What Roofing Material is Most Energy Efficient?

When it comes to energy efficiency, you have a number of different roofing material options to choose from. But understandably, you want the option that is going to save you the most money in the long run. If you are replacing your current roofing system, taking a bit of time to understand the roofing material options available is beneficial in making a decision.

We’ll cover a few of the various roofing material options to help you choose the most energy efficient option for you. However, it’s important to take factors such as climate and aesthetics into consideration so that you end up with a roof you love. In addition, you’ll want to determine which energy efficient features are important to you in order to make the right choice.

Types of Residential Roofs

Roofing material options play a key role in how energy efficient your roof will be. From asphalt shingles to metal roofing, each has it’s own pros and cons. With that being said, energy efficient roof shingles are all slightly different. Each has a different set of features that can make certain kinds of roofs more effective for the climate you live in.

In San Antonio, the weather is usually relatively warm most of the year. Because of this, you may consider an option that is good for fighting heat, dry air and reflecting sunlight.

In areas that experience colder weather, there are roofing material options that may be more effective for energy efficiency.

Here are some of the more popular energy efficient roofing material options

• Asphalt Shingles
• Metal Roofing
• Tile Roofing
• Shake Shingles
• Slate Roofing

Regardless of the type of roofing shingles you choose, you’ll want to make sure it is ENERGY STAR® roofing. This is a certification that the roofing material is energy efficient.

Roofing Shingles that are Energy Efficient

Some of the main features of an energy efficient roof is solar reflectance and emmitance. Roofing that is certified by Energy Star will have these included. To keep a home cool, the roof must be able to reflect the sun’s energy. In doing so, the reflected energy goes into the air to keep the home cooler. When this happens, less energy is needed to keep the home cool.

Likewise, roof color also has an effect on how energy efficient it can be. Generally, darker roof colors will absorb more heat. As a result, more heat from the roof seeps into to the upper floors of the home, making the house warmer. On the other side, lighter roof colors are better at reflecting heat and the sun’s energy.

So while a darker colored roof may be more visually appealing to some, just know that it does have an effect on energy efficiency.

Asphalt Shingles vs. Shake Shingles

Shake and asphalt shingles are two of the more popular roofing material options for energy efficiency. Because of this, many times homeowners will make a decision between these two.

So what are the pros and cons of each?

Asphalt Shingles Pros:

• Wide range of colors and designs, making for a more unique roof feel
• Lower maintenance

Asphalt Shingles Cons:

• More easily damaged from storms or winds
• Growth of algae (preventative coatings help with this)

Shake Shingles Pros:

• Much more durable and resistant to storms
• Visually appealing
• Better air circulation for improved efficiency

Shake Shingles Cons:

• Higher maintenance
• Potential for rotting wood
• Mildew in areas that get a lot of rain

Knowing these pros and cons gives you an idea in the difference of roofing material energy efficiency. However, many times homeowners will choose shake shingles simply because they look nicer. Either way, it’s good to be informed.

ENERGY STAR® Metal Roofing Material Options

Another popular option for homeowners in San Antonio is metal roofing. ENERGY STAR® metal roofing to be exact. The reason it is so popular is because it’s quick to install and great for most budgets. Not to mention, metal roofs last much longer than other shingle types in general and add a modern touch to any home.

There is very little maintenance involved with metal roofing. In addition, it is one of the better options for energy efficiency.

There are two roofing material options for metal roofing:

1. Metal Tile
2. Metal Panels

The difference is that metal tiles are somewhat like shingles. They may look similar to shake or slate. Metal panels on the other hand are much larger pieces of material, where each panel covers an area of roof space.

So how about the pros and cons for metal roofing?

Metal Roofing Pros:

• Long roof life
• Resistant to fire
• Lightweight roofing material
• Most reflective to keep home cooling costs to a minimum

Metal Roofing Cons:

• More difficult to replace sections
• Temperature may cause expansion or contraction
• Can dent more easily from hail or other impacts

Additional Energy Efficient Roofing Material Options

As we’ve seen, there are a few different roofing material options that are great for homeowners. However, there are a few additional options that could also be a good choice for a new roof in San Antonio.

Much like metal roofing, slate roofing is another roofing material that is energy efficient and has a long shelf life. This is considered a more eco-friendly option because how the density aids in insulation of the home.

Tile roof shingles are another roofing material option that is energy efficient. These roofs are also visually appealing, but are best served in warmer conditions. This is because they tend to absorb moisture while reflecting rays from the sun.

Need Help Choosing Roofing Material for your New Roof?

It’s great to have options, but how do you know which roofing material is right for you? Well, the first step is to be informed. After that, it’s smart choice to get an expert opinion.

At Norwest Roofing, we help homeowners determine which roof style and material is best for their needs. We walk homeowners through the various options available and come up with a plan that meets their needs and budget.

So if you are interested in getting a professional opinion on which roofing material to choose for your new roof, please contact us. We will be glad to help.