There are lots of benefits to installing a new roof, one of which is improving your home’s or building’s energy efficiency. Improving energy efficiency results in immediate savings on your energy bills, leaving you more money to do the things you enjoy.
In addition, a new roof can provide improved interior comfort, peace of mind from an extended roof lifespan, and even increased resale value for your home or building.
Choosing the right materials is key when tackling energy efficiency, so here’s what you need to know about roofing and its effect on energy use.
How Roofs Affect Energy Efficiency
Your roof plays a key role in determining how much energy you use to heat and cool your home or building. It can affect energy consumption in three ways: insulation, ventilation, and reflectivity.
Insulation
When properly insulated, your roof creates a thermal barrier that prevents heat from escaping during the winter and keeps it out during summer. This means you need less heating and cooling, respectively, and lowers your energy costs.
Ventilation
With proper design, your roof ventilation system allows hot air to be removed from the attic during the summer, keeping the interior cooler. In the winter it helps prevent moisture buildup that can damage insulation and lead to ice dams and mold or mildew growth.
Reflectivity
Darker colored roofs absorb more heat, increasing the temperature in your attic and increasing the demand for cooling. Lighter colored roofs, often called “cool roofs,” reflect sunlight and heat back into the atmosphere, creating cooler attic temperatures and reducing the need for air conditioning.
According to the US Department of Energy, conventional roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F or more on a sunny summer afternoon, while a reflective cool roof could be more than 50°F cooler.
How to Improve Energy Efficiency with a New Roof
Now that you understand how your roof affects your energy use, there’s a lot you can do when installing a new roof to improve efficiency:
- Replace damaged insulation and/or add more to your attic to improve your home’s ability to maintain internal temperature.
- Install reflective or “cool roof” roofing materials, focusing on those with lighter colors.
- Make sure your attic space has the proper ventilation. If not, add roof vents to help ensure temperature consistency and prevent ice dams.
- Consider adding solar power to your roof, taking advantage of federal and state incentives to reduce the cost of installation.
Best Roofing Materials for Energy Efficiency
The lighter your roof’s color, the more heat and solar energy it will reflect, reducing the amount of energy required to heat and cool your home or building. While white is the most efficient color, not every roofing material is available in white.
With this in mind, here are the best roofing materials for energy efficiency:
Metal
Metal roofing is highly reflective and extremely durable, with a lifespan of over 50 years with proper maintenance. It’s available in a wide variety of colors, including lighter shades. Also, metal roofing’s high insulating value helps keep heat inside during the winter and outside in summer.
Clay tile
Although more popular in the southwestern US, clay tile roofs can help absorb solar heat and prevent hot air from entering your home or building. Additionally, special coatings can be applied to improve reflectivity and reduce energy consumption.
Asphalt shingles
The most popular roofing material, asphalt shingles, is now available in solar-reflecting colors and finishes. These shingles feature solar-reflecting granules that reduce heat absorption and are available in several aesthetically pleasing colors and shades that will complement your building’s design.
If you’re looking to replace your roof and want to improve your home’s or building’s energy efficiency at the same time, contact the professionals at New Roofs Inc. We’ll visit your building and provide options that meet your needs and budget, while improving efficiency and saving you on energy costs.