If you live in Florida, or anywhere in the South, for that matter, you know it starts to get brutally hot this time of year. Even with air conditioning, it helps to supplement with other home systems to deflect the sun and heat. Extra defense methods provide more comfort and potentially save money and energy. Compromising the materials in your roof system can drastically reduce your home’s internal temperature. We’ve included a variety of options that each cater to different budgets, access to resources, and other decision-makers. Keep reading for roofing solutions to keep your home cool in the spring!
Asphalt
Asphalt shingles are by far the most common roofing material in the United States—about 80% of homes have asphalt shingles. Asphalt roofing is essentially asphalt coated with fiberglass and crushed stone, making it cost-effective and water-resistant. If you are using asphalt shingles to cool down your home, it is best to use lighter-colored ones that reflect sunlight. The downside of asphalt shingles is that they are prone to wind damage and do not have the longevity of other roofing materials. Therefore, we recommend that they be replaced every 15-20 years.
Metal
Metal roofing is currently the second most used roofing material in the United States. It lowers cooling costs by providing a thermal barrier between roofing materials and the home’s decking. The most common forms of metal used in these systems are aluminum, tin, galvanized steel, and zinc. Metal roofing is low-maintenance and can last up to 80 years with proper maintenance. Some additional benefits of metal roofs are that they are recyclable, mold and rot-resistant, energy-efficient, and fire-resistant. What some might not enjoy, however, is how noisy metal roofs can be without proper soundproofing. They are also easily warped by elements and objects in nature, like hail.
Green Roofs
Also referred to as “living roofs,” these roofing systems are more literal than you think. They are, in fact, green, and the green comes from plants, making them durable, long-lasting, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly. Green roofs are made of grass and vegetation to form an insulating barrier. They reduce air pollution and absorb up to 90% of rainfall, which is incredibly beneficial during tropical storm and hurricane season as they help prevent flooding. These roofs are ideal during hot weather because they reduce heat absorption and loss. Green roofs add necessary oxygen to the environment, benefiting highly populated regions. What makes this option unpopular, however, is the fact that it is costly and requires a highly skilled professional to install.
Clay
Clay, or terracotta tiles, are the most primal roofing material, dating back approximately 5,000 years and lasting over 100 years after installation. Clay roofing is ideal in tropical climates in states like California and Florida, as it is resistant to extremely high winds and salt exposure. The curved clay tiles allow constant airflow below and throughout the roof, keeping homes cooler. Some downsides are that clay tiles are pretty heavy, expensive, and require significantly more structural support than other roofing materials.
Concrete
If you love clay tiles but don’t want to break the bank, concrete tiles might be the perfect solution for your home. Concrete is fireproof and resistant to other natural elements and pests, and it improves energy efficiency when applied with cool-toned colors. When dealing with concrete in Florida, it is vital to implement additional security measures to ensure safety during hurricane season. Like clay tiles, concrete is heavy, has high longevity, and has a curvature that benefits the airflow beneath the roof.
Solar
Perhaps an obvious but practical choice for cooling the home is solar roofing, which uses photovoltaic panels. These solar panels soak up energy from the sun and transform it into electric power for the home. They are incredibly low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and weather-resistant, contributing to a home’s property value. While they lower utility bills in the long run, solar panels are costly, heavy, and require experts for proper installation.
The wide selection of roofing systems, each with distinctive intricacies and pros and cons, can be overwhelming. From cost-effective asphalt shingles to durable metal roofing and eco-friendly green roofs, each choice offers unique benefits and considerations. Our team at TSpark is here to assist you with weighing your options and selecting the materials and installation that best fit your needs. By making informed decisions about roofing materials, residents can create cooler, more resilient living spaces, ensuring long-term comfort and environmental responsibility. Call us today to learn more about roofing solutions to keep your home cool in the spring!