Will a Cool Roof Will Keep Me Cooler and Help Save Me Money?

Posted by Carolyn Lynch on April 10th, 2023

Have you ever been on your roof on a hot summer day? If so, you know scorching it can become. Roofing materials are heat resistant, but persistent high temperatures will reduce their lifespan.

Additionally, your attic and indoor living area will become hotter as your roof gets hotter. So, your air conditioner will need to work harder. The outcome? Energy prices will increase, and probably, you will need to replace your air conditioning system earlier than you would want.

What can you do to get things cooler inside your home? While planning your next roof replacement, pick the color and materials carefully for your roof.

Colors of the Roof and Heat Retention

Have you ever worn a black t-shirt on a hot day? If so, you may have experienced the consequences of heat retention. But, how does this idea apply to your roof’ Let’s see it!

  • Dark-Colored and Black Roofs:

Darker-colored roofing materials will often absorb more light and heat. Therefore, your attic heats more, warming up your home’s interior as well.

  • Light-Colored Roofs:

 Light hues reflect heat and light more effectively. This factor is one reason why people in warm-temperature regions like Greece, North Africa, and the Southwest United States have historically preferred light-colored roofs.

Roofing Materials Matter Even More

Depending on the material you choose, your attic’s summer temperature might change by more than 50°F, according to the US Department of Energy. So, it is beneficial to know which common roofing materials are cooler than others.

  • Asphalt shingles:

Regardless of color, they have relatively low reflectivity. Thus, they have higher heat retention since they absorb many of the light rays the asphalt granules diffuse. Still, some significantly more energy-efficient solutions are available nowadays. For instance, Owens Corning Duration Premium COOL Shingles reflect more solar radiation, keeping your roof cooler. They are ENERGY STAR-qualified and CRRC-rated.

  • Metal Roofing:

Besides being strong and long-lasting, metal is also reflective, which is another benefit of metal roofing.

Even in a deeper shade, a properly coated metal roof will reflect the bulk of the solar energy that strikes it. Initially, metal costs more than shingles. But, it pays for itself over time by cutting your house’s energy expenditures by up to 40%!

  • Natural Tile:

Slate and day tiles, made from natural materials, have a lot of inherent heat resistance and reflection. Additionally, their design allows air to circulate around the tile, removing moisture and regulating the roof’s temperature. Another excellent material to consider is concrete tiles. They are resistant to the elements and retain little heat.

  • Wood Shakes:

Wood shakes are an environmentally friendly material. Wood is a good natural insulator, and these shingles come from renewable resources. Therefore, less heat will be transported through your roof to the attic below. Besides, choosing cedar as your wooden roofing material benefits your home and roof in terms of moisture control.

  • Synthetic Roofing:

Synthetic roofing composites resemble natural materials like wood, asphalt, or tile and provide noteworthy reflecting qualities. For example, DaVinci Cool Roof tiles contain virgin resins strengthened with improved UV stabilizers. These shingles have the ENERGY STAR classification and come with a 50-year guarantee.

Ventilation and Insulation: Two Additional Strategies to Keep Your Roof Cooler

A cooler roof is necessary. So make sure your attic has proper ventilation. Allow your roof to breathe by creating a sound ventilation strategy. Ensure the intake and exhaust vents on your roof are evenly distributed so that hot air can escape and fresh air can enter.

We usually think of insulation as something we need to keep our houses warm in the winter. But, it is also crucial for keeping your house cool in the summer. Adding blown insulation is a clever way to make your home as energy-efficient as possible for each season.

Are You Prepared for a Cooler Home and Roof?

Choosing the proper roof color, roofing materials, ventilation setup, and insulation techniques is crucial. But, even the best materials will not make much difference if we do not place them correctly from the start!

Are you looking for the best-rated, most dependable local roofers in NC? Then, turn to Camden Roofing right away!

We can handle all of your home or commercial roofing needs. Moreover, we are happy to serve the Piedmont Triad, Triangle, Charlotte Metro, and Roanoke, VA, regions of North Carolina.

But do not just take our word for it. Read what Guild Quality’s happy customers say about us!

After that, call us at 704-858-2141!

Let us show you the Camden Roofing advantage. If you’re looking for sale for sale in Texas, look no further. Check out Texas Landsource today!

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Carolyn Lynch

About the Author

Carolyn Lynch
Joined: January 25th, 2021
Articles Posted: 62

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