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Roof cooling and energy savings
Alternatives to common roof shingles


Asphalt and fiberglass shingles

Asphalt and fiberglass shingles absorb most of the solar radiation, and are energy-inefficient products. A large amount of the unwanted heat in buildings comes in through the attic and the roof.

If you intend to re-roof your home, or if you are building a new home
, consider energy-efficient alternatives to common asphalt and fiberglass shingles. These alternatives will decrease the heat transferred into attics and rooms by several degrees and will save you money and energy (reducing your air conditioning needs).

Besides, a cool roof can also increase the roof’s life cycle and reduce urban heat islands (higher urban temperatures relatively to surrounding countryside, due to dark and inefficient urban roofs and pavements), which is good for the environment.



Reflective roofing materials

Reflective roof materials are alternatives to common asphalt shingles and other dark-colored and traditional materials used in roofing. These other alternative materials include…

1-  some types of metal roofing and tiles with white colors (clay and cement)
2 – roofing coatings (namely white reflective ones) and roofing membranes
3 – recycled green products


The color of the roof

Most roofs in America and worldwide are dark-colored, which may absorb up to 90% of the energy of the sun, causing higher cooling needs and air conditioning costs.

If you are considering a new roof or a roof remodeling do not forget the color issue. Roofs with white and lighted colors provide high energy savings, namely in hot and mild climates.

See:
Roofing and climate


Roof and i
nsulation

An energy-efficient home needs both reflective roof materials and a good insulation in the attic and ceiling. When installing a reflective roof, to attain maximum energy savings consider also an optimum level of insulation.

See, for details:
Attic insulation
Roof and ceiling insulation
Reflective insulation


Reflective roofs and attic fans

Attic fans are a good and cheap contribution to a cooler attic and to significant energy savings in air conditioning bills. In a way, they are an alternative to reflective roofs, but they do not solve the problem of very high temperature and have a much more limited scope.

See:
Attic fans basics
Solar attic fans
Solar vs. electric attic fans



Radiant barriers and roof cooling

To reduce attic temperatures you may also install a radiant barrier (basically a sheet of aluminum foil) on the underside of the roof. A correctly installed radiant barrier can reduce heat gains through ceiling by a quarter, and is a partial alternative to reflective roofing.

See, for more information on radiant barriers:
Reflective insulation


Roof cooling and green roofs

A green roof is a roof-top garden: a roof covered with vegetation planted over a waterproofing layer. Green roofs are experiencing some popularity in some cities and states, and are ecological alternatives to both reflective roofing and insulation of attics and ceilings.

See, for details:
Installing a green roof
Green roofs costs, pros and cons
 






See also:
Roof membranes and coatings
Metal and ceramic roof materials
Selecting roofing materials and installers
Roofing and environment
Roofs and climates
Attic insulation
Roof and ceiling insulation
Reflective insulation



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