Cool Roof? How Energy Efficient Roofing Materials Lowers Your AC Bill
The global roofing materials market is expected to grow to $142.88 million by 2025. Among the products entering the market are cool roof materials. More consumers prefer to use cool roofs because of their energy efficiency.
Energy efficient roofs can make a whole lot of difference in your home. A cool roof is designed to absorb less heat while reflecting more sunlight than a standard roof. This type of roofs is made from a kind of paint that’s highly reflective.
They may also be made from highly reflective shingles or tiles. How does a cool roof contribute to reducing your AC bill? Read this article for insights.
1. A Cool Roof Saves on Cost and Energy
Cool roofs aren’t necessarily more expensive than non-cool ones. This is important to note in case you’re weighing your options based on the cost of a roof. However, if you’re replacing an already existing roof that’s still in good condition, factor in the roof replacement costs.
After installation, a cool roof will save you money in energy costs, incentive, and rebates. The roof helps in downsizing your HVAC system. If you live in a hot and humid area, the roof manages your indoor temperatures by resisting the absorption of heat.
As the roof keeps the heat away, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work quite so hard to cool your interiors. This, in the long run, keeps your monthly utility bills lower.
The roof provides insulation, which is crucial in the energy efficiency of a home. If the insulation is less than perfect, you’ll notice a rise in your monthly bills.
2. Provides Convenience
With a cool roof, you don’t have to keep your HVAC system running all day every day during the hot months. Your home will be cooler in the warm months, making your environment more comfortable. If your house is two-stories, there’s the chimney effect which is put under control by a cool roof.
The chimney effect is where heated air rises upwards to the upper space, making the top floor warmer. If you integrate this with a roof that absorbs heat, the environment can be quite uncomfortable. With a cool roof, the temperatures remain in a more stable balance, reducing the chimney effect.
3. Extends the Roof Life
Did you know that the quality of your roof is affected by extreme heat? The most affected types of roofs are those with asphalt shingles. They naturally break down with prolonged direct exposure to the sun.
If you install a long-lasting cool roof, the few the number of times you’ll have to re-shingle.
4. You May Qualify for Rebates
In some municipalities, some utility companies offer refunds to people who install energy-efficient roofs. Check with your energy company to see if you qualify.
5. Moisture Control
Cool roofs can be susceptible to mold growth and algae. Fortunately, they come with roof coatings with special coatings that prevent algae and mold growth for many years.
Condensation on the roofs, in cold areas, is also frequent with cool roofs. Fortunately, with the proper design, condensation can be prevented.
Types of Cool Roofs
You might be wondering what the cool roofs being discussed are and how you can recognize them. The difference between cool roofs and non-cool ones mainly lies in the type of surface exposed to the sun.
You can covert an existing roof into a cool roof using a few methods.
1. Apply Cool Roof Coatings
These are unique reflective pigments that reflect sunlight. The coatings are very thick to prevent ultra-violet light rays from reaching the roof. They also offer a protective layer against chemical damage.
Besides, they also offer protection from water damage while providing restorative features. These coatings are available for most roof types.
2. Single-Ply Membrane
These are fabricated sheets rolled onto the roof and held in place using mechanical fasteners. They can also adhere to the use of ballast or chemical adhesives. They’re made cool by the use of black coat membranes that make them reflective.
3. Built-Up Roofs
These types of roofs consist of a base sheet with reinforced layers of fabric. On top is a dark protective surface layer that can further be enhanced to make it cool. The options include
- Substituting the reflective marble chips with dark gravel
- Using reflective mineral granules or factory-applied coating
- Applying a cool coat directly over the dark surface
Since the roofs are installed on low sloped roofs, they become highly effective in reducing utility bills.
4. Modified Bitumen Sheet Membranes
These roofs have one or more layers of rubber or plastic. The surface is layered with mineral granules or a smooth finish. These are the same materials used to create a smooth finish in hybrid roofs.
These types of roofs are made cool by the application of a cool roof coating.
5. Shingles Roofs
This is a type of roof ideal for steep sloped roofs. Shingles roofs are made from overlapping panels made from a variety of materials. These include wood, fiberglass asphalt, polymers, or metals.
They’re converted into cool roofs by coating them with a cool roof coating at the factory. Take note that it’s usually not recommendable to add this coating to an existing asphalt roof.
6. Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are ideal for low and steep sloped roofs. They’re available in oven-baked paint finishes, metallic finishes, and granular-coated surfaces. To make them cool, consider painting them to improve its solar reflectance and thermal emittance.
You can also apply cool reflective coatings.
7. Green Roofs
You also have the option of installing a green roof, which is ideal for urban dwellings. They help in a big way to manage stormwater as well as allow you to enjoy a rooftop open space. They’re very efficient in insulation and cooling.
Final Thoughts
When you think of installing a cool roof, determine if installation costs will justify the savings. This is in terms of heating and cooling costs savings. How much energy you end up using will largely be determined by the climatic conditions of your environment.
Cool roofs also come with the advantages of moisture control, providing convenience, and qualifying you for rebates. They also extend the quality of life of your roof.
Some of your cool roof options include metal roofs, green roofs, shingles, single-ply, and sheet membranes. Have a professional install the roofs for you to ensure maximum insulation.
If you need a roof repair or replacement, be sure to contact the top southeast phoenix roofing repair companytoday to find out how we can help you.
Is your home in need of a roof replacement? Call AZ Roofing Works today to get a Free Roofing Estimate! Get all of your roofing questions answered by contacting us online or call our office directly at (602) 283-3383.
