If you're looking at options for new roofing materials, you may want to consider a cool roof. Cool roofs are designed to reflect the sun so your home doesn't get as hot in the summer. A cool roof might even reduce your power bill. Here are three choices in cool roofing materials you may want to consider for your home.
1. Asphalt Shingles With Reflective Granules
Asphalt shingles are coated with granules so the shingles have protection from UV rays. This helps the shingles last longer. Granules are made from different materials, and if you're looking to reduce solar heating, you can buy shingles with reflective granules. These granules reflect the sun so the rays don't have time to heat up your house.
This type of asphalt shingle roofing is even Energy Star rated for energy efficiency. The shingles are available in several colors, just like traditional shingles, so your roof will look like a traditional shingle roof while keeping you cooler in the summer.
2. Metal Roofing With Reflective Coating
Metal roofs are sometimes white, and the white color and metal material reflect some of the sun's rays. However, you may want a dark metal roof or a metal roof made to look like wood shakes. In that case, you can buy metal roofing finished with a reflective coating.
The coating is Energy Star rated, and its reflective nature reduces solar heating of your home. Plus, you'll get to enjoy the reduced maintenance needs and longer lifespan of a metal roof over asphalt shingles.
3. Clay Tiles With High Solar Reflectivity
Clay tiles are popular in warm climates because of their naturally high solar reflectivity. Different color tiles have different degrees of reflectivity. If you plan to have a clay tile roof installed and you want the best protection from solar warming, look at the solar reflectance index and thermal emittance rating on the tiles. The higher the numbers, the cooler the roofing tiles.
Thermal emittance refers to how well the tiles release heat rather than absorb it, and clay tiles usually have a high thermal emittance rating. Clay tiles are made even cooler because of the way they're made and installed. The tiles have air space under them that acts as a barrier to heat, so your home can stay a little cooler.
Choosing the right cool roof might seem daunting since there are several options and price might play a big role in your decision too. Talk to a roofer about your goals and your budget so you get advice on the right cool roof for your home.