Hot summer days in the Raleigh-Durham area can be exhausting. Even if you’re not doing anything, it seems like the heat is sucking up all your energy. Cranking up your AC is a good but expensive solution. But did you know that your roof can also help your house cool down?
The roof does provide shade against the sun and that will definitely help with the heat. However, that heat may also transfer to the rest of your home, making it much more difficult for your AC to work. Additionally, heat from the sun may also make your roof more prone to damage if you don’t choose the right one.
Fear not, that’s because there are still some roof types that don’t only help block the sun but also help with air flow and ventilation to keep your home cooler. There are materials that don’t easily transfer the heat to your home.
Whether you are getting a new roof as a replacement or building one for your new home, let’s help you identify the different materials that are ideal for the hot summer heat. We’ll give you a rundown of their pros and cons so you can decide which one would be best for your home.
Terra-Cotta Roof Tiles
Terra-cotta looks highly aesthetic especially if you are into the Spanish colonial style. However, that’s not the main reason why many people choose to use it. The main reason is because of its ability to last through the hot burning rays of the sun.
They are weather-resistant and long lasting so you can expect them to last for about a lifetime. Additionally, they are also great for air ventilation due to their shape.
However, not all is good about terra-cotta roof tiles. One drawback is the sheer weight of the tiles. It’s quite heavy so you have to make sure your roof structure can take them. If you are unsure, it would be best to reinforce the roof to avoid your roof from collapsing due to the weight.
Aside from the weight, terra-cotta roof tiles are also quite pricey. However, many people still choose them because of how long they last. They don’t need to reroof or repair the roof often as long as they are properly installed.
Concrete Tiles
The price of terra-cota tiles can be a downer but a great alternative to that are concrete tiles. They are not as pricey but still offer similar thermal advantages. Due to their thickness, it will take some time before the sun heats it up
One drawback to concrete tiles is the weight of the tiles. Although it is heavy, it is a great roof for those living in hot climates who find terra-cotta to be rather expensive. The concrete tiles also come in a shape that is ideal for airflow.
Additionally, some manufacturers make the concrete more aesthetically pleasing by giving them a hint of color.
EPDM Roofing
Some people may consider EPDM roofing as rubber roofing–and we all know what heat does to rubber. However, it isn’t unlike other rubber, the synthetic rubber material is very sturdy and can outlast extreme conditions.
It doesn’t only last through the heat but it also doesn’t crack or break down even when exposed to UV radiation. Usually, when EPDM roofing is used for hotter climates, it is coated with titanium dioxide to further improve heat reduction.
With the lighter color, light and heat is reflected back to the atmosphere.
Metal Roof
Metal roofs might have developed a bad rep for being used in farms and barns. They are considered cheap and ugly. However, nowadays it has come back and is being used by many residential buildings due to being a sustainable material.
Whether it is aluminum, copper, or steel, they are all usually made from recycled materials. In order to help keep the home cool, there is airspace allotted between the decking and the metal roof. Space helps lessen the heat transfer from the roof.
Green Roof
Another type of roof you can get would be a green roof. Just imagine plants and moss growing from your roof. This kind of rope is effective at heat absorption and preventing heat loss as well.
They just need to be carefully done on a waterproof membrane. Apart from being a great heat insulator, they also help with oxygen production. There are more and more environmental enthusiasts who are choosing to get this kind of roof.
