Whether it’s because people want to reduce their carbon footprint or save money on energy, everyone is looking for ways to increase their energy efficiency. Thus far, the most popular solutions have been to install high-efficiency air conditioners and heat pumps or to install solar panels. However, if you want to take efficiency to the next level, you now have the option of installing energy-efficient roofing. 

What is Energy-Efficient Roofing? 

As the name implies, energy-efficient roofing refers to roofing materials and styles that save money on your energy bills. To make this possible, an energy-efficient roof has to be a certain color and style and be constructed with the intent of reflecting UV radiation. Energy-efficient roofs are also designed with adequate roof ventilation solutions to further maximize efficiency. 

Energy-efficient roofs don’t, however, have special technology built into them that makes them more efficient. They’re simply built, designed, and installed in a way that results in extra efficiency. 

How Does Energy-Efficient Roofing Work? 

Energy-efficient roofing, not to be confused with cool roofing, works by reflecting heat. It’s very similar to the concept of wearing light-colored clothing when it’s hot outside, rather than dark-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat, whereas dark ones absorb it, resulting in hotter temperatures. 

When it comes to energy-efficient roofing and your attic, because your roof is absorbing less external heat, your attic stays cooler. This then leads to less heat entering your home from above and leads to massive energy savings. While you’ll still need your AC during summer, it will operate less frequently than in homes without energy-efficient roofing. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Energy-Efficient Roofing

In order for a roof to be considered energy-efficient, it has to meet three basic criteria. 

Color

Your roof’s color is the most important factor when it comes to energy efficiency. White or light-colored roofs will do a much better job of reflecting heat than dark-colored roofs. While different shades are effective in different regions of Texas, white or light gray is always a safe option for energy-efficient roofing. 

Ventilation 

Next, your roof must have adequate ventilation if it’s going to be energy efficient. Proper ventilation will allow hot air to escape during the summer and cold air to escape during winter, which keeps your attic at the perfect temperature. Without proper ventilation, hot air will accumulate in your attic, enter your home, and cause a spike in your energy bill.  

Material 

Finally, while most roofing materials come with energy efficiency as an option, some materials are definitely better than others. Metal panels, for instance, do the best job of reflecting heat and UV radiation during summer. If you don’t want to pay the price for metal panels, you can also opt for asphalt shingles, slate shingles, clay, or wood. 

In general, however, metal panels and asphalt shingles are the most popular options. For next-level energy efficiency, however, you can install solar shingles. Solar shingles help reflect UV radiation while also absorbing it to generate solar electricity. In other words, they’re a double-whammy when it comes to energy efficiency. 

Different Types of Energy-Efficient Roofing Options

As we said before, there are several different types of energy-efficient roofing materials to choose from. Keep in mind that regardless of what material you choose, it should be light-colored and UV-reflective. 

• Metal 

Metal panels are at the top of the list in terms of energy-efficient roofing options. They offer the best combination of durability, color options, and affordability while also being highly efficient. 

• Asphalt Shingles 

Asphalt shingles are more affordable than metal panels, but they aren’t quite as effective at reflecting UV radiation. 

• Wood Shingles 

Light-colored wood shingles are a great option for energy efficiency, but they come with a long list of cons that might dissuade you. Wood shingles are prone to rot, leaks, and wind damage, more so than other roofing materials. 

• Clay 

If you want your roof to have a Southwest feel while also being energy efficient, clay tiles are a great option. The only downsides of clay tiles are that they’re fairly expensive and don’t always look good in lighter colors. 

• Solar Shingles 

Finally, for next-level energy efficiency, you can install solar shingles. While the concept of solar shingles is great, they’re far less common than you might think. The reason for this is that solar shingles are prone to damage and leaks and are outlandishly expensive to install and maintain. 

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Roofing 

In case you haven’t already noticed, there are plenty of great reasons to invest in energy-efficient roofing, and here are some of the most obvious. 

• It will save you money on your energy bills. 

• It will reflect heat and UV radiation, leading to a cooler attic. 

• You might qualify for rebates and government grants when you install energy-efficient roofing. 

• Your home will be cooler and more comfortable during summer. 

• Your AC or heat pump will last longer because it won’t run as often. 

• The color and material of your roof can improve the aesthetics of your home. 

• Energy-efficient roofing typically pays for itself within 10 years. 

• Reduces the amount of moisture in your attic, which then reduces the risk of mold and roof rot. 

If you want to enjoy each of these benefits and more, contact us at KangaRoof for the best and most affordable energy-efficient roofing in Amarillo. 

Is Energy-Efficient Roofing Right For Me? 

While everyone can benefit from energy-efficient roofing, it might not be for everyone. For example, if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford an energy-efficient roof, you may want to hold off on installing one. There’s also a chance that your HOA has restrictions on roof colors and materials. 

However, if you aren’t faced with these issues and want to save as much money as possible, energy-efficient roofing is right for you. 

Energy-Efficient Roofing Solutions in Amarillo 

If you like the sound of having energy-efficient roofing in Amarillo, contact us at KangaRoof. We offer a wide range of energy-efficient roofing materials and design options and are sure to have what you need. We also offer energy-efficient roofing solutions for businesses throughout Amarillo and have ample experience to deal with any obstacles that come our way. Give us a call, or reach out to us online to receive a free quote!