Top 5 Roofing Materials Ideal for Warm Climates
If you live in a warm region, the heat from outside can get into your house pretty fast unless you have the proper prevention measures. One way heat can get into your home is through the roof. The extra heat increases the time and work your AC must put forth to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. As a result, your energy consumption rises, and you spend more on utility bills.
Fortunately, you can save on costs and enhance home comfort if you opt for energy-conservative roof materials like the ones discussed below.
1. Green Roofs
Also called living roofs, green roofs are eco-friendly options that contain vegetation on a waterproof expanse. The foliage is an insulation material between your house’s interior and the outside sun. So, when the hot rays hit your roof, the plants absorb rather than transfer heat energy to your internal space.
Green roofs were not common in the past but have slowly gained popularity in recent years. In urban cities, green roofs are crucial to prevent the heat island effect — a situation in which temperature rises when the sun bakes on metal and asphalt surfaces. Green roofs provide ideal indoor temperatures and reduce the workload on your AC for those who live in warmer climates.
2. Concrete Roofs
Made of cement, sand, and water, concrete roofs undergo an arduous process to make them heat resistant. This makes concrete energy efficient, making it suitable for warmer climates. Concrete roofs also take a long time to absorb and hold heat. So, your interior space will not heat up quickly, even under the scorching sun.
Since you can choose different colors for concrete roofs, opt for a lighter shade. That way, your roof will reflect rather than absorb heat. You could also use concrete beneath more cosmetic roof treatments if you prefer customized aesthetics.
3. White Metal Roofs
Metal roofs come in many colors, but lighter hues such as white are ideal for warm climates. The air space between the decking and a white metal roof forms a thermal barrier between your house’s interior and exterior space. As a result, excess heat from outside does not flow into your interior space.
White metal reflects 66% of the sun’s heat away from your house. The percentage absorbed also lasts a shorter time because white metal does not hold heat for long. In terms of energy efficiency, metal reduces the strain on your AC and saves you up to 20% in cooling costs.
4. Terra Cotta Tiles
Terra cotta tiles can withstand extended exposure to the sun with no damage. This is because a lot of kiln heat goes into the production of terra cotta tiles. So, the material becomes studier and less porous to accommodate high heat levels.
The arched shape and components of traditional colored terra cotta enhance energy efficiency. The design, too, incorporates spaces between the tile’s curves to prevent heat retention and keep your interior space cool. Besides, construction advancements incorporate anti-UV polymer glazes to boost the reflectivity of terra cotta roofs.
5. EPDM Roofs
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) offers a sturdy and reflective option that ensures your roof does not absorb solar energy. Components like thermoplastic and rubber-like membranes make EPDM robust and weather resistant. The material also doesn’t crack or disintegrate even after prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Suppose you want to boost energy efficiency further: coat EPDM with titanium dioxide to give your roof a lighter shade. The lighter hue reflects the sun’s rays from your house. So, your indoor space will not get excess solar heat.
All the materials above are ideal for warmer climates. Nonetheless, your choice will depend on preferences and the pros and cons of each. So, if you still need further guidance or roofing services, contact Ray’s Harford Home Improvements Contractors, Inc. You are guaranteed quality and excellent service with more than sixty years of service.
