The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends the implementation of cool roof technologies to reduce the heat island effect in many urban areas. These advanced roofs reflect light and heat back into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it and retaining it. This simple strategy can significantly reduce not only the heat that accumulates in a particular area but also the comfort of those living and working in buildings where cool roofing systems have been installed. Working with a proven Houston roofing company can provide homeowners with added guidance in selecting the right solutions for their residences.
How Cool Roofs Work
Traditional dark-colored roofing materials absorb heat from the sun’s rays throughout the daylight hours. This heat energy is transmitted to the areas just under the roof to create a buildup of heat in your home’s attic and from there to the rest of your home. While insulation can help to reduce the amount of heat transferred into your home, finding a way to deflect ultraviolet and infrared rays from your roof can reduce the degree of heat absorption these materials experience. This can lower temperatures inside your attic and your homes interior while improving the overall energy efficiency of your climate control systems.
Two Critical Factors
The effectiveness of cool roof systems depends primarily on two key factors:
- The ability of the roofing material to reflect infrared and ultraviolet rays outward rather than absorbing them directly
- The speed with which these roofs can shed heat
Advanced construction materials can deliver a good balance of these factors to ensure the most comfortable temperatures inside your home and the greatest environmental benefits for Houston and the surrounding areas. Cool roof installations can also reduce cooling bills in the summer, making these green-friendly additions a worthwhile investment for your Texas home.
Types of Residential Cool Roofs
A number of different methods can be used to create a cool roof for your Houston home. Roof coatings can often be installed over your existing roof, allowing you and your family to avoid much of the noise and inconvenience associated with full-scale roofing projects. If a full Houston roof replacement is in your near future, choosing cool roof materials can lower your utility bills and enhance your comfort for many years to come. Some of the most popular cool roof configurations and materials include the following:
- Metal roofs can be coated, textured and colored to provide added reflective power and reduced heat absorption while complementing your exterior house design.
- Foam roof systems are designed specifically to provide added insulation and to absorb less heat than traditional roofing materials. These cool roof options can usually be installed over your existing roof or as standalone roofing products.
- Modified asphalt or tar materials, also known as bitumen products, can be combined with cool roof surface coatings to create a dependable barrier between your home and the sun during hot Texas summers.
- Built-up roofing materials consist of layers of traditional materials alternating with insulation and feature a reflective layer on top to reduce absorption of ultraviolet and infrared rays.
- Shingles and slate can be constructed of reflective materials or painted with cool roof coatings after installation.
Houston roof replacement firms can provide added information on each of these types of roofing materials and on the advantages of cool roof systems for residents in your area.
By consulting with a company that specializes in Houston roof repair and replacement, you can find the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions for your home and your family. The ENERGY STAR program also offers recommendations and rankings for cool roof materials and products based on their solar reflectance values, allowing you to proceed with accurate and complete information when adding these green-friendly options to your Houston home.