Pat, it is a well-documented fact that lighter colored roofing shingles can reduce cooling loads by as much as 30%. But we know that the obstacle is often consumer resistance – homeowners simply do not like white roofs. There are new reflective shingles on the market that help jump this psychological hurdle. These dark shingles are made with special granules that reflect sunlight and radiate heat, reducing heat gain by as much as 20%.