When some people think of metal roofs, they picture barns or shacks that aren’t generally known as energy efficient buildings. They may think, because metal is shiny and conducts heat, that putting one on a home could make it actually make it hotter in the summer! Nothing could be further from the truth, in fact the opposite is true. When it comes to energy efficiency, it doesn’t get better than a metal roof!
Metal roofs are made to be, well, roofs. Built to last and specifically designed for function against the elements and energy efficiency, a metal roof can outperform almost every other residential roof material in terms of longevity and energy savings.
Even the most basic, unpainted, metal roofs reflect the suns rays better than materials like asphalt shingles and by adding different colors and coatings, low glare metal roofs will reflect away even more UV radiation the sun sends out.
By reflecting as much as 85% of the suns hear, even darker colored metal roofs help keep homes cooler during the hotter months than asphalt roofs.
Different metal technologies give varying degrees on reflectivity with the best being labeled as “Cool Roofs”. Cool Roofs are rated on reflectance and thermal emittance properties and can actually help save energy by lowering roof temperatures as must as 50%!’
The EPA estimates an ENERGY STAR labeled metal roof can lower roof temperatures by as much as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It doesn’t get more “green” then that!
No matter what kind of metal roof you get, it all comes down to installation. Even the best roof materials will fail or be ineffective if they aren’t installed properly, so before you buy that metal roof, be sure your metal roof installer has the knowledge and experience to install it right, the first time.
If you’re in the market for a new roof and are concerned with energy efficiency, give metal roofs a look, you’d probably be surprised at not only the money you can save, but how good it looks on almost any home!
In Metro Atlanta, Atlanta Roofing Specialists has the metal roof solution to meet or exceed your needs. For a no-obligation estimate on your next roof, call us at 770-419-2222 today!