It was widely in use in the south prior to the advent of widespread residential air conditioning. White shingle roofs, white gravel roofs and silver metal roofs were quite common. They're not so common anymore. Dimensional architectural shingles in stylish colors, most not very light in color, are the norm now.
“It was widely in use in the south prior to the advent of widespread residential air conditioning. White shingle roofs, white gravel roofs and silver metal roofs were quite common. They’re not so common anymore. Dimensional architectural shingles in stylish colors, most not very light in color, are the norm now.”
Naa, vented attic (i.e., vented soffits and ridge vents) and Polar Play (foil-lined plywood, with the foil facing down, into the attic) do just fine - I only have about a 10 degree increase in my attic versus outside temperature.
(of course being in Houston, that is still a toasty attic much of the year)