Energy-Efficient Roofing Options to Keep Your Home Cool in Summer

It seems as though summers really are getting hotter. We had record temperatures last year in some places, and already this summer seems to be getting ready to rival it. And that means we need to find ways to keep our homes cool in summer — preferably without running expensive and energy-wasting air-conditioning systems.

The good news is that the roofing materials that insulate your home against heat in summer are often the same ones that insulate against the cold in winter. So what are the most energy-efficient options to keep your home cool in summer?

Metal Roofing

One of the most energy-efficient roofing materials is metal. A number of metals are used for roofing, including lead, copper and aluminium, and they’re particularly effective for keeping your home cool in summer if the metal is coated in reflective paint.

Metal roofs have a number of other advantages. Besides being both lightweight and durable, they can be made from recycled metal and then recycled again at the end of the roof’s life.

Roof Panels

In the same way, roof panels can be made of reflective materials or painted to be reflective. They’re typically made of recycled metal or plastic, making them an eco-friendly option, as well as keeping your home cool.

Of course, roof panels can do more than just keep you cool. If you have solar panels installed, this can slash your reliance on expensive energy from the national grid, at the same time as preventing the sun’s heat from getting through your roof.

Rubber Roofing

Rubber roofing is excellent all around for insulation, keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. It’s also extremely durable, making it good for both the environment and your budget, as well as keeping your energy use lower.

The most cost-effective form of rubber used is liquid rubber roofing, which is easy to add as an extra layer to your existing roofing material, sealing any leaks. It’s most often used on flat roofs, but can also work on pitched roofs.

Garden Roofs

The ultimate way of having an eco-roof is to plant a garden on it. Besides many other advantages, this provides excellent insulation. The layers of soil and vegetation will keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Full-on roof gardens are normally associated with flat roofs, and a strong enough roof can give you an extra area of the garden to work in and enjoy. Alternatively, on a sloped roof or a flat one that isn’t robust enough to walk on, you can encourage the wild growth of plants that will do an excellent job insulating your home and greening the environment.

Whichever option you take, you need an expert roofing contractor who can assess your roof for suitability and then install your energy-efficient roof to a high standard.

Give us a call to find out how to have a roof that will keep your home cool in summer.