What is the Most Energy-Efficient Roofing Option on the Market?
If you’re in the market for a new roof, then you’re probably weighing the pros and cons of different roofing systems. Durability, longevity, and maintainability are all very important—but what about an energy-efficient roofing system? A new roof is an investment, so if you install one that can save you money in the long run, that can help sweeten the deal.
Many roofing systems on the market can trap heat in your attic, resulting in a sharp increase in your home’s overall temperature—and your energy costs. If you’ve ever caught yourself continuously tampering with your HVAC unit during the hot summer season, then an energy-efficient roof may be a great choice for your home. This type of roof may even save you money on your monthly energy bills!
What Makes a Roof Energy Efficient?
Simply put, an energy-efficient roof is a roof that does not absorb heat well. If the roof on your home is absorbing heat, then the temperature inside your home will skyrocket depending on the temperature outside. Alternatively, if your roof reflects heat away from your home, it’ll help you maintain a cooler temperature inside.
Have you ever noticed that when you wear dark-colored clothing rather than light-colored clothing on a hot day, you feel noticeably warmer? That’s because dark colors, like black and navy, absorb more heat than light colors, like white and beige. The same can be said for roofing systems.
Therefore, when you’re looking for a new roof, you’ll want to pay close attention to what material each roofing system is made of—and what color they are.
Types of Roofing Materials and Their Energy Efficiency
One of the largest influences on the energy efficiency of your home is the type of roof you have protecting it. There are six popular materials used in roofing systems today:
- Asphalt
- Metal
- Wood
- Clay
- Concrete
- Slate
And while most roofs do a good job of being energy efficient, there are some roofing systems that perform better than others. Here are the top three energy-efficient roofs on the market:
1. Metal Roofs
The most energy-efficient roofing system on the market is a metal roof. At first glance, you may think metal is a poor choice because it gets hot to the touch—but that’s exactly what makes it a fantastic option. Metal is highly reflective and emissive, so it reflects UV rays away from your home and does not absorb any heat from the sun. Metal roofs are also fire-resistant and long lasting, with an average lifespan of 50 years or more.
2. Clay and Concrete Tile Roofs
Clay tile roofs are energy efficient thanks to the way they are installed. This roofing system overlaps each tile, resulting in channels that allow air flow and circulation. This is a very popular roofing system among homeowners, and it comes in a variety of different colors and styles.
3. Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Many asphalt shingle roofs are a great choice if you’re looking for an energy-efficient roofing system—but not all asphalt shingles are created equal. When infused with reflective granules, asphalt shingles can compete with metal roofs for the most energy-efficient roof, but many asphalt shingles do not have these granules. When researching asphalt shingle roofing contractors in your area, you should research to make sure they install shingles that are coated with energy-efficient materials.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve learned a bit more about energy-efficient roofing systems, the next step is to find a roofing contractor to install the perfect roof for your home. At Arry’s Roofing, we offer metal, tile, and asphalt shingles manufactured by industry leading companies such as Stealthbond®, Eagle®, and GAF. Contact us today for more information.
