Roofs and climate
Roofs & Insulation & Climate
The insulation
of a roof (and the insulation
of attics and ceilings) is intimately connected to
climate and to the roles intended to insulation in
different climate situations:
the reduction of heat losses or
the reduction of heat gains,
mixed goals, etc.
See, on this issue:
Insulation
levels and
climate
zones
Cooling the roof
Reflective roofs are alternatives to common asphalt
shingles and other dark-colored traditional materials used in
roofing, namely in hot and mild climates where a cool roof is
important.
Reflective roofs involve metal roofing,
clay and cement tiles, roofing coatings
and membranes and recycled green products.
Hot Climates &
Energy Savings in Air Conditioning
Reflective roofs are particularly important and provides the
greatest benefits in hot and temperate climates. As expected,
reflective roofs provide greater reductions in your air
conditioning bills
if you live in a hot climate.
Colder
climates
& Cooling the roof
There is some controversy and research on the advantages of the
use of reflective roofs techniques and materials in cold climates, but most
experts agree that even in colder climates, the using of light
colors in roofs and high reflective coatings and materials are
more advantageous than using traditional low reflective and
dark-colored roof materials.
The heat gains provided by traditional roofs in winter are
meager and do not compensate – far from it - the high energy
bills that they responsible for during other months...
An
energy-efficient
roof
Climate is
an important element when considering a reflective roof, but
there are other elements that you should also evaluate. Namely:
- the quality of the product installed (an
Energy Star qualified
roof material is a good option);
- the amount of roof (it's in larger roofs that new roof
reflective materials provide higher savings):
- the levels of insulation (see
Insulation
and Climate Zones);
- your climate (reflective roofs are particularly advantageous
in sunny climates);
- your air-conditioning bills.
See also:
Roof basics
Roof membranes and coatings
Metal and ceramic roof
materials
Attic insulation
Roof and ceiling
insulation
Reflective
insulation
Selecting roofing materials and installers
Roofing and environment
Installing a green roof
Green roofs costs, pros and cons
Return to
Energy-Savings Home Page
|
