The Best Energy Efficient Roofing Options

A house with a copper roof known for its energy-efficient qualities.

When building your first house, there are lots of choices that you must make to make it homely. From the kind of décor that blends in with your furniture to the type of roof that suits it best. Even though the other factors are of the essence, the roof is of even more significance as it protects you and your loved ones as well as the house itself from harsh weather elements. Therefore, while choosing one for your home, it is vital that you consider not only its aesthetic value but also its energy efficiency. To help you make the best choice, here is an outline of some of the most energy efficient roofing options in the market today.

What Makes A Roof Energy Efficient?

Before we get to the different energy efficient roofing options available in the market, it is vital that you first understand what makes one energy efficient.

To put it simply, a roof is energy efficient when it blocks heat instead of absorbing it. Therefore, if during seasons like summer you cannot stay indoors due to the excess heat in your house, then your roof is not energy efficient as it tends to absorb the heat instead of blocking it out. A non-efficient roof often absorbs heat from outside, transfers it into your home, and soon your entire interior becomes hot and dry, causing it to be uncomfortable and unlivable. An efficient roof, on the other hand, does the opposite as it blocks heat, leaving your interiors cool and livable. Also known as a green roof, an energy efficient roof achieves this through two main properties, reflectance, and emittance.

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A home with a metal roof and wood siding designed for best energy efficiency.

Reflectance

Reflection occurs when light energy bounces back into the atmosphere instead of being absorbed. Green roofing materials boast this property because instead of absorbing the sun’s energy, they reflect it into the atmosphere thus reducing the amount of heat that is passed into your home. The reflectance ability of these materials is often measured on a scale of 0 to 1, with 1 being the highest and best level of reflectivity to choose while selecting a roof for your home.

Emittance

Emittance of the other hand refers to a material’s ability to give off heat instead of retaining it. This property is different from reflectance in that the heat is already absorbed but will not be passed into your home. Instead, it will be shed off into the environment. Therefore, the heat that was not reflected will be shed off instead of being absorbed thanks to the emittance property. Similar to reflectance, it is also measured on a scale of 0 to 1, with one again being the better value.

The Best Energy Efficient Roofs

Now that you know what an energy efficient roof is and the properties that make it effectual, here are some of the best options to choose from

Metal Roofs

If you reside in a warm climate region, you should consider going for metal roofing materials such as steel and aluminum. Why? Well, apart from high durability, metal roofing materials usually have a low heat absorption capacity hence reflects solar energy keeping your home’s interior temperature at optimum. This makes your home more comfortable and appealing during hot seasons such as summer.

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Besides excellent reflectance and emittance capacities, metal roofing materials are termed as the most versatile hence are available in an array of styles and colors. Therefore you don’t have to worry about your home’s architectural design as you can always go for one that suits your home best. Nowadays, there are many metal roofs whose designs mimic shingles, tiles, and slates; this style is the last thing you need to stress over. Nonetheless, despite their convenience, metal roofs also hold a few downsides that you need to keep in mind. For instance, though durable, metal roofs are easily damaged by impact and tend to expand and contract depending on the temperature. For the best outcome ensure you consult skilled contractors such as Armor Services roofers in Florence Kentucky.

Slate Roofs

Roofs made of slate are expected to last as long as 75-150 years and are also fireproof. In other words, durability is the last thing you have to worry about when you opt for a slate roof. In addition to durability, slate roofs are renowned for their high energy efficiency. This is because they tend to absorb moisture and reflect solar energy thus keeping your home cool and humid enough.

Additionally, slate roofing materials occur naturally. Therefore, besides keeping your home cool, they are also eco-friendly, and you don’t have to worry about toxins. Last but not least, they are considered the most aesthetically pleasing types of roofs hence will add a touch of sophistication to your home’s design. However, they are quite expensive, and you might experience moisture issues if they are not correctly installed. Therefore, make a point of hiring a reputable contractor such as Florence Kentucky roofers, so you don’t end up with such problems.

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Wood Shingles

For those looking for a green option for their home then wood shingles and shakes are an excellent roofing option. Besides adding a natural dose of beauty to your home, wooden shingles are also quite durable as they last between 30 to 50 years. However, it is vital to note that even though they are fire resistant, wooden shingles are not fireproof and they are also relatively expensive in comparison to asphalt shingles. They are an excellent option for an array of architectural styles as they add a glamorous rustic touch to the design.

A energy-efficient home with a brown roof and brick siding.

Asphalt Shingles

If you are looking for an energy efficient yet affordable roofing option, then you should consider asphalt shingles. They are not only energy efficient but are also a perfect fit for most architectural designs. They are also relatively durable and will last for about 15 to 30 years and boast great reflectance and emittance. Nevertheless, with the myriads of asphalt shingles manufacturers, there have been many quality issues which is why you should not opt for the cheapest as they are not durable. Additionally, they require frequent repairs and maintenance which means that they are more costly in the long run. Consequently, they are an excellent roofing option to consider if your budget does not allow you to go for the other energy efficient roofing options listed above.

SPF Roofs

If you already have another roof and you can’t afford to replace it with any of the roofs listed above, then spray roofing is a great way to keep your interior’s temperature at optimum and at the same time cut on costs. Spray roofing is simply coating your existing roof with polyurethane foam, hence insulating your home and improving energy efficiency. Even though a spray roofed roof is among the best and also cheapest energy efficient roofs on our list, it is not quite durable and only lasts five to ten years.

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Why You Should Only Choose Energy Efficient Roofs

Cut Costs

The lower the heat transmitted into your home, the cooler your home becomes which means that you’ll no longer have to run your air conditioner to make your house livable. As a result, you get to reduce HVAC costs.

A house with a brown shingled roof featuring best energy roofing.

Added Comfort

When your home’s interior temperature is high, the air becomes too dry and uncomfortable. As a result, staying indoors in areas with warm climates can prove to be quite unbearable. Energy efficient roofs block heat maintaining an optimum temperature in your home, thereby making it comfier.

Longer Roof Life

Excessive heat results in rapid roof degradation. However, the case is different when it comes to energy-efficient roofs thanks to their reflectance and emittance properties.

2 thoughts on “The Best Energy Efficient Roofing Options”

  1. Custom Home Builders Sarasota

    wesome and interesting article. Great things you’ve always shared with us. Thanks. Just continue composing this kind of post.

  2. You made a great point about energy-efficient roofs and how they can make living in extreme temperatures much more bearable. This can be very helpful advice for someone who lives in an area like the one I do, as we have extremely harsh temperatures both in the hot and cold season, so we would definitely need some help with that. Instead of relying on the heater or air conditioner all the time, I think it might be best if I ask for one of these roofing options in your article from a roofing contractor that I can find in the area.

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