Whether you are building a new home or simply updating your roof, pick the perfect roofing shingles. Here are options you should consider for warmer climates.
Did you know that more than 50% of the energy consumed in the United States is spent on heating and cooling a space? This is an interesting fact because if you work on improving home insulation, you can save thousands of dollars throughout the years from your energy bill.
This is where some of the best roofing shingles come into play. The amount of energy you consume is influenced by various factors including geographical location and climate. If you live in a warmer climate, you could benefit from the best roofing shingles on the market to keep your roof cool. This allows you to use the HVAC system less often and save money. Keep reading to learn more about the best roof shingles available out there.
Metal Roofing
Adding metal sheets to your roof can be a cost-efficient option. As you probably already know, different types of metals can deflect a huge amount of heat coming from the sun. This will keep your property cool during hot summer days and reduce your energy bill.
Metallic roofs will also ensure a cooler temperature in your patio, garage, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) as these are places that are usually not air-conditioned. If you’re interested, check out https://actonadu.com/services/build-ready-adus for a couple of excellent ADU ideas.
Adding a metallic roof doesn’t cost a fortune either. Homeowners might pay between $5,000 and $15,000 for a standard metallic roof, depending on the size of their house. This type of roof can be installed quickly by professionals and requires little to no maintenance over the years.
Slate Roof Shingles
Slate is a type of natural rock that has been strengthened by Mother Nature. It can be used to create roof tiles and it’s ideal for properties situated in a warm climate. A roof made from slate can last for more than 150 years according to experts. It also requires almost no maintenance and it’s fireproof, meaning that it will not allow the spreading of a fire if your neighbor’s house bursts into flames.
Slate is also heat-resistant and it can easily withstand extreme temperatures. It will keep your house cool during hot summer days, reducing your property’s carbon footprint. As a downside, slate tiles are very heavy. You will eventually need to have your house professionally evaluated to see if it can withstand the weight of multiple slate tiles.
For example, a slate tile measuring a square foot can weigh about 10 pounds. A full roof can add more than 1,500 pounds of weight to your house. Slate is also more expensive than regular shingles, but if you want a roof that can last for more than 2 lifetimes then go for it!
Terracotta Shingles
Terracotta is a type of ceramic that has been used by various worldwide civilizations for thousands of years. It was used to make figurines, statues, lamps, drinking vessels, building materials, and so on. You can use Terracotta today as roof shingles because they are very cool to the touch. These shingles are heat-resistant, durable, and can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
One of the greatest advantages of Terracotta shingles is the simple fact that they can be manufactured in a certain shape to ensure proper air circulation. As a result, your roof and attic remain cool even in the middle of the day when the sun is at its brightest.
Solar Panels or Solar Cells
Adding solar panels to your roof can be one of the best investments you can make. Not only that today’s solar panels are more efficient and more affordable, but they can capture the sun’s energy and allow you to use it for other purposes. For example, some homeowners heat up their pools with the energy stored in solar panels. You can also store this energy in a battery backup device and use it to power your house in case of a blackout.
Even if you don’t have the budget to cover your entire roof with solar panels, this is still a great improvement. Your investment will be protected over the year and you can obtain incentives and discounts from the government for having a green house. Adding solar panels is highly recommended especially if you live in a warm climate where the sun shines most of the year.
Concrete Roof Tiles
Concrete can be used to make roads, flooring options, as well as roof shingles or tiles. This material remains cool regardless of exterior temperatures and it can last for a lifetime if properly maintained. Concrete roofs also don’t cost a lot of money, so it’s a viable option even if you have to work with a limited budget.
Rubber Roof Shingles
You are probably aware of the insulating capabilities of rubber. This material can be customized in various ways and it can be used to create shingles and tiles for your roof. Rubber has reflective properties and it can eliminate most of the heat coming from the sun, allowing you to enjoy a cooler house and paying a smaller energy bill.
Best of all, rubber shingles also come in various colors and designs. You can use them to create a beautiful home exterior that will make your property stand out from the crowd. If you’re wondering about costs then you should know that the prices of rubber roofing are comparable to regular asphalt shingles. You will pay a small price to “rubberize” your roof and make it impervious to water, extreme temperatures, heat, and other damaging factors.
Now You Know What Are the Coolest and Best Roofing Shingles out There
This is just a small list of the best roofing shingles available on the market today, but there are plenty of others. Since there are so many options available to enjoy a cooler home, it’s a pity not to renovate your property and add a “cooler” roof at some point in the near future.
By the way, make sure that you check out the other articles on our website to learn more about eco-friendly home improvements and how to reduce the running costs of your property.