In summer, non-reflective roofing is one of the hottest places out there – much hotter than the surrounding air. Even with good insulation, heat gets into the roof and heats the attic and upper floors, forcing the air conditioner to work overtime to continue. The key to avoiding this expensive problem is to replace or treat a roof with reflective and cool roofing materials. At Griffith Roofing in Southlake, TX our team of experienced roofing contractors has the skills and experience needed to help you improve the energy efficiency of your roof.
Replacing an existing roof is often expensive. However, if your current roof is the weakest point for your home’s energy efficiency, a new, cooler roof can pay off over time. If you are not financially ready for such a great job, you could look into similar results using an energy-efficient roof covering option for a smaller fee. To help our customers get a better idea of how to handle roofing materials, we’ve decided to spend some time going over a few of the best ways to help increase your roof’s energy efficiency.
The Benefits of the Energy STAR Program
Thanks to the Energy STAR federal program, homeowners can get support in the selection of energy-efficient roofing materials. The same Energy STAR label that you see on the most efficient home appliances also refers to tiles, roof panels, energy-saving roofs, and other related materials. Roofing materials that have received Energy STAR seals have a high level of sun reflection, which means they reflect more solar heat than other materials. These materials can reduce roof surface temperatures by up to 30 ° C and reduce the maximum demand for air conditioning systems by up to 15 percent.
Why Your Roof Color Matters
Because the biggest concern for roof energy efficiency is unwanted heat, you can assume that a lighter roof is always better than a darker roof, but the reality is not that simple. While brighter colors naturally reflect more heat, roofing materials have a far greater impact on roof energy efficiency than their color. Darker roofs with Energy STAR seals are usually superior to lighter roofs, which are not designed for efficiency. Whatever type of roofing material you choose, you might find different colors in this range. As a rule, you must choose your material first and then your color.
Choosing an Energy-Efficient Material
Asphalt tile is the most common roofing material used at home due to its low cost and easy installation. Unfortunately, asphalt shingles are great for absorbing heat and offer poor reflection, even though the color is lighter. If you want to save more money later, it is a good idea to buy more expensive but more effective roofing materials. Many energy-efficient roof systems that meet the requirements of the Energy STAR label are made of metal. Even though metal is hot in the sun, it is also very reflective, so most of this heat is kept away from the house below.
Metal roofs can be designed as a series of panels or shingles that look traditional and are also relatively easy to install. Another good choice for energy-efficient roofs is tile roofs. Tiles can be made of slate, clay or concrete, the latter being very durable. Many tile materials are treated to maximize heat reflection. However, this type of roof is also easily handled with a reflective coating when installed. Although these coatings can be applied to a variety of roofing materials, they are at least suitable for asphalt roofs. Most coatings also change the color or appearance of the roof, and the most reflective coatings may not match the exterior color of your home.
Ask Griffith Roofing in Southlake, TX for Expert Advice
If you’re looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home, a great place to start is with your roof. At Griffith Roofing in Southlake, TX, our team of experienced roofing contractors has spent years working with residents and business owners throughout the DFW Metroplex to handle all kinds of roofing related concerns. To find out more about our services, or to get started on your own project, be sure to contact our team right away to schedule an appointment!
