Metal is one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly roofing materials. However, most people want to know whether a metal roof is more energy efficient than other roofing materials, such as asphalt. According to experienced metal roofers and vast documented data, metal roofs are highly energy-efficient.
Research conducted by Metal Roofing Alliance discovered that metal roofing could save up to 40% of your home’s energy costs. If you want to upgrade to a metal roof but are not convinced about its energy-saving capabilities, keep reading to learn more.
How Are Metal Roofs Energy Efficient
Metal roofs are more energy efficient because they offer excellent insulation and prevent solar radiation from entering your home. This means that they help save energy during colder and warmer months. However, a metal roof’s energy efficiency boils down to two things:
· Installation
· Solar Reflection
Installation
How metal roofing is installed contributes significantly to its energy efficiency. When metal roofers install a batten/counter-batten system (where the roof s attached), they leave a space that enables air to flow beneath. This space helps decrease heat flow in or out of the house. Air gaps are left between the roof and the deck by fixing the metal roof directly to the deck. These air spaces act as insulation and prevent any countercurrent heat transfer between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
This means that even when the sun is scorching hot during summer, the air spaces ensure that it doesn’t warm up the indoor space in your home. A study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory established that metal roofs decrease heat flow by 45%, leading to at least a 25% reduction in cooling costs.
Solar Reflection
One of the unique features of a metal roof is that it reflects the sun’s energy away from your home and prevents overheating. This is unlike shingle roofs, which are known to absorb heat and release it into your home.
While metal does a great job of reflecting energy even when unpainted, reflective coatings can help reflect the sun’s radiation and help the house stay cool in warmer climates. You’ll use less energy to cool the house and pay lower utility bills if you let a qualified metal roofing company install and recommend the right coat for your metal roof. The paint color used to coat your metal roof can make it more energy-efficient. Lighter colors are preferred since they reflect more heat than dark-colored paints.
Metal Roof Vs. Asphalt Roof
As mentioned earlier, metal roofs are better for energy efficiency than asphalt roofs. Metal boasts reflective capabilities that allow it to send away sun radiation, preventing heat from getting into the house. On the other hand, asphalt roofs absorb heat from the sun and release it into the house.
Therefore, in terms of energy efficiency, a metal roof’s reflective and insulation capabilities can keep your house cool even during hotter days, helping you save on energy costs. Metal roofs are more than twice reflective compared to the best asphalt shingles.
Conclusion
Now that you understand that metal roofs are more energy efficient than most roofing materials, we hope you’ll remember this when choosing roofing materials for your next project. Metal roofing reflects heat waves from the sun and sends them away from the roof. It also offers insulation that prevents heat from escaping during the cooler months.
Although metal roofing requires a significant initial investment, the costs make sense in the long run. The roof lasts longer, is energy efficient, and doesn’t need regular repair and replacements.
Since roof installation is critical in ensuring energy efficiency, you should only let qualified and experienced roofing companies install your roof. Do you want to install a new metal roof or have queries about metal roofing? Contact us today, and let’s wow you with our top-quality craftsmanship!
