An energy-efficient roof reduces how much energy your home or building consumes. This is majorly determined by your choice of roofing material. Your roof, windows, and siding capture direct sun rays during the day, resulting in the heating up of houses in the daytime. Luckily, energy-efficient roofing materials reflect sunlight and release heat into the atmosphere, hindering increased temperatures inside your building. Earlier plank roof decking was commonly used on roofs and this type os roof decking is still popular at many places. You can ensure comfort in your building and cut down energy costs from your AC just by hiring a reputable roofing company, Dublin City Roofing.
This article discusses some of the most reliable energy-efficient roofing methods.
Cool roof coating
Roof coating is an excellent way to repurpose your roof without replacing the entire thing. For instance, you can apply a cool roof coating to your old roof to reduce heat absorption and consequently energy bills without half the hassle. Cool roof coating is white, reflective paint that boosts your roof’s ability to release and reflect heat. However, bright white paints are ideal for roofs with a low slope since they can negatively affect sloped houses’ curb appeal. You can get a cool roof coating for under $3 per square foot if you already have a flat roof. If you choose to replace your current roof with a flat one, you will certainly have to part with more money.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles have a significant Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) when they are infused with coated reflective granules, ultimately increasing your roof’s energy efficiency for some of the best prices in the market. SRI indicates the emissive and reflective qualities of a certain material, rated from 0 to 100. Roofing materials with a higher SRI number than others are better at cooling your building.
Although cool roof shingles are pretty affordable, most shingles on the market don’t come with reflective granules. As such, you have to actively seek those that satisfy energy efficiency requirements or include coated granules.
Tile roofing
When installed correctly and professionally, tile roofing can reduce your AC costs by up to 20%, even in the most extreme heat conditions. Due to the overlapping of roofing tiles with each course, they form channels over the roof deck that facilitate air circulation. The air channels are formed to allow hot air to leave the building and insulate the building from external heat. Also, roofing tiles are made of clay and concrete. These materials possess high SRI numbers due to their significantly high heat emittance capabilities.
While tile roofing generally sounds like a dream come true, it may not be the best option for everyone. Tiles cost almost double the price of asphalt shingles. However, one might say that their beauty and energy efficiency outweighs the cost.
Green roofing
If you are a sustainability enthusiast, you cannot do better than green roofing. As the name suggests, green roofing is soil and greenery on a flat roof. This roofing option has been used since time immemorial, but today, urban developers prefer it for its reliability in abating urban heat islands. Generally, cities record higher temperatures than their outskirts due to the concentration of buildings and surfaces that absorb and retain heat. Vegetation on your roof will absorb radiation from the sun and insulate your building for better indoor temperatures. Green roofs are visually appealing, retain stormwater and improve your roof’s lifespan, but you will have to perform regular maintenance to enjoy these benefits.
Metal roofing
Whether you opt for copper, aluminum, or steel shakes, tiles, or panels, metal roofing is synonymous with huge energy savings. Light metal roofing that has been installed with adequate vents can help you save up to 25% on energy costs. It is also sustainable since old metal can be recycled into new quality roofing materials. Metal roofing will cost you more than asphalt shingles, but the durability and energy savings easily outweigh the cost.
Solar tile roofing
Solar tile roofing and solar panels are entirely different, save for the fact that both generate energy. Solar tiles have photovoltaic properties that convert sunlight into electric energy. They look just like traditional tiles but are significantly more expensive, going for up to $20 per square foot without considering accessory equipment. However, the energy savings and solar energy you get in return are worth every dollar.
There are several reliable, energy-efficient roofing options on the market. All you need is a good roofing contractor to discuss each one with you and lay out their suitability for your home or commercial building.