Best Roofing Material to Keep Houses Cool

In the punishing heat of summer, you almost have to wonder; would my house be so hot if the shingles weren’t basically a heat sink?

Well, no. In fact, shingles are amongst the worst offenders for capturing and retaining heat, particularly since they are in generally in such dark colors. If you’re looking to re-roof your home, here are some cool roofing materials you might consider.

Concrete Tile

Concrete tiles are an extremely flexible and attractive roofing material. They are available in a wide variety of colors and styles from half-barrel tile to imitation shake to slate-look. In addition, they are exceedingly fire resistant in addition to reflecting heat. Several varieties are installed with a small air pocket underneath to further improve insulation value. In addition, cement tile is very durable. You can expect it to last at least 75 years.

White Metal

One of the best possible solutions, you can get metal roofs with a special reflective coating that reflects at least 90% of the heat. However, these roofs have a tendency to cause glare, so consider local traffic and your neighbors before installing.

Green Roofs

These roofs are the best kind of green– they’re covered in plants. Over top of a waterproof membrane, soil and substrate is added which is then seeded. A specialty solution in North America, it’s fairly popular in Europe, and the soil and plant matter provides enviable insulation. Plus, your roof will be the talk of the neighborhood!

Slate

Of all the traditional roofing materials, slate is one of the best for keeping your home cool. Slow to heat, slow to cool, and extremely attractive.

Cool roofs can contribute to lower cooling costs, and in most cases are not appreciably more expensive than traditional roofing, over the life of the roof. As your roofing professional about cool roof options!