Are you currently looking at installing a new roof for your home or building? Then, be aware that several factors must be taken into account. For many property owners, energy efficiency is a valid and compelling consideration when undergoing home improvement. After all, one of the last things you want to happen with your new roof is to encounter high energy bills. However, this can be avoided, and that’s when the best roofing Cleveland homeowners opt, work.
To achieve energy efficiency with your roofing is among the many reasons why property owners consider choosing a metal roof over traditional materials. By choosing a metal roofing system, you can improve the overall energy efficiency of your home, especially during the warmer months of the year or when you want to reduce the costs of your air conditioning bill.
Metal roofs work to reflect light and heat from the sun, which helps keep your home at a more consistent, convenient, or comfortable temperature. This way, the metal roof serves a dual purpose, so you won’t need to crank up your air conditioning, which will only result in exorbitantly high energy costs.
Several roofs perform a fantastic job at keeping those energy costs down during the summer months. Sure, you can opt for other materials for your roofing, such as asphalt singles, but metal roofs save you more money on your energy bill because they retain less heat.
Note, though, that not all metal roofs are created equal. The ability of this type of roof to retain or reflect heat is likewise dependent upon the covering material you prefer to include, as well as the overall construction of your roof. How to ensure metal roofs reflect heat to the fullest possible extent? Let’s discuss, but first, what are metal roofs and how do they work?
What Are Metal Roofs? How Do They Work?
Durability is the middle name of metal roofs. They are constructed from materials such as copper, steel, aluminum, or zinc. Designed to provide long-lasting protection against the harshest weather conditions, from fire to corrosion, metal panels are known to interlock tightly, creating a seamless barrier that protects against leakage, wind uplift, and moisture intrusion. Their protective coatings, like galvanized or painted finishes, add an extra level of defense against rusting and ultraviolet damage. Superb.
They function by deflecting heat, efficiently shedding water, expanding and contracting with the constant changes in temperature levels, minus the cracking. Their interlocking seams guide rain and snow away in the quickest possible, reducing risks of pooling or stress in the structure.
Several metal roofs feature reflective surfaces that lower heat absorption, enhancing energy efficiency and keeping homes cooler. Usually installed over a solid underlayment, this layout acts to shield against the destructive weather and as a thermal layer. Overall, metal roofs offer a combination of strength, efficiency, and longevity. They can last a lifetime without replacement, but with just repair. But, you could replace them with new roofing, of course.
How Metal Roofs Enhance Your Property’s Energy Efficiency
The Color Selections
Whether you believe this or not, color selections are more than simply the total aesthetics of your roof. Sure, you can choose a specific color for aesthetic reasons, but there are other particular concerns to consider.
One of the standout advantages of metal roofs is that they come in a wide range of colors and styles, catering to homeowners’ preferences. At the end of the day, roof finishes are not the sole factor that impacts the energy efficiency of your metal roof. The color choice also plays a huge role.
The overall heat absorption of metal surfaces and materials is affected by the color of the roof’s surface. Yet, remember. Regardless of the material you choose for your roofing, darker colors are your best bet. They are more likely to work with heat absorption, compared with lighter-colored roofs. And, after all, darker-colored roofs are more common around. This rule of thumb applies to every roofing material around, including those with less energy-efficient properties.
Furthermore, while metal offers a significant advantage over other materials in terms of heat reflection, lighter-colored metals can still have their purpose. They may also boost your energy savings at some point. At the end of the day, it depends on what you precisely need.
Mass + Sun Exposure
Apart from the color, the mass of your metal roof is also a significant factor contributing to its energy-saving prowess.
As pointed out earlier, whenever your roofing gets more direct sunlight, it will heat up. Naturally, during the daytime, your roof is bound to receive most of the sunlight. This is why, as the sun begins to dissipate, the surface temperature of your roof shall decrease as well. The temperature of your roof will ideally drop until it reaches the same temperature as the air around. Interesting.
Now, when your roof is constructed using a heavier material with bigger mass, it takes longer for the temperature to dwindle down, even if it has lost contact with direct sunlight. Meaning to say, when roofs are constructed with a lighter material, it is bound to lose heat so quicker than how it does with a bulkier material. However, this helps prevent the transfer of heat from your roof into your property.
Interestingly enough as well, metal roofs are lighter compared to other popular roofing materials. The lighter your metal roof is, the faster it can cool down when the sun has set.
Partner With The Right Roofing Contractor For Energy Efficiency
If, after all those discussions, you are still uncertain which material you’d choose for your brand-new property roofing, it’s crucial to pause for a moment, and list down energy efficiency on top of your list of priorities.
In the long run, with a truly energy-efficient roof above your head, the savings will just add up. Keep in mind that when considering new roofs, ensure you’re thinking of the long-term benefits, not just the short-term. Since, ideal, you will have your roof for the several years to come.
Metal roofs are energy-efficient, of course, especially when installed on your properties. Investing in metal roofs can provide those long-term savings on your energy bills.
