Energy-Efficient Roofing Options in Houston
Houston's summers are extreme. The heat is unbearable and keeping your home cool can be expensive. No matter how much air conditioning you do, the heat takes over as soon as they are turned off. You need something that reflects the sunlight and doesn't let the indoor temperatures rise. Your roof is the part of the house that's constantly in contact with the sunlight as long as the sun doesn't sun. It does save you from the direct sunlight but the annoying heat manages to get inside. In winters, cold wind manages to enter your home and warm air inside the home escapes through the smallest gaps in the roof. One of the smartest ways to keep heat in summer and cold wind in winter away from your home is to use energy-efficient roofing systems.
Energy Efficiency
What is Energy-Efficient Roofing!
Energy-efficient roofs are installed to maintain indoor temperatures while keeping utility bills low. These roofs are used in place for traditional roofs that let heat escape the home in winter and cool air in summer. Traditional roofs are prone to absorbing sunlight, leading to high temperatures inside the home in summer. If the heat continuously keeps getting inside the home, electricity bills increase. More energy is used to cool down the temperature as new heat doesn't stop entering the home. Energy-efficient roofing systems are used to tackle this issue and maximize energy efficiency. These roofs are manufactured from different materials that are highly reflective in nature and excellent insulators.
Benefits
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Roofing
Lower energy bills in the form of electricity and natural gas
Achieving desired indoor temperature makes your home comfortable for your family
Using less energy lowers your carbon footprint
Increases your home value in the eyes of buyers
Reduces roof damage and provides longevity to your roof life
Materials
Best Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials
These roofing materials have found to be highly popular amongst Houston homeowners as the best energy-efficient roofs.
Metal Roofing
One of the most commonly used energy efficient materials in the whole of Texas
Highly reflective of sunlight
With proper coatings, it can reflect even more sunlight than its raw form
Metal roofs cool down quickly when the sun sets, helping reduce energy bills
Fire-resistant
50-70 years of lifespan in Houston
Cool Asphalt Shingles
Special layer of granules used in the shingles reflect more sunlight than the regular asphalt shingles
Reduced heat buildup in the attic can slow shingle aging and cracking, lasting longer than regular shingles
Look exactly the same as regular asphalt shingles. Best for homeowners who want to save on energy bills without changing the appearance of asphalt shingle roof
Can last good 20-30 years in the local climate of Houston
Provide strong fire-resistance
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Thermal mass trait of concrete tiles allow absorbing and releasing heat slowly, keeping the indoor temperature stable and reducing the need for air conditioning, resulting in low energy bills, eventually
Light colored tiles reflect sunlight, keeping the roof's surface temperature lower
Tile roofing can last more than 50 years in the local weather
Tiles can survive hailstorms and strong winds, and require very little maintenance
TPO and PVC
Both TPO and PVC membranes are usually white colored, bouncing sunlight off their surface, keeping the roof cool. This reduces the need for air conditioning inside the home.
TPO roofs are recyclable, making them environment friendly. PVC is fire resistant adding safety without affecting energy efficiency.
Quick installation and low maintenance reduce energy usage and other resources
TPO is ideal for flat or low-slope roof homes or warehouses, while PVC is best for restaurants or rooftop units prone to oil exposure
Both consist of watertight seals
Lifespan can range from 20-30 years
All these roofing materials can be found energy-efficient in winters as well if installed properly. It is important to hire a professional roofer who ensures there are no unnecessary gaps for heat to escape the home in winters. It is important to have regular inspections and repair any gaps formed regardless of the reason.
Cost & Lifespan
Cost and Lifespan Comparison
Decision Guide
Choosing the Right Roof for Houston Homes
Long-Term Investment
If you are looking for a long term energy efficient roofing investment with very little maintenance, metal roof, concrete tile and clay tile roofs are your best options.
Mid-Term Investment
For mid term energy-efficient roofing investment, cool asphalt shingles is your best option.
Flat or Low-Slope Roofs
TPO & PVC membrane roofings are your top go-to roofing options if you have a flat or low-slope roof home.
Choosing the best roof for a Houston home means a balancing cost, durability and energy efficiency.