Which factor has less impact on the surface temperature of roofing materials compared to color?

The factor that has less impact on the surface temperature of roofing materials compared to color is the type of insulation. The color of roofing materials, particularly lighter colors, has a significant effect on solar reflectance, which directly influences surface temperature. Lighter colors tend to reflect more sunlight, leading to lower surface temperatures, while darker colors absorb more heat.

The type of insulation primarily impacts the thermal resistance and energy efficiency of a roofing system, but it does not influence the surface temperature as directly as color. Insulation materials might improve overall building energy performance, but they don’t significantly alter how much heat is absorbed or reflected by the roofing surface itself.

On the other hand, factors such as the thickness of the membrane, type of roofing material, and quality of installation can all have a more pronounced effect on thermal properties and performance, including surface temperature, by affecting how well the roof manages heat and moisture.