5 Best Types of Energy-Efficient Roofing

Written by Posted On Tuesday, 25 July 2017 08:16

When you think of ways to make your home more energy-efficient, does your roof come to mind? That’s OK if it doesn’t, because many people overlook the importance of roofing choice and its effect on the overall energy efficiency of their home.

Asphalt shingles are a common roofing material, but they are not good insulators or protectors compared to some other types of roofing. In fact, asphalt is one of the worst types of materials when it comes to energy-efficiency. You may want to rethink this type of roofing when it’s time to replace an existing roof on your home.

There are many other choices of roofing that can really help when it comes to providing good insulation and protection for your home.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofing is known as “cool roofing” and made from different types of metals, like tin, galvanized steel, copper and aluminum. It's estimated metal can save you up to 40 percent on your energy costs.

Unlike other roofing materials, metal reflects heat instead of absorbing it. And since metal roofs come in a variety of colors, the shade you choose can also help reflect away sun rays to keep your home cooler. Metal roofs have other benefits:

  • - Last for decades

  • - Install over existing asphalt roof

  • - Require little maintenance

  • - Completely recyclable

Cedar Roofs

Cedar roofs are not only beautiful, but energy-efficient. Cedar provides more insulation for homes than traditional asphalt roofing. This means they keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, lowering your energy costs.

Cedar roofing also helps control the humidity level in your home, so you don’t use as much heat in the winter. These roofs are also durable and storm-resistant. You’ll find cedar offers other benefits, as well:

  • - Resistant to decay and insect damage

- Hail-resistant

- Earthquake-sustainable

- Fire-retardant

- Low-maintenance

clay tile roof

Clay Tile Roofs

Clay tile roofs are environmentally friendly because they are made from a naturally occurring material. They are also energy-efficient because they reflect heat and offer natural ventilation. Air flows under the tiles and creates a barrier to stop heat transfer, so this means your house stays a more consistent temperature.

Clay tiles offer other benefits, too!

  • - Hail-resistant

  • - Withstand high winds

  • - Easy to install

  • - Require little maintenance and repair

  • - Last longer than other roofing materials

  • - Come in a broad variety of colors

Green Roofs

Green roofs — also known as living roofs — use soil and plants as roofing materials. One of the biggest advantages is that they provide excellent insulation to keep your home a stable temperature. This means fewer energy costs for you.

Green roofs offer even more benefits for the environment.

  • - Long-lasting

  • - Serve as a habitat

  • - Make good use of otherwise unused space

Spray Roofs

Spray polyurethane foam is a roofing material that offers great benefits. Not only is it water-resistant, but it also provides excellent insulation for your home and much more.

  • - Low-maintenance

- Breathable

- Rugged

- Provides protection from the elements

Other factors come into play when choosing roofing for your home. The slope of your roof and color choices can also affect how energy-efficient your roofing material is, especially when you take your climate into consideration.

Before choosing the type of roofing for your home, learn more about climate and how this can help you choose the best type of roof to make help you cut energy costs.

If in doubt, you can also get help from a professional roofer. Talk to them and find out what choices you have so you can weigh the costs and benefits of getting a new roof. This should be an investment in your home, so you want to make good choices and find the best roof for your needs.

Don’t forget, you can have an attractive roof that is also durable and energy-efficient. You don’t have to compromise when it comes to beauty and functionality.

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Megan Wild

Hey there! I'm Megan, I'm a home improvement writer, blogger, and real estate investor and observer. Check out my posts for housing trends and latest happenings in U.S. and Pennsylvania!

www.yourwildhome.com

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