The time has come for you to invest in a new roof. It is wise to consider the materials used in the past compared to what is available today. Energy-efficient roofs can save you money on utility bills in the long run. Going green doesn’t just help the environment, it helps your pocketbook, too. Every house is unique. Before choosing a roofing material, it is wise to consult a professional that can assess the particulars of your home. Installing a cool roof is one of the easiest ways to make your home more energy-efficient.
Cool Roofing
Roofing systems that reflect the sun’s rays save energy and money during warmer months. These roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. Cool roofs work by combining reflectivity with infrared emittance to keep the roof temperature cool. These roofs deal with heat in two ways. The largest portion of solar energy is reflected. This energy is also emitted as infrared energy to the atmosphere. It does this by re-radiating any energy absorbed back into the sky. The reflectivity is more important than the emittance for overall temperature reduction.
Pros of Cool Roofing
Cool roofs benefit a home and its occupants as well as the environment. A roof in the summertime can reach temperatures of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. A cool roof can reduce that temperature by as much as 50 degrees. That is a significant reduction. The benefits of a cool roof cannot be overstated.
- Reduce Energy Bills – When your air conditioning is working on a hot roof, it is less efficient. By reflecting that heat, your air conditioning works less, saving you money.
- Increases Comfort Level – Because a cool roof helps reduce the temperature of the roof; it also reduces temperature fluctuations throughout the day. More consistent temperatures result in a more comfortable home.
- Urban Heat Island Mitigation – Cities can be two to eight degrees warmer than surrounding areas due to dark materials that absorb the sun. Cool roofs help mitigate this heat phenomenon by reflecting solar radiation and re-emitting portions of infrared light. An abundance of cool roofs in a neighborhood can ultimately reduce smog by mitigating the heat.
Cons of Cool Roofing
Homeowners should never agree to a roof simply because it is touted to be a cool roof. Many factors contribute to a building’s overall thermal efficiency, including insulation, roof pitch and roof orientation. Climate plays a big factor in the benefits of a cool roof as well. A homeowner should also take into consideration long-term performance such as maintenance costs and durability.
In colder climates, a cool roof might not be beneficial. If heating days outnumber cooling days, then lowering your roof temperature is not helpful. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency developed a calculator that allow users to enter thermal properties of proposed roof, the efficiency of HVAC system, insulation and other factors to predict how much energy is saved for a particular home in a particular location. The best course of action is to consult a professional like KY-KO residential roofing.
There are many things to consider when planning a roofing remodel. An energy-efficient roof can save you money on utility bills and help the environment. Not all roofs are created equal or right for everyone, so do your research before making a decision.