Homeowners have a wide variety of alternatives when picking the appropriate energy-efficient roofing to fit their needs and tastes. When it comes to roofing projects, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is the material to use.

Today, there are many appealing options for installing energy-efficient roofing systems that will reduce the strain on the cooling system in the living or working space below. Listed below are some of the most energy-efficient roofing options; if you need a roof replacement, these should be at the top of your list.

What Makes a Roof Energy-Efficient? 

One type of energy-efficient roof is any coverage for a building that cuts down on the amount of power used to heat, cool, or power the building itself.

Temperatures on rooftops can rise to 90 to 100 degrees hotter than the temperature of the air outside. This heat will be transferred into your attic and finally into your home if you have a dark roof absorbing heat.

Even while well-installed insulation provides some respite, it is not possible to prevent heat from traveling from the roof deck into the attic. In addition, if your attic gets too hot, the additional heat will seep into the rest of your house, causing your air conditioner to work harder than it should.

5 Energy-Efficient Roofing Options

Metal Roofing 

Metal roofing is an excellent option to consider when looking for a new roofing system for your home. When metal roofs are constructed correctly, they have shown that they can last for up to 50 years. Furthermore, because their panels interlock, they offer exceptional resistance to wind and other forms of severe weather. They are also fireproof, which can be a substantial advantage in dry climates. This minimizes the tension that is placed on the building supports. They are very lightweight, reducing the stress placed on the building supports. As a prospective roofing solution, they have almost universal appeal because they are both extremely energy-efficient and accessible in various colors and styles that can be customized to meet virtually anyone’s preferences.

Tile Roofing

Another excellent option for an energy-efficient roof is covered in tiles. Slate, clay, or even concrete can be used to construct them. They can be pre-treated to maximize the heat reflectivity of the finished product. In addition, if you have placed them, there is no need for an alarm. Reflective coatings might be applied to them even after installation for further improvement.

Tile roofs also allow air to move under the tiles, which contributes to their capacity to expel any heat they retain. This makes tile roofs an excellent choice for hot climates.

Asphalt Shingles Roofing

Asphalt shingle roofs don’t need much upkeep. However, you may need to contact a local roofer in the future to replace shingles, as this roofing material is more susceptible to wind and storm damage and mildew. The type of coating that is applied to asphalt shingles has a significant impact on how effectively they perform. For asphalt shingles, you’ll want to use coated granules because this unique coating makes the asphalt roof more reflective than it would be otherwise.

You will want coated granules for your asphalt shingles because this special coating will make the asphalt more reflective.

Green Roofing

The term “green roofing” refers to precisely what it sounds like: a roof that contains plants. Whether you decide to go all out and have a vegetative layer that completely covers your roof installed onto it or select a smaller piece of your roof to cover, you cannot go wrong. Green roof systems are added to a property’s existing roof through installation. These roofs provide your home with water protection, drainage, shade, insulation, and improved roof lifespan. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that green roofs can be up to 30 to 40 degrees cooler than a standard roof.

Compared to the other available choices, installing a green roof would typically result in higher overall costs and increased maintenance requirements.

Solar Shingle Roofing

Solar shingles have a high initial cost, but because they create clean energy, they save you even more money in the long term than the other roofing solutions do. This is because solar shingles are more efficient. Solar shingles are comparable to solar panels, except that they are installed in the same way as a conventional roof. As a result, you will have a timelessly fashionable appearance while also enjoying the benefits of increased energy efficiency.

3 Benefits of Energy Efficient Roofing 

Reduced Utility Bills

One of the most significant advantages of constructing a roof that is energy efficient is the fact that it can assist in lowering utility expenses, particularly during the warmer months of the year—cool roofs lower local air temperature as opposed to traditional roofs that absorbs sunlight. 

Homes that have roofing that is energy efficient can maintain indoor comfort through cooler interior temperatures with less reliance on their air conditioning systems. Installing an energy-efficient roof can save anywhere from 7 percent to 15 percent on your monthly power expenses.

