When it comes to energy efficiency, the roof is one of the most important parts of a building. Not only does it protect the structure from the elements, but it also has a big impact on heating and cooling costs. With so many roofing materials available, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most energy efficient. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different roofing options and highlight the most energy efficient roof for your home.
What Makes a Roof Energy Efficient?
According to studies, 90% of roofs in the United States are poorly designed and built with dark, non-reflective materials that absorb rather than reflect heat.
Rooftop temperatures can reach 90 to 100 degrees higher than the air outside. This heat is transferred into your attic by a dark, heat-absorbing roofing that can absorb heat.
Although insulation can provide some relief, it does not stop heat from transferring to the attic from the roof. If your attic gets too hot, the heat can transfer to your home, making your AC work harder.
The ability of a roof to prevent heat transference is affected by two factors: solar reflection and ventilation.
Solar Reflectance Index
The Solar Reflectance Index measures the roof’s ability to resist solar heat (solar reflection) and to release heat that is absorbed (thermal emission).
The higher the SRI number, the better.
Studies show that increasing the SRI from just 25 to 40 can reduce the roof’s surface temperature by more than 13 degrees. This could result in a 15% to 20% savings on your energy bills.
Some coatings may increase reflectivity, while others can reflect heat more effectively than colors that are darker. The key to an efficient roof is its ability to reflect the sun’s radiation away.
This means that less heat is transferred to your attic. A cooler attic will mean less heat is transferred to your home.
Although solar reflectance may not be as important in colder areas, it can still make a difference.
Ventilation
Ventilation is another important factor in keeping your roof cool. Good ventilation prevents heat from building up in the attic. Attic temperatures can reach 160° if the outside temperature is above 90 degrees.
That heat must go somewhere.
It can transfer into your home if there isn’t enough ventilation. Extreme temperatures can cause roof damage and increase your electricity bill.
There are three types of roof vents that residential roofing uses: static vents, wind-powered vents, and eclectic vents. Each type has its own pros and cons.
Your service roofer will be able to answer any questions you may have about which vents you should choose and how much ventilation you require. The rule of thumb is 1:300 (one square foot of ventilation per 300 square feet of roof top).
Are Energy-Efficient Roofs Really Worth the Money?
Roofs that are energy-efficient pay for themselves. You can reduce your utility bills up to 25%. The savings could add up to $300-500 per year for an average home.
Which Roof Is the Most Energy-Efficient?
Energy Star has rated many roofing materials, but there are clear differences between types of roofs. Here is a quick overview of the information you should know.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is one of the most cost-effective options for your roof. They are the most efficient roof choice for residential installations. They can last up to 50 years and require little maintenance.
Metal roofs are reflective and can get hot to the touch. The roof absorbs a lot of the sun’s heat. This means that they have a high SRI. They can also be coated with special coatings for an even higher efficiency rating.
Tile Roofing
A tile roof is also an energy-efficient choice. You can choose from concrete, clay, or slate. To maximize heat reflectivity, they can be pretreated. Don’t worry if they have been installed. Even after installation, reflective coatings can be applied to them. Tile roofs allow for airflow, which allows heat to escape.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used type of roofing material for homes. They are also the most heat-absorbent and non-reflective roofing option.
This has all changed recently. Modern roofing technology has made asphalt shingles more efficient than ever. Manufacturers are now creating new asphalt shingles with solar reflective granules. These granules increase the SRI value and extend the roof’s life by keeping the surface temperature low.
Energy Star Rated Roofs
Roofs are not all created equal. Ask your roofer about the Energy Star rating for the material you are considering. A good service roofer will often deal with multiple manufacturers and can help find the right product to meet your needs.
Are Energy-Efficient Roofs More Expensive?
Although they may seem more expensive at first, energy-efficient roofs are usually worth it over time.
A metal roof can reduce your summer energy bills by up to 40%. You can save money by using rebates, tax credits, and other incentives for cool roofs.
A roof that is energy efficient can help you save money and extend the life of your roof. Your HVAC system won’t need to work as hard to cool the home. It will also last longer.
What Are the Benefits of an Energy-Efficient Roof?
A roof that is energy efficient can do more than save you money on your electricity bill. These are just some of the many benefits that an energy-efficient roofing system can bring to your bottom line.
- It reduces maintenance costs.
- Energy-efficient roofs can increase your property or resale values.
- It prolongs the roof’s life.
- Energy-efficient roofs prolong the life expectancy of your HVAC system.
- These roofs make your home more cozy.
- It increases indoor comfort in spaces that don’t have air conditioning, such as garages and covered patios.
- It is as attractive or even better than non-energy efficient roofs.
- This lowers peak electricity demand which can help to prevent power outages.
Even better for the environment, as energy-efficient roofs can reduce the energy required to cool buildings.
Request a Free Estimate
Ready to make the switch to an energy efficient roof? Look no further than Old Time Roofing! Our team of experts has years of experience installing the most energy efficient roofs on the market. We understand the importance of reducing your carbon footprint and reducing your energy bills, which is why we only offer the best materials and technologies available. So why wait? Let us help you make the transition to an energy efficient roof today! Contact Old Time Roofing now to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a greener, more sustainable future.
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