If you’ve ever spent time tanning in the summertime heat, you know just how hot direct sunlight can be. When you think about the heat that your roof experiences thanks to direct sunlight throughout most of the daytime hours, it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many energy-efficient roofing options that you can invest in to help reduce the overall temperature on your roof and limit heat transfer into your home.
Metal Roofing
One of the most energy-efficient roofing materials on the market today is metal roofing. Metal has not only been proven to last longer than most other types of roofing, but it’s able to remain relatively cool throughout the day by reflecting the sun’s UV rays. If you opt to go with lighter colors, you can help to further reduce the summertime sun’s impact on your roof. Metal roofing includes aluminum, steel, copper, and even zinc.
Tile Roofing
Tile roofing is another energy-efficient option because it’s able to reflect sunlight better than most other roofing materials, like asphalt shingles. Due to the way that these tiles are installed, there is a large amount of circulation under the tiles, so they won’t overheat throughout the daytime hours.
Cool Roof Shingles
When you think of energy efficiency, asphalt shingles aren’t something that go to the top of your list. Traditional asphalt shingles can retain heat and make your home hotter. However, there’s a new type of asphalt shingle known as a cool roof shingle. This energy-efficient alternative uses special granules that have a higher solar reflectance index number. This allows these shingles to reduce heat absorption and promote UV ray reflection.
Solar Shingles
One roofing option that screams energy efficiency is solar shingles. Fairly new to the residential market, these shingles are comprised of photovoltaic solar panels. Not only are they weather-resistant, but they allow you to harness solar energy to power your home.
Slate Roofing
One of the higher-end roofing materials that is relatively energy efficient for the average home is slate roofing. Constructed out of natural slate rock, this material is extremely dense. This density helps to reduce the ability of heat to enter your attic during the hot summer months. Even more so, slate roofing is naturally reflective, which will keep the slate stone relatively cold during the summer months.
Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes are not only popular for their rustic look, but they also offer natural insulating abilities. Since they will expand and contract throughout the seasons, they can allow cool air to stay in your home during the hot summer months. Furthermore, shakes are very weather-resistant and are much less likely to develop moss growth than other roofing materials.
TPO Roof Coating
For very low-pitched or flat roofs, TPO can be a great energy-efficient option. This is a white UV-reflective coating constructed of synthetic materials. This TPO membrane simply rolls onto the roof and is adhered. Then, the specialized roof coating is applied to help enhance your roof’s overall efficiency.
Green Roofs
A fairly popular trend for low-pitched and flat roofs is green roofing. These roofs are constructed of active plant material growing in soil that covers the majority of the exposed roof. Green plant material will naturally absorb UV radiation, and alongside its growing media, it will provide insulation for your home. It will also provide a luscious green look and can be used to grow edibles.
Composite Shingles
Composite shingles are becoming a very popular roofing option because they can be constructed to take on the appearance of many other different types of roofing. Some of these include wood shakes, asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and even slate. Composite shingles are available with various energy-efficient add-ons like UV and heat resistance.
A Note on Insulation
While your roofing material can play a huge role in the overall efficiency of your home, it’s important to remember that it’s only one part of the big picture. No great energy-efficient roof is complete without adequate insulation in your attic. You should opt for having insulation installed that meets or exceeds the recommended R-value for your area of the country.
Reliable Roofing Service
Nationwide Contracting, LLC offers reliable roofing services for the entire Shelbyville, IN region. Our expert roofers can assist you with all of your commercial, storm damage, copper roofing, slate tile roofing, and gutter needs. Give our friendly staff a call today to schedule your next roofing consultation.