Your metal or asphalt roof must be ENERGY STAR-certified to qualify. (if metal) have colored coats or Contain cooling particles that decrease heat gain (if asphalt). Because solar roofing technology utilizes solar energy and is, therefore, a kind of renewable energy, it is eligible for even greater tax credit savings.

Extends the Lifespan of the Roof

If the materials you use for your roof have darker colors, they will draw the sun’s rays to them and take in more heat. This could result in considerable damage, which would then require the roof to be repaired or replaced at an increased frequency. Because efficient roofing materials allow for less intense absorption of UV rays, your roof will have a longer lifespan and require less frequent maintenance during its whole lifetime. You can further safeguard the roof and slow the natural aging process by using a coating resistant to ultraviolet light (UV).

These Roofs Provide Ventilation

You might consider window replacement, door weather stripping, and the appropriate insulation of windows and doors to be the most important players in the game of energy efficiency. Your home’s ability to maintain a comfortable temperature and energy efficiency can be significantly improved by installing a quality roofing system that meets current building codes and provides adequate insulation and ventilation.

To begin, having an efficient ventilation system in your home enables the hot air inside to escape through the vents. Hot, wet air tends to ascend, and the last thing you want is for your home’s attic and insulation to become a breeding ground for mold and mildew because of moisture that has become trapped there. In addition, all of that accumulation might cause your roof to bake from the inside, weakening the material.

What is the Difference between a Cool Roof and an Energy-efficient Roof?

Because of their reflective nature, cool roofs provide a novel and cost-effective alternative to conventional roofing materials. A cool roof coating, which is typically reflective and light-colored or white, can be applied over an existing roof to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the structure. The reflecting pigments in cool roof coatings allow your roof to reflect sunlight, give efficient protection against UV rays, and offer some protection against water damage.

So, a cool roof is equivalent to an energy-efficient roof in whatever form.

On the other hand, the term “cool roof” is typically reserved for use in reference to flat roofs or commercial installations. Reflective coatings are often applied atop an already-existing roof in order to create cool roofs. Over traditional shingles, this is not something that can be done as easily.

Cool roofs have the potential to make a significant impact in urban settings because the majority of buildings and dwellings have flat roofs. They have the ability to really bring the temperature of the air down (sometimes referred to as the urban heat island effect).

On the other hand, the reflective features of cool roofing are most suitable for use in hot areas. It does a fantastic job of warding off the heat, but it’s not quite as effective against the chill. You also won’t have the same level of insulation that you would have with an asphalt or slate roof, so if you live in a region of the United States that is more temperate, you might want to select a different kind of roofing material.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of roofing is the most energy-efficient?

By far, metal roofing is one of the best options for your roof in general. They have the potential to last for more than half a century, require very little upkeep, and are the most energy-efficient roofing material for residential installations. Because of their high reflective capacity, metal roofs radiate great heat when touched.

Do energy-efficient roofs really save you money?

Although initially more expensive, energy-efficient roofs typically more than pay for themselves over the course of their lifetime. Roofing systems that are energy efficient eventually pay for themselves. They can potentially cut your monthly utility costs by up to 25 percent. The annual cost savings for a typical family house might range from $300 to $500.

Rebates are available for cool roofs in a number of states and local governments. Through participation in the Energy Star rating program, you may potentially be eligible for a tax benefit.

Installing a more energy-efficient roof helps you save money on your energy costs, raises the value of your house, and makes it easier to resale. If you are planning on selling your home in the near future, your investment may have the potential to pay you back immediately. This is because today’s home buyers are looking for homes with energy-efficient roofing materials that are appealing, colorful, and full of character. If you invest in such materials, you may be able to sell your home more quickly.

Get in Touch with Paragon Remodeling to Learn More about energy-efficient roofing

If you’re in the market for a new roof, ask your professional roofing contractor about energy-efficient options. You may be surprised at how much of a difference an energy-efficient roof can make – not just for your home but for the environment too. Get in touch with Paragon Remodeling today to learn more about these types of roofs and how they can benefit you. We would be happy to discuss our available options with you and answer any questions you may have.