Climate change is a cause of enormous concern, not only in the United States but throughout the world. Creating an energy-efficient home is one of the best ways to combat the threat of climate change. This is why homeowners are now looking for ways to save energy and contribute to the environment’s well-being.
If you’re a responsible homeowner who wants the best for your home and the environment, ensure that you have an energy-efficient roof. In the following blog, we will cover the importance of energy efficiency, and some of the best roofing systems that can help reduce your energy bills and consumption.
Need Of Energy Efficiency
The meaning of energy efficiency is pretty simple, it’s using less energy to get the same amount of work done. Traditional energy methods use materials found naturally, such as fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels leads to the emission of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, and these gases contribute to the greenhouse effect that warms our planet.
Therefore the more energy you use, the more damage will occur to the environment. This is why energy conservation is the need of the hour, and your home can play an important role.
Here are some benefits of energy efficiency:
- Helps to extend the lifespan of your roof
- Extends the lifespan of your HVAC systems
- Reduces the carbon footprint of your home
- Helps improve the internal temperature of your home
Types Of Energy-Efficient Roofs (Residential)
There are different types of roofing systems available on the market. Each of them has its pros and cons and suits different geographic areas. When you install a new roof, you typically consider factors such as lifespan and price, but over the years, energy efficiency has also become an essential factor in the decision making process.
Below you’ll find examples of some of the best energy-efficient roofing systems available.
Metal Roofing Systems
Metal roofs are one of the most robust types of roofing materials in the U.S. The popularity of metal roofs is increasing steadily due to their durable nature. They are one of the best materials to use when it comes to energy efficiency. The metals used on roofs of this type include steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper.
Metal Roofs have a high SRI, which means these metals can easily reflect the sun’s rays and help reduce your home’s energy costs. Due to this ability, metal roofs are a great option for hot climates, as they help keep interior temperatures cooler.
Other Features Of A Metal Roof
Metal roofs last longer than other materials, which means you won’t need to replace the roof for many years. Metal is also more durable than other materials and has a high resistance to fire, two important features that come in handy when picking out a new roof!
Tile Roofing Systems
Tile roofs are made out of clay, concrete, and composite shingle tiles. They are made to last many years and withstand heavy snowfall and hurricanes. Clay tiles are the most common type of material used for tile roofs. They can easily last for more than 50 years and are known for their high thermal emittance.
Tile roofs are beautiful and durable, which means they will last for decades without any signs of wear and tear. This type of roofing material provides excellent insulation from extreme heat or cold, and leaks, due to its watertight seal around the entire structure.
Tiles are more expensive than other types of roofing materials but over time offer a lower maintenance cost. They also have excellent fire-resistant properties, so they won’t melt or ignite during an intense fire.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Asphalt shingles are one of the most traditional types of roofing materials that are still popular today. Almost 70% of the homes in America have an asphalt shingle roof.
Asphalt shingles are popular because they are inexpensive and relatively easy to install. They also offer good durability and UV resistance. With many color options available, you can mix and match to compliment your home’s exterior with your roof.
Due to the style being old, there are concerns that asphalt shingles may not be as energy efficient as once believed. However, due to multiple technological advancements, asphalt shingles have been improved, and can help your home be as energy efficient as other materials.
When they were first created, the shingle ranges available were limited, but top manufacturers such as Atlas, GAF, and Owens Corning have come up with exciting shingle ranges that offer a variety of colors and various energy-efficient capabilities.
Cedar Shake Wood
Cedar shake roofs are one of the most aesthetically pleasing roofs that you’ll find in the country. When you install a cedar shake roof on your home, you’re getting more than just a roof—you’re also getting a piece of nature that provides beauty and character to your home’s appearance. Natural wood is a highly durable material, and also a natural insulator. Therefore it can help you maintain the temperature inside your home. The downside, however, is that wood shake roofs need regular maintenance, unlike some other roofing materials.
Types Of Energy Efficient Roofs (Commercial)
The ability of a roof to provide energy efficiency is vital for most commercial roofing systems. Commercial roofs are mostly flat and have a larger surface area exposed to the sun’s rays, which can have a damaging effect if your commercial roof is not prepped for energy efficiency.
Here are some commercial roofing materials that offer good energy efficiency.
TPO
TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. TPO roofs are made from a plastic materials that are bonded to rubber. This material is used in many products, including pipes and other roofing materials.
You can consider TPO roofs in the category of cool roofs, which are also known as reflective roofs. Usually, TPO roofs are available in white or other light shades. The combination of light coloring and a UV-resistant surface helps provide the roof with excellent reflective properties. According to roofing experts, TPO roofs can save homeowners around 15-20% on energy costs since it reflects the sun’s rays, preventing your home from becoming overheated.
A TPO roof is great for commercial buildings because it’s lightweight and easy to install. They are also cost-effective and won’t strain your company’s budget. However, TPO is a newer material in the roofing industry, and because of this, research is still being done on how effective the material is in providing durability, but for now, it holds up well among competitors.
EPDM
EPDM is a type of single-ply roofing membrane widely used in commercial buildings. They’re made with ethylene propylene diene monomer, a type of rubber that has been around for decades and is used in a wide range of applications.
Early on, an EPDM roofing system was only available in black or dark gray. This made them susceptible to heat retention. Now you can find EPDM roof coating available in white. There are also additional types of coverings and roof coatings available that you can use to improve the reflective properties of your EPDM roofing system.
Other Roofing Materials
Apart from the popular commercial and residential roofing materials, some other exciting trends in the roofing industry can help you save on your energy bills.
Here are some of the following:
Green Roofs
A green roof is a roof of a building that is partially, or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium planted over a waterproof membrane. It may also include additional layers, such as insulation and drainage systems.
A green roof is also called a living roof, or an eco-roof. Green roofs are becoming more and more common as they offer many benefits over traditional roofs. One of these benefits is how they keep the temperature inside your house lower in the summer, and warmer in the winter. This is because plants absorb the sun’s rays that would normally heat up your roof, releasing that heat back into their surroundings instead of your home.
Solar Roofs
Solar roofs are usually more expensive than other energy-efficient options, but the cost may be worth it if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on electric bills.
Solar roofs are part of a larger trend towards “net-zero” homes, which are homes that only produce as much energy as they need. This is important because it helps homeowners save money on their electric bills by reducing excess energy, and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity production in general.
Other Tips To Improve The Energy Efficiency Of Your Property
Though installing an energy-efficient roof on your home is a big step that can help you save energy, there are several other ways in which you can improve the efficiency of your home. Some of them are given below:
- Choose energy-efficient windows and doors to prevent heat loss in the winter, and heat gains in the summer.
- Insulate your home to prevent heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
- Use LED bulbs, which use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Install An Energy Efficient Roof On Your Tennessee Home
There are many different types of energy-efficient roofs, each with its advantages and limitations. Whatever your budget and needs, at least one type of roof on this list will help you save on your energy bills.
We hope this article has helped you choose the right roof for your home or business! If you still have questions and live in the Tennessee area, don’t hesitate to contact the Miller Roofing and Renovations team.
Our team has years of experience in the roofing business, and we’ve helped many homeowners install the roof of their dreams. We install a variety of roofing materials and can offer other remodeling options too. Contact us at (901) 457-9405 to get started on your energy-efficient roof.
