A man smiling at his utility bill after having an energy-efficient roof installed.

The Right Energy-Efficient Roof Saves 40% on Energy Costs

With electricity use costing around 30% more than just four years ago, you’re probably looking for a way to cut down on your energy costs.

The right energy-efficient roof can help you slash your utility bills and cut down power plant emissions – saving your budget and the environment at the same time. The most energy-efficient roofs save businesses up to 40% on their energy bills. Not only that – you can even get tax deductions when you make your property more energy-efficient.

But not every type of roof provides the same kind of energy efficiency for every single building. You have to pick an energy-efficient roof that works with your climate, utilize a proper ventilation system, and even choose the right color roofing material to get real energy savings.

How an Energy-Efficient Roofing System Works

In hot climates, the most energy-efficient roofs are cool roofs.

The darker colors of standard roofs trap the energy of the sun. This creates an urban heat island effect that makes hot air hotter, making your HVAC machines work harder and your energy bills higher.

Cool roofs utilize lighter colors with higher solar reflectance. This gives them a higher thermal emittance so they take in less heat. Traditional roof temperatures regularly reach 150°F or more. An energy-efficient roof is usually 50°F cooler, leading to less energy consumption in the summer months and lower energy bills.

However, it may make your building harder to heat in the winter. Most areas in the continental United States benefit from cool roofs because heating is usually more efficient than air conditioning. However, if you are located in a very cold climate with a long winter, a roof that retains heat may be more beneficial for your building.

What Are Your Energy-Efficient Roofing Options?

There are several energy-efficient roofing products for flat roofs available on the market. You can replace your existing roof with a more energy-efficient material or even apply a cool roof coating to your existing roof.

Energy-Efficient Low-Sloped Roofing Materials

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)

TPO is a relatively new single-ply roofing membrane. The first roof installation of TPO was just over 20 years ago, so no one knows its true lifespan yet. But we do know that it’s extremely energy efficient. And cost-efficient, too! If you’re looking to reduce your utility bills on a budget, this may be the best way to go.

This roof has great sun reflectivity but it also encourages snow melt and stands up well in cold weather. So no matter what time of year it is, it lowers energy consumption.

Keep in mind that some extremely hot climates cause TPO to shrink. A reputable roofing contractor can tell you if this is the right option for your building.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM)

If you’re in a cold climate, EPDM is a good option. This synthetic rubber roof provides great energy efficiency in the winter. However, it may shrink in hot climates as well.

Built-Up Roofs

Built-up roofs are made of layers. They have a base sheet, reinforcement fabric sheets, and a surface layer. You can turn a built-up roof into a cool roof by selecting a top layer with a high solar reflectance index (SRI).

Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen is a roof type made up of layers of plastic or rubber and fabric, then the top is coated with granules or a smooth finish. Like built-up roofs, you can choose a reflective surface to make it a cool roof.

Metal Roofs

Standing-seam metal roofs not only provide great energy efficiency in hot climates, but they also have an extremely long lifespan. With the right care, a metal roof can last 30 to 50 years.

Green Roofs

Green roofs are also known as vegetative roofs. For this type of roof, you turn your low-slope roof into a garden. To be safe, you need a waterproof membrane placed under the plants. Leaks are harder to locate and repair on green roofs. Plus, they’re more expensive than the other options.

Roof Coatings

You can up the energy efficiency of your roof by applying light-colored, reflective coatings to your roof. These roof coatings also extend the lifespan of your existing roof and keep your new roof in pristine condition longer. The best roof coatings even come with a warranty of 10 to 20 years.

Remember, roof material is not the only factor that affects the energy efficiency of your building. Your insulation and ventilation is important as well. You want to make sure your insulation has a high R-value that’s resistant to heat transfer.

What’s the Most Energy-Efficient Roof Material?

So which of these get you the most energy savings? Metal roofs with a white roof coating.

A light-colored reflective roof made of metal can save you 40% on energy. Add a reflective, white paint into the mix and your roof can redirect 90% of the sun’s thermal energy – further boosting your savings.

Keep in mind that results depend on your climate, the energy efficiency of your roofing system, and the airflow provided by your vents. Not to mention the roofing products you purchase and how they’re installed.

If you want to get the most energy-efficient roofing products possible, check Energy Star and the Cool Roof Rating Council. They provide ratings on how efficient roofing materials are at lowering energy consumption.

Get Tax Credits for Your Roof Replacement

Energy-efficient roofs don’t only save you money on your utility bills; they can save you money on your taxes, too.

To encourage less energy consumption, the government provides tax incentives. You can get a tax rebate if your new roof meets Energy Star’s efficiency standards. You can save up to a maximum of $1 per square foot for a building with 50% energy savings.

Save Energy, Save Money, and Save the Environment

Installing an energy-efficient roof is more than just a flashy trend. Cool roofs lower your energy costs, cut down on the urban heat island effect, and even reduce the amount of temperature-dependent air pollution.

Contact a reputable roofing company to discuss the best energy-efficient roof material for your commercial property.

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