Summer is now in full swing, and if you’re due for a roof replacement you may be thinking of energy-efficient roofing materials which keep your sun cooler and your air conditioning costs down. So what are the most energy-efficient types of roofs and roofing materials, and which one is most practical for you?
What Type of Roof is the Most Energy-Efficient?
Many types of roofs have energy-efficient properties, but which types are the most energy-efficient? Flat roofs are among the best. Spray foam roofing, a popular choice for flat roofs, has an R-value of 6.5 per inch – which in layman’s terms means that its insulation is highly effective. It also has reflective coating, which reduces the amount of sunlight absorbed.
White reflective coatings, which can lower the temperature of your flat roof by 30-40 degrees, are also a fantastic option when it comes to making your roof more energy-efficient.
Which Color of Roofing Material Provides the Most Energy Efficiency?
Because of its light-reflective qualities, white is considered the most energy-efficient color for your roof, but all lighter colors – such as a light tan or light gray – are a good choice for energy-efficiency. The lighter your roof is, the better it will be at reflecting the sun’s rays, keeping your home cooler in the summer.
What is the Most Eco-Friendly Material for a Roof?
Some of the best eco-friendly roofing materials are:
- Metal Roof: Metal roofs are an eco-friendly choice for roofs, because metal roofs are made from recyclable materials, reflect light, and are incredibly durable, able to last up to 50 years.
- Clay Roof: Clay tile roofs are incredibly popular, and for good reason. Clay tiles are long-lasting and provide proper insulation, both of which make them an eco-friendly option.
- White Roof: A roof made of any material can be eco-friendly just by being colored white. White roofs reflect the sunlight, making your home cooler and reducing the pressure on your air conditioning.
Other Energy-Saving Ideas for Your Roof
Even if you’re not ready to switch up your roofing materials, there’s plenty you can do to increase the energy efficiency of your roof.
If you’ve got an old skylight on your roof, it may be worthwhile to replace it with a newer one that has a low “U factor” – meaning one that’s more energy-efficient, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
During a reroof, you can install a “Low-E Thermasheet” or other radiant barrier underneath your roofing materials. These radiant barriers go under roofing materials such as tile, shingles, and metal roofing, and work by reflecting the sunlight to reduce cooling costs.
Ready to save on air conditioning costs during these brutal summer months? Call Roofstar Arizona now at (480) 426-1915 to get a free estimate on how to make your roof energy-efficient. We’ll always tell you the truth about your roof.