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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


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