If you’re considering a metal roof for your home, you might have a few questions or concerns. For example, when the summer heat is doing its worst and trying to melt everything in sight, won’t a metal roof make your home hotter than a conventional one? Believe it or not, metal roofs are one of the coolest and most energy-efficient options. Here’s what you need to know.
Metal Roofs Are Reflective
It’s a common misconception that a metal roof will turn your home into an oven. Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, asphalt shingles, similar to concrete, tile, and wood, absorb heat and will remain hot for hours after the summer sun has set. Even when there is no sun, most traditional roofing materials will store heat and radiate it straight into your home. If you’ve ever gone into your attic with an asphalt roof overhead, you know that the heat can be stifling.
Metal roofs reflect light and heat instead of absorbing it because the material has a low thermal mass. As it cools down outside, your roof automatically cools. Combine this with a special reflective coating that re-emits heat, and your attic will be noticeably cooler in the summer months.
How Cool is Your Roof?
The truth is that not all metal roofs are the same. If you nailed a sheet of stainless steel to the top of your home versus using a specialized metal roofing material, your results would be drastically different. Likewise, subpar installation techniques can make your roof inefficient and much less durable.
Some metal roofs, known as “cool roofs,” are so energy efficient that they are ENERGY STAR-qualified. These roofs have been given this title based on their total thermal emittance and reflective abilities, meaning they release a maximum amount of temperature back into the atmosphere. If you have one of these roofs, you may be able to lower your roof temperature by up to half and your annual energy costs by up to 40 percent.
Other factors that impact your metal roof’s ability to keep your home cool are your attic ventilation measures, the quality of insulation in your home, and your choice of colors. For example, a darker color will absorb more heat than a paler one.
It’s “Cool” to Have a Green Roof
Finally, metal roofs are the preferred choice for homeowners that want to be environmentally-friendly. Most aluminum roofs are made from 98% recycled materials. Further, there are less production and transportation costs because they are pre-engineered and pre-fabricated. Metal roofs are long-lasting, which means it a sustainable solution. Last, you can recycle nearly the entire thing when it comes time to replace it.
Are you ready to explore your options for your next metal roof? Excel Metal Roofing, L.L.C., has been in the business of installing quality metal roofs throughout the Versailles, MO area for over 20 years. We place a strong emphasis on quality installation and service after the sale.
Contact us today to learn more about our products and get a quote for your metal roof project.
