Cool Roofs: What You Need to Know

Everything You Need To Know About Cool Roofs

If your installer suggests replacing your metal or asphalt shingles with a cool roof, you might be wondering, what is a cool roof? 

Cool roofs are the best for homeowners who want to cut their energy expenses and carbon footprint because they reduce exposure to UV rays. Cool roofs also allow more natural light into your house. 

Besides energy efficiency, cool roofs are durable and long-lasting compared to other traditional roofs. Therefore, you won’t worry about regular maintenance and roof replacements a few years after installing a cool roof.

To help you understand cool roofs better, we’ll go over the materials used in their manufacture and cover details about the costs, types, benefits, and downsides.

What Is A Cool Roof?

Cool roof systems have a heat-reflective material for protecting your house from UV rays. Homeowners can also paint a special pigment on their existing roof to work the same way as the cool roof.

The paint has UV-resistant material that blocks heat from getting into the house, so the home maintains the correct temperatures during summer and winter, reducing the burden on the heating and cooling system. This lets you save a lot of money on energy bills.

Costs Of Cool Roofs

Cool roofs are a perfect choice for homeowners because of their affordability. However, the prices might differ with the locations and roof size. If you buy a cool roof for a low-sloped roof, it could cost you about $0.75-$1.50 for a square foot. 

The roof also raises the home’s value, and adds to the resale value of the home compared to using other materials like slate shingles. Also, houses with cool roofs tend to have greater curb and functional appeal for homebuyers, which is another advantage. 

Types Of Cool Roofs

Cool roofs are available in limited materials, and homeowners choose the types depending on their needs. Some cool roof types to buy are:

  1. Coated Cool Roofs

Homeowners whose houses have standard roofs can opt to treat their existing material by applying a coating to the roof. The coating increases the energy efficiency and longevity of the roof. You can use white roof coatings to reflect the sun rays, leading to greater energy efficiency. 

Other homeowners use aluminum coatings made with aluminum leafing flakes. The roof also reflects the sun’s rays and reduces indoor temperatures, which in turn also reduces energy consumption and bills.

  1. Pigment Membrane

A roof with a pigmented membrane is waterproof, sturdy, and durable. These membranes can also be made of materials like asphalt, synthetic, and rubber. Homeowners can choose to install white or black membranes depending on their aesthetic preferences. 

  1. Clay And Concrete Tiles

If you like the look of the standard clay tiles, you can get a cool roof that resembles their aesthetic. These tiles are durable and energy-efficient, and they can reflect up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays.

Benefits Of Having A Cool Roof

Among the first factors that homeowners consider in roofing materials are the benefits. Most homeowners aim to buy a roofing material with benefits that also suit their roofing requirements. Some of the advantages of cool roofs are:

  1. Lower Energy Bills 

Most homeowners want roofs that offer energy efficiency to pay fewer energy bills. Fortunately, cool roofs have a heat-resistant material that absorbs heat and maintains cool temperatures during summer. 

As a result, the HVAC system works less and consumes less energy as well. With these roofs, homeowners save up to 50 percent on energy costs, and the rooms below are more comfortable to live in than those with standard roofs. 

  1. A Long-Lasting Roof

Cool roofs have a longer lifespan than other traditional roofs. Traditional roof materials cannot withstand a lot of heat and other harsh climatic conditions compared to the ones used for cool roofs. However, there are other factors affecting longevity, like proper roof installation, so make sure you have your roof inspected to discover any problems like leaks and treat them before extending to other house parts. Roof inspection also ensures fewer maintenance costs in the long run. 

  1. Comfort 

Cool roofs make for highly comfortable living spaces, because they reflect heat and provide a cooling effect. Areas of your home like the garages and patios can also benefit from cool roofs. All in all, cool roofs are perfectly suited for houses located in very hot and cold regions. 

  1. Environmental Friendly

To begin with, cool roofs require less energy to keep your home comfortable. Therefore, you will also have lower energy consumption rates since you’ll use your AC and cooling systems less often. 

  1. Less Roofing Wastes And Landfills

Since cool roofs are long-lasting and durable, the homeowner does not require regular maintenance compared to traditional roofs. This also means having to replace your shingles less often, leading to less roofing materials ending up as waste. This ends up contributing to efforts to conserve the environment. 

  1. Legible For Money Rebates 

Some companies provide rebates to homeowners buying cool roofs. The government also sometimes provides rebates to people buying cool roofing systems to encourage environmental conservation, which reduces the overall cost of the roof.  

Disadvantages Of Cool Roof Coating

Its true that cool roof coatings aren’t just full of upsides. Here are some factors to consider when getting cool roofs:

  1. High Installation Cost

Although the initial price of roofing materials is low, you’ll likely need to pay a higher cost for installing a cool roof, since it takes more effort and careful attention to detail compared to other roofing types. That being said, cool roofs end up being much cheaper in the long run.

  1. Vulnerable To Molds

If you live in a high-temperature area with high humidity, your cool roof could be more susceptible to mold than traditional roofs. Regular inspections and maintenance are the key to preventing this from happening.

 Final Words

Before buying a cool roof coating or having a manufacturer or installer put it in place, you should be able to properly answer ‘what is a cool roof?’ Understanding the material that makes the roof, the costs, and the benefits will help you make the right choice, and remember – it’s always best to consult with a qualified installer to address your roofing needs.

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