What Kind of Roofing Materials Are Energy-Efficient?

When choosing a roofing option for your commercial or residential property, one of the qualities most owners look for is the roof’s energy efficiency. When the roof of your property gets heated up during the warmer months, it automatically leads to more air conditioner usage to keep the internal temperature comfortable.

The increased usage of air conditioners/HVAC systems would massively increase the energy bills. Roofing material manufacturers identified this problem and started developing and manufacturing roofing materials to efficiently reflect the sun’s heat.

Previously, the roofing materials used were the ones that absorbed the heat rather than reflecting it, which made it difficult to keep the internal environment cool and pleasant. These days, there are many roofing materials available that are highly energy-efficient. 

Before we get into the energy-efficient roofing materials, let us first discuss the factors the energy efficiency of the roofing materials depends on. 

Reflectivity

Reflectivity is the ability of the material to reflect radiant light rather than absorbing it. The reflectivity of the material largely depends on the color. The lighter colors like white reflect light while absorbing very little, resulting in higher energy efficiency.

The manufacturers make roofing materials that absorb fewer sun rays’ photons while reflecting most of it. This helps in reduced use of air conditioners as the internal temperature is maintained at a comfortable level for longer. 

Emissivity 

The emissivity is the ability of the material to hold on to the heat that it has absorbed or how fast it can release energy in the form of thermal radiation. Some roofing materials hold on to heat for longer, meaning it has low emissivity. When looking to buy energy-efficient roofing material, look for material with low emissivity and high reflectivity. 

Now, let us look at some of the top energy-efficient roofing material options available in the market today –

Steep-Sloped Roofing Materials

Asphalt Shingles

While asphalt shingles are not the most energy-efficient by nature, several variants are available today that are designed and developed to be highly energy-efficient. Look out for Energy Star rated asphalt shingles in the market. These not only look good but would help you save considerably on energy bills. 

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs reflect heat more effectively and have a low emissivity, so if energy efficiency is your top priority, consider metal roofing for your residential or commercial space. Choose metal roofs of lighter colors to increase its energy efficiency. Moreover, ask your local Denver roofing contractor for metal roofing options with additional roof coatings to enhance its energy-efficiency quotient. 

Wood Shake

Wood does not absorb heat easily, and neither transfers the same easily, so the wood shake is a viable roofing option one can consider. However, it is not preferred for Denver homes or commercial facilities in wet and humid regions due to wood rot and wood damage problems. 

Slate

It is a natural insulator and a good roofing option for homes. Even on the hottest of summer days, you’re sure to feel comfortable in your home without depending too much on the air conditioning system.

Tile

Tiles are primarily made of concrete or clay, and these materials are known to hold on to heat for longer. However, Denver roofing companies often layer this roofing material with a reflective coating that makes it highly energy-efficiency. 

Low-Sloped Roofing Materials 

Now, let us discuss some flat roof or low-sloped roofing materials that are highly energy-efficient and can be used for your home or commercial facility. 

Modified Bitumen

It is typically an asphalt product and is available in many different options. The application of modified bitumen roofing options is also a bit more complex than many other roofing types. It is primarily applied in two layers, and heat or industry-standard adhesive is used to install it. Choosing the lighter color of modified bitumen roofing would help in increasing its energy efficiency. Being an asphalt product, it is not the most energy-efficient roofing option on its own (without the coating). 

Standing Seam

This type of roof has to be mechanically fastened for its durability, effectiveness, and longevity. Roof coatings are often used to make this roofing material enhance its energy efficiency.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)

TPO is amongst the most preferred energy-efficient roofing materials in the Denver & the overall market today. As the TPO materials are almost always white, they reflect radiant light and heat effectively. It is a rubber-based single-ply membrane that naturally doesn’t have the quality to store or transfer heat. It is also quite economical, making it a highly recommended choice for people looking for energy-efficient roofing material.

Roof Coatings

The roof coatings are profusely used to enhance the lifespan and energy efficiency of roofs these days. Most of the roof coatings are developed and manufactured keeping in mind the energy-efficiency of the roofing material. Consulting with your local roofing contractor nearby would help you get more ideas on how and which roof coatings can be used for your preferred roofing type. 

These are the few roofing materials that are not only a common choice among residential and commercial properties but are durable and highly energy-efficient as well. However, it would be wrong to choose a roofing material only due to its energy efficiency.

You need to consider many other factors, including curb appeal it offers, aesthetics, durability, strength, lifespan, pricing, maintenance requirements, and so on. If you feel lost in the myriad of roofing options available, consulting with a credible and well-reviewed roofing company would help make you an informed decision. 

Trust Your Roof With Denver’s #1 Roofing Company

Looking for more information on energy efficient roofing materials to install on your home? Schedule a 100% free, no-obligation consultation with one of our roofing technicians today! Our expert Denver roofing professionals can provide you with an in-depth estimate and consultation about what roofing material may be best for your home!