Energy-efficiency is more than just the reduction of energy usage. For many Gloucester County residents, cutting back on the amount of energy you need to cool or heat your home can have financial benefits. You may have opted for new windows or siding or even appliances, but if that hasn’t cut it, it may be time to invest in a roof with energy-efficient materials and colors. What are the best roofing materials and colors for energy efficiency? Let’s delve into the article to find out.
Key Takeaways
- Benefits of an energy-efficient roof include lower energy bills, reduced environmental impact, improved comfort, long-term savings, increased property value, and durability.
- Suitable roofing materials for energy efficiency in Gloucester County include asphalt shingles with solar-reflecting granules, clay or concrete tiles, and slate tiles.
- White roofs reflect the most sunlight, with lighter shades like light gray, tan, and light brown also providing significant reflection. Darker colors absorb heat and are less energy-efficient.
- Additional methods to improve roof energy efficiency include proper insulation and ventilation.
Why Should You Get an Energy-Efficient Roof for Your NJ Home?
There are many reasons you should invest in a roof that is energy-efficient, especially as the summers get hotter and hotter! Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of selecting efficient roofing materials and colors, so you can make an informed decision:
- Lower Energy Bills: An energy-efficient roof helps regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. This means you’ll rely less on heating and cooling systems, leading to lower energy bills.
- Environmental Impact: Energy-efficient roofs reduce the demand for energy, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps combat climate change. By minimizing your home’s carbon footprint, you contribute to a more sustainable environment.
- Improved Comfort: A well-insulated roof maintains more consistent indoor temperatures throughout the year, creating a comfortable living environment for you and your family, regardless of the weather outside.
- Long-Term Savings: While the initial cost of installing an energy-efficient roof may be higher than a conventional one, the long-term savings on energy bills and potential maintenance costs can outweigh the initial investment.
- Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient upgrades like a high-quality roof can enhance the value of your home. Potential buyers are often willing to pay more for homes with lower operating costs and green features.
- Durability and Longevity: Energy-efficient roofing materials are often more durable and long-lasting than traditional materials. They can withstand harsh weather conditions, resist mold and mildew growth, and require less frequent maintenance, saving you money in the long run.
The Best Roofing Materials for an Energy-Efficient Roof
Generally, the roofing materials that will keep your home comfortable throughout the year are clay or slate tiles and asphalt shingles. Recent innovations have also introduced cool roof technology, which will be described with other options below:
Asphalt Shingles
Although asphalt shingles are among the most popular roofing materials for homes throughout New Jersey, they have not always been known for their energy-efficiency. However, in recent years, there have been innovations like solar-reflecting granules that make asphalt shingles much more efficient. Examples of these shingles include GAF Timberline® CS Shingles and GAF Timberline HDZ® RS Shingles. Both are designed to keep your home cool under the sun and have outstanding performance against strong winds.
Tile
Tile roofs are typically made with clay, concrete, and sometimes slate. Due to those materials, tile shingles have natural reflective properties, meaning they can bounce solar radiation away from the roof surface rather than absorbing it. This helps to reduce heat transfer into the home, keeping indoor temperatures cooler during hot weather.
Tile shingles are also excellent at insulating your home. Between the roof deck and the tiles sits a pocket of air that reduces heat transfer. In turn, the energy consumption of your home in the summer is reduced.
Furthermore, tile shingles are durable and can last for years with minimal maintenance. They are also resistant to rot, insects, and fire, and they don’t warp or corrode over time. This reduces the need for repairs and replacement, further contributing to energy efficiency by minimizing the use of resources.
Colors The Enhance Roofing Energy Efficiency
The US Department of Energy has found that white roofs are the coolest roofs because white can reflect between 60% and 90% of the sun’s rays. There are options that are close to white that can reflect about 30% to 60% of sunlight, including light gray, tan, light brown, and colors within that spectrum. Light blues and greens can also reflect more light than darker shades. Keep in mind that darker colors will always absorb heat rather than reflect it, and so if your home is directly in the sun throughout the day, it is best to consider light color roofing materials to reflect some of that heat away.
Other Methods of Improving Roof Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient roofing materials and colors will have a tremendously positive impact on your utility bill and comfort of your home. That said, there are additional methods to support your roof that can reduce heat transfer throughout the year:
Insulation
Insulation acts as a barrier that slows down the transfer of heat between the interior and exterior of your home. In winter, it helps to retain heat inside the house, reducing the need for heating. In summer, it prevents heat from penetrating the roof and entering the living spaces, thus reducing the demand for cooling. By reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems, insulation helps to lower energy consumption and utility bills. Well-insulated homes maintain more consistent indoor temperatures, requiring less energy to keep them comfortable. Insulation also helps to control moisture levels within the home by preventing condensation from forming on interior surfaces.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation allows hot air to escape from the attic or roof space, preventing it from accumulating and heating up the living spaces below. This is especially important during the summer months when attics can become excessively hot. Ventilation helps to control moisture levels by allowing humid air to exit the attic, reducing the risk of condensation and mold growth. It also helps to prevent moisture buildup in the roof structure, which can lead to rot and decay.
Contact a Local Roofing Company in Gloucester County Today
Now you know the best roofing materials and colors for an energy-efficient roof in Gloucester County, NJ. Tile and asphalt shingles, particularly those constructed with solar-reflecting granules, can truly keep your home more comfortable throughout the year. If you want to decrease your utility bill and feel cooler this summer, consider getting such a roof installed as soon as you can.
For that, you are going to need a roofing contractor in Gloucester County that you can trust. RGB Construction has over two decades of experience as well as many satisfied customers. Plus, we are a GAF-certified contractor, ensuring you get high-quality materials and better warranties. Contact us today at 856-264-9093 or fill out the online form. It’s time to make your roof work for you.
