Roofs can be expensive and may not be energy-efficient. Heating bills will go up if you choose a non-energy-efficient roofing material. The material and the color are two factors that make residential roof shingles energy efficient.
In this article, our residential roofing contractors in Columbia discuss the most energy-efficient roofing materials available.
What Makes a Roof Energy-Efficient?
A good roof is essential for your health and well-being. A roof that is energy efficient does more than just provide shade. You can reduce your heating costs and improve the environment by reducing energy consumption throughout the year. These are the two main factors that will determine how efficient your roof is in terms of energy consumption.
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)
The solar reflectance index is a measure of the roof’s ability to reflect heat from the sun and then release it. The higher the SRI number is, the better. Roof shingles with the energy star label must have a minimum 25% reflectance rate. The right color shingle would increase your roof’s solar reflection index.
Ventilation
The quality of your home’s life will be improved if it is well ventilated. Every home, just like the lungs needs to breathe in order for it to continue living. Installing energy-efficient roofing tiles is one of the best ways to keep your home well ventilated. A well-ventilated roof indicates greater energy efficiency.
Most Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials
You can spend a lot on cooling systems and air conditioning. The roof material can make a big difference in reducing cooling costs. There are many roofing options available, but not all of them are right for you. These are the top roofing options for energy efficiency.
Concrete or Tile Roofs
Concrete tiles are one the most durable roofing materials. Concrete roofs can last up to 50 years. This gives you the best value. You can choose from a variety of styles and colors. The heating time of this roofing material is long, so it takes longer for heat to escape through your roof.
Concrete roofs are very energy-efficient. Concrete roofs are energy efficient. In the summer heat, heating costs can rise through the roof. However, concrete roofs can reflect most of the sun’s heat and keep your rooms cool. You can save a lot on heating costs by using concrete roofs.
Concrete roofing requires less maintenance than other types of roofing. Concrete roofing is strong and resistant to damage.
Metal Roof
A metal roof is a great choice for homeowners in hot climates. Metal roofs require minimal maintenance and are energy-efficient. Galvanized aluminum, copper, and zinc are all possible metal roofing materials.
Metal roofs are more energy-efficient because they reflect the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which contribute to the roof’s radiant heat. Metal roofing allows roofers to create air between metal panels and decking, which helps cool your home. Your cooling costs can be reduced by metal roofing.
Green Roofs
Green roofs are made up of plants and moss suspended on a waterproof membrane. The green roofs provide shade and oxygen to the environment. It also removes heat from the atmosphere and lowers the roof’s temperature.
Because of their high energy efficiency, green roofs are a great option for homeowners living in hot climates. Green roofs are insulators that reduce the energy required to heat and cool the building.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are the most durable roofing material known. Clay tiles are a great choice for homeowners looking to lower their heating bills. Clay tiles are made from natural materials, making them eco-friendly. Clay tiles reflect the UV sun’s rays, keeping your home cool. Clay tiles roofing isn’t a source of harmful gases in the atmosphere, despite climate change.
Clay tiles are made from clay and water, which can be recycled in many ways. The clay tiles do not release hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material among homeowners in the United States. They are made from fiberglass granules. Asphalt shingles require little maintenance and are energy-efficient. If you are looking for energy-efficient asphalt shingles to purchase, make sure you check the ENERGY STAR rating of the shingle. Higher energy star ratings indicate greater energy efficiency.
Solar Roof Tiles
This article focuses on the reflective properties of roofing materials. Solar roofing tiles transform sunlight into renewable energy that you can use to power homes. Another advantage to solar roof tiles is that they can be installed directly on roofs. Although solar roof tiles are more energy-efficient than other roofing materials, they are still quite expensive.
Cool Roof Coating
A light-colored dress can help keep you cool on a sunny day because it reflects more sunlight than a darker one. The same applies to a cool roofing coating. Cool roof coatings can be white or other special reflective paints that reflect the sun. These are thick paints that are applied to roof surfaces to reflect UV rays.
The homeowner will reap many benefits from cool roof coatings, such as the following.
- Energy costs can be reduced.
- High solar reflectance index (SRI)
- It is easy and quick to apply.
Roof Insulation
Your home should be warm and inviting. If your home isn’t properly insulated, it could be costing you heat and money. Roof insulation is essential to keep heat out of the house.
Roof insulation is a way to reduce loss by adding low heat conductivity materials between the roof and attic. There are many options for roofing insulation. These include:
- Spray foam insulation
- Insulation boards that are rigid.
- Batt insulation.
- Loose-fill insulation or blown-in insulation
Insulating your roof will provide long-lasting comfort and increase your home’s efficiency. Insulation acts as a heat barrier, helping to maintain constant heat inside the home. But, it is important to consult our Columbia roofing professionals before you decide how to insulate your house.
Contact Midlands Roofing & Exteriors Today!
If you are looking to replace your roof with a new energy-efficient roof, our trusted Columbia roofing contractors at Midlands Roofing can help. Call us today for a free estimate!
