How to Save Money with Cool Roofs

Energy costs are going up in many places, and homeowners are always looking for ways to save money on their monthly electricity bills without losing comfort. Getting a cool roof is one of the best long-term investments you can make.

A cool roof is made to reflect more sunlight and take in less heat than a regular roof. When the sun shines directly on them, regular roofing materials can get very hot. On the other hand, cool roofing solutions stay much cooler. The temperature difference on the surface has a direct effect on how much heat gets into your home and how hard your air conditioner has to work.

A cool roof can save you a lot of money on cooling costs, make your home more comfortable, and make your roof last longer if you live in a warm or mixed climate. Over time, the savings can add up to a lot.

What does a cool roof do?

Materials that make up a cool roof are used to make roofs.

They have a high solar reflectivity, which means they reflect sunlight.

They let go of heat quickly because they have a high thermal emittance.

Dark roofs, which are common, soak up heat and move it to the attic and living areas below. On the other hand, cool roofs send a lot of solar energy back into the sky.

This makes the roof surface 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than other types of roofing.

How Cool Roofs Really Help You Save Money

There are many ways that cool roofs can help you save money.

1. The costs of cooling go down

Your roof doesn't hold as much heat, which keeps your home cooler. In other words:

Your air conditioner doesn't run as often.

Your HVAC system runs for less time.

You don't use as much energy.

Depending on the weather and how well the house is insulated, many homeowners can save 10% to 30% on their cooling costs.

The savings are even clearer in the hottest parts of summer.

2. HVAC lasts longer

Your air conditioning has to work harder all the time when it's hot outside. A cool roof keeps a building cooler by letting less heat in.

Lowers the amount of time the system runs

Extends the life of HVAC

Cuts down on the cost of upkeep

Delays expensive replacements

You could save thousands of dollars over the next 10 to 15 years by having less wear.

3. The roof will last longer.

One of the main things that wears out roofs is the heat. High temperatures cause:

Breaking shingles

Bending of materials

Sealant breaking down

Getting older too quickly

When roofs are cool, materials don't grow and shrink as much. This protects the roof from damage and makes it last longer.

A roof that lasts longer means you won't have to make as many repairs or full replacements over time.

4. Better insulation performance

If your attic is too hot, the insulation won't work as well. If it gets too hot, it might not work as well and the temperature inside might change more often.

Cool roofs help keep the attic temperature more stable, which lets insulation do its job.

Better insulation means lower energy bills.

5. Your home's worth goes up

People who buy want improvements that save energy. A cool roof:

Means lower utility bills in the future

Shows that you care about the world around you

Raises the home's overall efficiency ratings

Homes that use less energy tend to sell for more money and faster.

How much can you really save?

How much you save depends on:

The weather

How big the roof is

How well the insulation works

How well HVAC works

What kind of roofing material

People who live in hot places can save hundreds of dollars each year. For 10 to 20 years, that's a lot of money saved.

If you need to replace your roof anyway, switching to a cool roofing system usually only costs a little more up front than regular materials. This makes the investment even more profitable.

Different Types of Cool Roofing Materials

There are a lot of different things that can be used for cool roofing technology.

1. Shingles made of asphalt that reflects light

You can get new shingles with reflective granules that help them reflect sunlight better.

Good for:

Places to live

Sloping roofs

Improvements that won't cost a lot of money

2. Metal roofs

Metal naturally reflects sunlight, but special coatings make it work even better.

Pros:

Lasts a long time

Very reflective

Lasts a long time

Not much work to do

3. Roof Coatings That Keep It Cool

You can put reflective coatings on top of roofs that are already there.

Best for:

Roofs that are flat

Buildings for business

Projects to restore roofs

4. Roofs made of tile and concrete

Light-colored clay or concrete tiles are good for ventilation and reflectivity.

Cool Roofs and Things to Think About When It Comes to the Weather

The best places for cool roofs are:

Warm places

Areas with long summers

Places that get a lot of sun

In colder places, the savings may not be as big because homes get passive solar heat in the winter. But many places with mixed climates still benefit overall because summer temperatures are rising.

Good for the environment

Not only do cool roofs save homeowners money, but they also help the environment.

They:

Lower the amount of greenhouse gases that are released

Lower peak energy needs

Help fight the effects of urban heat islands

Lower the amount of electricity used overall

Less demand on power grids during the busiest times of the summer also makes infrastructure less stressed.

Cool roofs vs. regular roofs

Typical Roof:

Takes in heat

Makes the attic warmer

More use of AC

Gets older faster in very hot weather

Cool Roof:

Reflects energy from the sun

Keeps the roof surface temperature lower

Lessens the need for cooling

Lasts longer when exposed to heat

Costs of installation vs. savings over time

Depending on the type of material, cool roofs may cost a little more up front. But:

Energy savings start right away

The roof lasts longer.

Costs for HVAC go down

Costs of maintenance go down

In a lot of cases, the investment pays for itself in just a few years.

Some areas also give rebates or tax breaks for roofing systems that save energy.

When to Think About Getting a Cool Roof

If you have a cool roof, you might benefit from it if:

In the summer, your cooling costs are high.

Your attic gets very hot

Your roof is getting close to needing to be replaced.

You live in a place that is hot or sunny.

You want to make your energy use more efficient.

Putting insulation on top of cool roofs

To save the most money, combine:

Attic insulation with a high R-value

Good airflow

Roofing materials that reflect light

Your home will use the least amount of energy when these systems work together.

Last Thoughts

Cool roofs are not just a new trend; they are a proven way to save money on energy and make your home more comfortable.

Cool roofs lower cooling costs, make roofs last longer, put less stress on HVAC systems, and raise property values by reflecting sunlight and lowering heat absorption.

If you're going to replace your roof or build a new home, a cool roof can save you money in the long run that will make a big difference year after year.

Sometimes, the best way to save money isn't to cut corners; it's to upgrade in a smart way.