In recent years, many homeowners have begun turning their attention to ways they can make their properties more energy-efficient. Whether it’s switching to energy-saving light bulbs and appliances or turning down the thermostat, the benefits of reducing their monthly costs as well as their carbon footprint are good for the bank account as well as the planet.
One of the best ways to make your home more energy-efficient is through your roof. According to the Green Building Alliance, as many as 90% of roofs in the U.S. are poorly designed and built with materials that are dark, non-reflective, and heat-absorbing. As a result, such roofs contribute to excessive heat in homes and the environment. The right type of roofing will keep your house at a comfortable temperature throughout the year, reducing the need for excess cooling in the summer or heating in the winter. In this article, we will look at some of the most energy-efficient types of roofing.
Metal Roofing
Durable and long-lasting with a lifespan of around 50 years, metal roofs can offer excellent energy efficiency for residential properties. This highly reflective material will keep your home cool in the summer heat and due to its low weight, will reduce the stress on the structure of your home. In addition to its energy-saving properties, metal is also one of the most sustainable roofing materials thanks to its recyclability.
This roofing type comes in many varieties including aluminum, stainless steel, zinc and copper. While metal roofing can be installed relatively easily, it is best to contact a professional such as Landmark Roofing to do this for you.
Tile Roofing
Commonly made from concrete, clay or slate, tile roofs are another energy-efficient choice. As they allow air to circulate beneath them, tile roofs are able to release excess heat rather than keeping it trapped, reducing air conditioning costs in the summer months. The air channels which are formed from the overlapping tiles also provide an additional layer of insulation as this hot air penetrates the building envelope.
Their ability to reflect light from the sun as well as absorb moisture make them an ideal roofing material for hot, dry climates. The tiles can also be coated to make them more efficient at reflecting heat from the sun.
Asphalt Shingles
One of the most common roofing materials, asphalt shingles have become more energy efficient in recent years due to advances in technology. Known as ‘Cool Roofs’, manufacturers have started infusing asphalt shingles with solar-reflecting granules which are designed to have a higher solar reflectance index (SRI) and heat-emitting properties that can help to maintain a cooler indoor air temperature, keeping down the air conditioning costs of cooling a home in hot weather.
Along with energy savings, the life span of this type of asphalt roof will also be longer due to fewer extremes in temperature from hot to cold. This will reduce the thermal stress, fatigue, and cracking of the material allowing it to last longer.
As this article shows, there are a variety of different roofing materials which can increase the energy efficiency of your home. Which one is best for your building will depend on a number of factors such as the climate, local authority guidelines, and your personal preference.