In the heart of the Midwest, summers in Detroit can be punishing—not just for people but for commercial buildings, too. One of the most vulnerable parts of any commercial facility is the roof. Day after day, your roofing system absorbs intense solar radiation, extreme UV exposure, and dramatic heat fluctuations. Over time, these conditions can degrade roofing materials, increase energy bills, and shorten your roof’s lifespan.
At Motor City Roofers, we help building owners and property managers understand the science behind heat-resistant roofing and apply practical strategies to keep their roofs—and buildings—cooler, longer.

Why Heat Is a Silent Threat to Your Roof
Roofs, especially flat commercial systems, are exposed to the full brunt of the sun for 10+ hours a day during the summer months. Temperatures on the surface of a dark-colored roof can reach 150°F–180°F, even when the ambient air temperature is only 90°F.
This heat can cause:

• Membrane softening and blistering
• Cracking due to thermal expansion and contraction
• Accelerated UV degradation
• Higher HVAC costs due to poor thermal performance
• Shorter roof lifespan

By optimizing your roof’s ability to resist heat, you improve performance, reduce maintenance costs, and increase comfort inside the building.

Step 1: Choose the Right Reflective Roofing Material
The foundation of heat-resistant roofing begins with material selection. Some roofing materials naturally reflect more sunlight than others:
Common Cool Roofing Options:

• TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): White or light-colored membrane that reflects UV rays and offers excellent heat resistance.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Similar to TPO but more chemical-resistant, often used in restaurants and factories.
• Cool Roof Coatings (Acrylic, Silicone): Applied to existing roofs to enhance reflectivity and prolong roof life.
• Metal Roofing with Reflective Coating: Durable and heat-reflective, especially when finished with Kynar coatings or similar treatments.

At Motor City Roofers, we often recommend TPO or PVC for Detroit-area commercial clients due to their excellent solar reflectance and energy efficiency in warm months.

Step 2: Understand Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)
When comparing roofing materials, look at their Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). This rating measures how well a surface rejects solar heat. The higher the number, the better the material is at reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption.

• White TPO/PVC roofs: SRI of 80–100+
• Asphalt-based roofs: SRI of 0–20
• Aluminum-coated roofs: SRI of 50–70

Upgrading to a high-SRI roof can reduce surface temperatures by 50°F or more, lowering indoor temperatures and HVAC loads.

Step 3: Apply Roof Coatings for Cooling Power
If your existing roof is still in good condition but suffering from heat absorption, cool roof coatings offer an affordable retrofit solution.
Benefits of Reflective Coatings:

• Reflect up to 90% of UV rays
• Reduce surface temperature dramatically
• Prolong roof lifespan by reducing thermal stress
• Improve energy efficiency and interior comfort
• Qualify for LEED credits or utility rebates

Coatings are especially useful for aging EPDM, built-up roofs, or modified bitumen systems. We recommend a professional inspection to determine if your roof is a good candidate.

Step 4: Improve Insulation & Ventilation
Even a heat-reflective roof needs solid insulation and ventilation to optimize performance.
Insulation:A well-insulated roof acts as a thermal barrier, reducing the amount of heat transferred into your building. For flat commercial roofs, this often means adding or upgrading polyisocyanurate (ISO) board.

• Benefits: Reduced energy use, consistent indoor temps, better ROI
• Code Requirements: Michigan requires R-values between R-20 to R-30 depending on building type

Ventilation:Proper ventilation prevents heat buildup and moisture condensation in the roof system.

• Options: Ridge vents, soffit vents, mechanical exhaust fans
• Benefit: Prevents structural damage and reduces heat stress on membrane

Step 5: Monitor and Maintain
Even the best roofing systems lose effectiveness if they’re not maintained. In high-heat conditions, routine inspections become more important.
Maintenance Tips:

• Inspect for blisters or cracks caused by thermal cycling
• Check seams, flashing, and penetrations for heat-related degradation
• Keep reflective surfaces clean—dust and grime reduce reflectivity
• Reapply coatings as needed (typically every 5–10 years)

Motor City Roofers offers preventive maintenance plans to ensure your heat-resistant roof stays in peak condition year after year.

Step 6: Evaluate ROI and Energy Savings
A cool, heat-resistant roof isn't just a luxury—it’s an investment that pays back. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cool roofing can:

• Cut cooling energy usage by up to 15%
• Lower indoor temperatures by 10°F–15°F
• Reduce HVAC wear and extend equipment life

For Detroit business owners, these benefits translate to real energy savings during summer months. Some clients report thousands of dollars in reduced utility bills annually.

Step 7: Leverage Local and Federal Incentives
Heat-resistant roofing often qualifies for financial incentives, especially when combined with insulation upgrades.
Potential Benefits:

• Section 179 Tax Deduction: Write off up to $1.22 million in qualifying roofing improvements.
• Utility Rebates: DTE and Consumers Energy occasionally offer rebates for cool roofing or insulation upgrades.
• LEED Credits: Cool roofs contribute to LEED points for green building certification.

Motor City Roofers will help you navigate eligibility requirements and submit the necessary documentation.

Bonus Tip: Landscaping & Shading
While not roof-related directly, strategic landscaping can reduce heat loads on the roof by blocking sunlight.

• Planting shade trees around the building
• Installing rooftop shade canopies
• Green roof sections to absorb heat and reduce runoff

These methods can provide passive cooling and reduce peak roof temperatures even further.

Beating the heat starts at the top. A roofing system designed with temperature resistance in mind protects your building, lowers operational costs, and extends the service life of your roof.  At Motor City Roofers, we specialize in designing and installing heat-resistant commercial roofing systems that are tailored to Michigan’s climate. Whether you need a high-SRI TPO membrane, a reflective coating retrofit, or upgraded insulation and ventilation—we’ll help you find the right solution.

Ready to Cool Down Your Roof?
Contact Motor City Roofers in Detroit today to schedule a free thermal roof evaluation and see how much you could save by optimizing your building’s temperature resistance.  Let us help your roof beat the heat—so your business can keep running cool.