Cool roofs or reflective roof materials are best for homes in hot climates, or for homeowners who want to have a more sustainable home. Reflecting the sunlight away from the home, these roofs provide a multitude of benefits that can save you money, keep your home comfortable, and boost the home’s overall value.
Reflective roof materials are a practical solution to many modern challenges homeowners face. High energy bills, HVAC inefficiency, and growing environmental concerns can be solved with cool roofs. This blog will share what materials are considered reflective and the benefits that they can provide for homes across the world.
Popular Reflective Roof Materials
Some materials may claim to help keep a home cooler or reflect sunlight, but some materials just don’t reflect as much sunlight as others. The higher the reflective rate, the more benefits you will see.
Most roofing materials that come in lighter colors are more reflective than their darker-colored counterparts, but there are specialty materials that were made to reflect the highest amount of sunlight possible.
Here are the common reflective roof materials currently on the market:
- Lighter colored materials
- Membranes
- Shingles
- Metal
- Stone
- Tile (high solar reflectance
- Green/living roofs
Lower Energy Costs
Roofs that reflect sunlight will help keep the interior temperature of a home at a comfortable level. By reflecting sunlight, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to keep the home at a set temperature. Especially during the summer, reflective roof materials can help you lower energy costs that can skyrocket by running air conditioners and standing fans all day.
Extended Roof Lifespan
One of the most common causes of roof damage is harmful UV rays. The sun can cause rotting and weakening of shingles, slate tiles, and more. Materials with a higher reflective level don’t absorb the UV light that causes these issues and heat up the materials. Roofs will avoid cracking, splitting, and rotting by not absorbing the heat.
Since reflective materials are less susceptible to damage, they will be able to withstand storms or insects and protect your roof for longer. Most roofing materials can last between 15-30 years, but reflective materials’ lifespan will extend closer to that 30-year point. Longer-lasting materials will save you from expensive repairs or roof replacement.
Environmental Benefits
Lowering your energy costs also will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide you put into the atmosphere. Pollution and greenhouse gases cause major problems for our environment which are mostly produced from home heating and cooling and automobiles. Reflective roofs help homeowners use fewer resources to heat or cool their homes, so they in return, help to improve the environment.
Tax Rebates
Cities and states are beginning to reward residents for any energy-saving potential they add to their homes. Installing an electric charger, solar panels, or reflective roof materials could qualify you for a tax break. Government incentives and rebates can help you pay for these installations around your home and keep up with their maintenance. Installing reflective roofs can enhance your return on investment for your home as many of these rebates are redeemable each year.
Aesthetic Appeal
Not only can these roofing materials provide you with a higher home value, but they can also improve the overall aesthetics of the home. Many of these modern materials are colorful, and sleek, and help a home fit in with other homes in the neighborhood. They come in a wide range of colors and styles to help homeowners find an option that best suits their personality.
Having the versatility of reflective roof materials gives you energy-efficiency benefits without having to sacrifice your design preferences. Reflective roofs are not unsightly and boost your curb appeal when installed.
Cooler Interior Temperatures
As less heat is absorbed into the roofing material, your home will in turn be cooler inside. Your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to cool the home, especially during peak usage times. Reducing the need for air conditioning during the summer will save you thousands of dollars in energy bills without sacrificing comfort.
Roof Installation From Premier Roofing And Restoration
Premier Roofing and Restoration offers roofing services to help Idaho homeowners have peace of mind. Our roofing team can help repair or replace your roofing materials to give you better energy efficiency as well. No matter the size of your home, your climate, or what materials you are looking for, our team is the experts you need to install a new roof. Schedule an estimate with our Idaho Falls team today!