heat quickly. Additionally, airflow beneath the tiles can promote cooling. To quickly check if your clay tile roof is cool roof eligible, note whether your tiles are lighter-colored and in good condition without excessive dirt or moss, which can reduce reflectivity. A simple DIY way to test this at home is to observe your roof surface temperature with an infrared thermometer or on a hot day, compare the temperature of your tiles to asphalt shingles or metal roofs nearby.
If you’re unsure about eligibility or want to confirm cool roof certification for energy rebates or warranties, it’s wise to call a professional roofing contractor. Roofers can measure solar reflectance and thermal emittance or review product specifications to verify compliance with cool roof standards like ENERGY STAR or the Cool Roof Rating Council. When consulting a contractor, ask, “Can this specific clay tile product meet ENERGY STAR cool roof criteria?” and “Will installing or maintaining this roof affect my home’s warranty or local building code requirements?” This ensures your choices protect your home, save energy, and keep your warranty intact without guesswork.