Comparing Three Popular Roofing Materials
The roof is one of the most important factors when it comes to the energy efficiency of your property. Whether do you live somewhere extremely cold and snowy, or somewhere extremely hot and sunny (or a little bit of both), your roof is going to have a big bearing on the insulation of your home and your monthly utility bills. So, if you are thinking about roof replacement, you have a lot to consider. That is, you need to think about more than just what is going to look best. This article specifically compares the energy efficiency of some of the most popular residential roofing materials on the market.
Asphalt Tiles
Asphalt tiles are thin, affordable, and practical. Since they are so thin, they aren't going to be offer your home the most insulation. Light colored asphalt tiles are definitely better in hot, sunny climates because they don't absorb much heat.
However, when it comes to cold environments, they aren't going to add much insulation. If you want the practicality and affordability of asphalt tiles in a snowy climate, you will probably need to invest in an insulated underlayment. Since the actual tiles are so affordable, you can use the money you are saving to add insulation to your under layer.
Synthetic Materials
Some synthetic tiles have enough insulation that they don't need really need any extra underlayment. It important to realize that just about every synthetic products you find at your local store is going to be specifically rated for that climate. So, a homeowner buying synthetic tiles in Florida is going to have different options from a homeowner shopping in Maine.
Even though they are perfectly insulated for every climate, some homeowners don't like the fake look of some of the most popular synthetic products. If you are not in love with the way that they look, and want a more natural product, you should consider slate.
Slate Roofs
Slate roofing materials are extremely popular, particularly in cold, snowy climates. Slate can withstand the weight of snow buildup, and it offers decent insulation. Of course, if you live somewhere super cold, you will still want an insulated underlayment.
Since slate is quite heavy, the roof deck might need to be reinforced to hold its weight, if you are installing it on an older home. However, most slate products are dark in color, which means it might not have the best insulation during hot summers.
