Top 5 Most Energy Efficient Roofing Types

Up until now, you might have never thought about the energy efficiency of roofing, henceforth you tend to waste a hell lot of your hard-earned money on energy bills. That's why, in this article, we go over the top five most energy-efficient roofing types you should consider for your roofing project.

We will also be taking a look at some of the key factors that affect roof efficiency, the role a roof plays in energy efficiency, and more to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decision.

The Role of Your Roof in Energy Efficiency

A roof does not only protect your home from the external elements but it's also a major concern when it comes to energy consumption.

The type, color, and insulation of roofing material are all factors that affect how much heat your home will absorb or reflect, hence directly impacting heating and cooling costs.

Where it traps heat inside the house in summer or allows it to go out in winter, it essentially means your HVAC struggles to cool the house down, and that uses a lot more energy. 

On the contrary, an effective roof keeps indoor temperature consistent; thus, ensuring comfort within one's dwelling with reduced energy use.

How Roofing Impacts Energy Consumption

The right roofing can have a big impact when it comes to efficiency in terms of energy consumption. How?

Let’s have a look below:

Absorption and reflection of heat – Traditional dark colored roofing absorbs a lot of heat, and that can mean added cooling costs. Energy-saving roofing materials, including metal roofing or cool roofing, permit increased reflection of sunlight and less absorption of heat, and your residence remains cooler.

Insulation – Well-insulated roofing keeps winter’s chill out and keeps warm air out in winter and during summer. That reduces strain on your HVAC and your utility bills.

Ventilation – Well-designed roof ventilation permits hot air to escape, and your attic isn’t a hotbox, and your residence can remain cool and moisture-related issues such as mold and wood decay can be avoided.

5 Best Energy-Efficient Roofing Types

Choosing the correct roofing material can have a big impact in your home’s efficiency when it comes to consuming energy. Certain roofing materials naturally deflect heat, and others insulate perfectly to slow down temperature shifts. Below are six of the most efficient roofing materials, each with its respective sets of advantages.

‍

1. Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the most efficient roofing materials out in the marketplace.

‍Naturally reflective, metal roofing reflects sunlight off your residence and not onto your residence, keeping your interior cool in warm temperatures. Most metal roofs possess a specific coating that helps make them even more reflective when it comes to deflecting heat.

Aside from being reflective, metal roofs also last long (50 to 70 years) with hardly any maintenance at all. Metal roofs can withstand extreme weather, including high winds, heavy showers, and even fires.

Perhaps one of its best assets, metal roofs are made with recycled materials.

2. Tile Roofing

Clay and concrete tile have been utilized for centuries and represent one of the most effective roofing options in terms of energy savings.

‍Due to density, they act naturally as a thermal barrier, slowing down conduction of heat and keeping your home cool in warm temperatures and warm in cold temperatures.

Tile roofs can last more than 50 years, are reflective and come in a variety of colors. The traditional curved tile shape promotes airflow, allowing for escape of heat and not getting trapped in your roof. Tile roofing, even with its high initial expense is a wise long-term investment when its durability and efficiency savings are factored in.

3. Cool Roofs

Cool roofs serve one purpose: to cool down temperatures through reflective coatings or specially designed materials that cool down rooftop temperatures. Cool roofs can cool rooftop temperatures to 50 degrees, a considerable savings in terms of lowered cooling costs in warmer climates.

Cool roofing takes the form of cool shingles, tile, and coatings for new roofing over a current roof. Light-colored roofing in particular, maximizes efficiency through reflection of sunlight.

With a cool roof system installed during initial installation, or a cool roof coating installed subsequently, it is a perfect alternative for increased efficiency without having to re-roof your property altogether.

4. Asphalt Shingles w/ Cool Coating

Asphalt shingles are a common roofing material, but not all asphalt shingles are energy efficient.

There have been specially designed reflective asphalt shingles developed, however, that can reduce heat absorption. ‍

Asphalt shingles can have cool roof coatings, for one, or can be designed with granules with a high reflection rating compared to conventional asphalt shingles.

For a cost-effective, energy-saving upgrade, reflective asphalt shingles are a wise value between price and performance. They have a superior thermal performance compared to conventional asphalt but maintain the conventional shingle look that works with most architectural types.

5. Synthetic Roofing (Slate, Wood & Clay)

Synthetic roofing materials, such as polymer composite shingles, replicate traditional roofing materials such as wood, slate, and clay but with added efficiency in terms of durability and energy. Most synthetic roofing materials have reflective properties, with reduced absorption and added insulation. By the way, Davinci is a popular synthetic slate option.

Synthetic roofs are lighter, and hence easier and less expensive to install in contrast to traditional materials such as concrete and clay.

Most synthetic roofing materials use recycled materials which means they're eco-friendly too!

Get an Energy Efficient Roof in Illinois Today

Global Exterior Experts has been in the roofing industry since 2010 and specializes in a wide array of efficient roofing materials. Contact our experts today for a no-obligation estimate.