Any roof is an important asset in reducing energy consumption. It is essential to have the proper roof installed by a roofer Houston that is 
environmentally friendly, energy efficient, sustainable and can help save money, especially with today’s economic climate.
One of the common problems today with roofing is heat loss and heat gain due to temperature changes. Heat loss during the winter months could increase electricity or gas usage as the tendency is to increase the room temperature because it feels cold. During summer months, the opposite is true and the tendency is to lower the thermostat which increases energy consumption.
To stop this vicious cycle, it is important to come up with a plan to save energy. This can be done by minimizing heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer. One contributing factor to this energy-saving activity is a high-performance roof put on by a roofer Houston contractor.
Types of Energy-Efficient Roofs
There are several energy-efficient roofs available on the market today. Some of these types of roofs are: asphalt shingles, metal, reflective coating, green roofs, clay and slate.
- Asphalt Shingles – There are a lot of cutting edge roofing methods that can decrease energy costs up to 40 percent. Asphalt shingles are energy-efficient since they have an increased lifespan compared to conventional shingles. They have long-lasting performance with a 50-year lifespan instead of a more common 15-year lifespan. The shingles are made out of energy-efficient materials that can resist extreme temperatures. They are also designed to reflect solar energy from the roof allowing for a cooler and more comfortable room ambience.
- Metal Roofs and Reflective Coatings – Anyone interested in energy saving building materials should consider ‘cool metal roofing.’ This type of roofing can save up to 40 percent on energy consumption during the summer because it is highly reflective. Based on the research conducted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory on this roofing system, the pre-painted metal roof has increased infrared resistance and it is not affected by weather variances.
- Clay – There is an increased demand for roofing products that are put on by roofer Houston contractors that are “greener” and more applicable for sustainable building design and architecture. Manufacturers have creatively developed clay roofing that will not only benefit the environment but also can help save money by decreasing monthly electric bills. Clay tiles are more applicable for warmer climates since they are easily damaged under any heavy weather conditions, especially hail.
- Green Roofs – This type of roof does not reflect energy; rather, it absorbs heat from the sun. Results of a simulation study conducted in Chicago reveals that there is a 10 percent decrease of air-conditioning usage and a 95 percent reduction of solar heat gain with the use of this product.
One of the eco-friendly solutions answering the issue of increased energy consumption is the use of energy-efficient roofing. Consider these suggestions for your next new roof; find a respectable roofer Houston company to handle the job; and find yourself saving on energy costs!