Summer Benefits of Metal Roofs
Metal roofing is becoming a newly preferred option for many due to the several benefits that come with it. Although, there are misconceptions about metal roofs when it comes to sunny weather and beating the heat.
Everybody wants to make the best out of their investment when they’re planning on replacing their roofs but doing proper research and hiring good professionals with experience will usually do the trick.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of metal roofs, especially in the summer season and explain why they’re the most ideal option to beat the summer heat and include why they’re a preferred option for many when it comes to making sustainable choices.
You’re probably wondering how can a metal roof keep your house cool in the summer, and the truth is that not all metal roofs will keep your house cool. It really comes down to two important factors such as the quality of your materials and the installation process.
Now, let’s take a closer look at why metal roofs are the best option for your house during summer but the other seasons as well:
- Metal roofs are non-absorptive-Asphalt shingles, as well as wood, concrete and tile absorb the heat from the sun in the summer and they keep your house heated during the day but in the night as well, because it takes a long time for them to cool off. This will increase the costs of cooling your house.
- roofs, on the other hand, when installed properly using quality materials will reflect light and heat, due to their low thermal mass, so they won’t absorb it, meaning that when the temperatures cool off after a hot summer day, the metal roofs will cool off as well. To maximize their capacity of reflecting heat, roof installers will also apply a special coating that helps to remit heat, resulting in significantly reduced costs on cooling your house.
- Efficient ventilation –It’s important to find an experienced metal roofing contractor when it comes to efficient ventilation of your house, but most importantly your attic not only in the summer but in other seasons as well. Using a combination of soffit and ridge vents will help keep out the hot air circulating in the attic. This will also make it more energy-efficient by reducing the costs of cooling. Choosing products with integral airspace between the back of the metal panel and the roof deck and underlayment is important in order to keep your house from heating up in the summer.
- proper ventilation of your house is important during the winter months as well. It will help vent out the excess moisture in your attic which could lead to mold and mildew issues.
- Less maintenance-Regular roofing materials like asphalt shingles or tiles need to be maintained often or replaced every 12 to 15 years which is a costly cycle, especially after a summer storm. Metal roofs need low maintenance and they last twice as long as other traditional roofing materials. They last for at least 50 years and they come with warranties from 30 to 50 years meaning that they are more cost-effective in the long run.
- Aesthetics– Nowadays, metal roofs are capable of imitating any type of roofing material that exists including shake ad tile. They can be created virtually in any color you desire and you can customize it to your likes and preference.
- Metal roofs are environment-friendly- Metal roofing is the most sustainable choice you can make when it comes to choosing a roofing material for your house.
- of the aluminum-roofing systems are made of 99% recycled materials. They usually come pre-engineered and pre-manufactured which cuts down on production and reduces transportation costs and waste.
- shingles are the most popular choice of roofing materials in the United States. Asphalt roofing also compromises significantly most of the waste of residential construction in America. The EPA estimates that 11 million tons of asphalt shingles end up in landfills every year.
Doesn’t a metal roof get hotter than asphalt shingles?
There are a few metal roofing materials available such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. These materials reflect heat instead of absorbing it like asphalt shingles. By reflecting heat, metal roofing reduces energy savings by 50% and they can be about 100 degrees cooler than asphalt shingles.
How hot does a metal roof get in the summer?
The temperature can vary depending on the surface of the metal roof, for example, on a hot summer day on a black roof the temperature can get between 140-190 degrees, on unpainted metal it can get from 138 to 145 degrees, while on reflective coated aluminum it can get up to 68 degrees cooler than black roofs.
Summer heat can have negative effects on your roof and this is why it’s important to choose materials that keep the heat away as much as possible.
Metal roofs are a good idea not only because they reflect heat and don’t absorb it, but they can also be installed with a proper ventilation system, that helps prevent mold and mildew issues.
They are a great choice because of their sustainability and eco–friendly materials while
being cost–effective in the long run with less maintenance compared to the traditional roofing materials.
Being aware of these things about metal roofs in the summer heat is important to be able to make the right decision when it comes to choosing the roofing material for your house.
If you’re looking for ways to make your house more sustainable and energy-effective, then going for a metal roof is a smart idea. It might be costly in the beginning, but definitely worth the price in the long run.
In Awe Roofing Limited is an Award-Winning, family owned and operated Vancouver Roofing Contractor with over 17 years of roofing experience. We serve the entire Lower Mainland area, from Whistler to Chilliwack, employing a team of professional staff members. Our team has won numerous awards including Best of Homestars for the last five years, and Three Best Rated six years in a row. Learn more