Texas homeowners have a lot to think about when they are replacing their roofs or building a home that needs a new roof. There are hail storms that can drop baseball sized hail. There are also high winds that can kick up at any time in a lot of areas. Then there are local codes and building regulations. And of course, aesthetics are always a factor no matter where you live.
But what most people in our neck of the woods are considering is the Central Texas heat. Hot weather is guaranteed during the summer months, but it can surpass 80 degrees from April to October.
How well your home handles the heat can come down to the roof. Some roofing materials can help increase energy efficiency and reduce cooling costs while making it feel more comfortable inside.
Let's take a look at the options to figure out the best roofing materials for keeping your Austin home cool during the summer!
It may seem like metal roofing would make a home hotter since metal gets so hot in the sun, but that's the case with any roofing material. In actuality, a metal roof is great for a hot climate because it absorbs less heat than other roofing materials.
That's certainly the case when you compare metal roofs to asphalt shingle roofs. Research has shown unpainted metal roofing is typically 20+ degrees cooler than dark asphalt shingles. Plus, because metal is a thin roof material it cools down quicker than other various roofing materials, including asphalt shingles.
One other thing that makes a real difference is that metal roof materials reflect heat very well. Light colored metal roofing is particularly good at reflecting solar radiant heat. You'll get this benefit whether you have standing seam metal roofing, a corrugated metal roof or metal roof tiles.
Clay tiles could be the perfect roofing material for beating the Texas heat. Terra cotta clay tile roofs have been used in hot climates for centuries because they are so great at keeping structures cool. Like metal roofing, a clay tile roof is great at deflecting solar radiant heat. Because of the curved design, clay tiles also circulate air very well and the extra ventilation keeps the roof cool.
The downsides of a clay tile roof are the cost and structural support that's required for the roofing system. Homes that were built for a roof with traditional shingles may not be able to support the weight of clay tiles without extra reinforcement.
If clay tiles are out of your price range, a concrete tile roof is a great alternative. It offers the same cooling benefits and can withstand harsh weather conditions for a much lower cost. Plus, the thickness of the material means that it takes longer for heat to reach the roof deck.
But here again the weight of the roofing material can be an issue. The roofing system may need to be reinforced before concrete tiles can be installed.
Natural slate is often chosen for its appearance, but its cooling capabilities are a huge bonus in the hot Texas climate. Slate roofing is one of the best roofing materials because it has a high thermal mass that doesn't readily absorb heat, and it's very good at releasing heat. Slate tiles that are lighter in color are also effective at deflecting heat.
A slate roof can last for decades, but it's one of the more expensive options, and you'll need to work with a roofing contractor that is experienced with installing slate tiles.
A green roof, also known as a living roof, is roofing that has vegetation growing on it. A waterproof membrane is laid down first followed by a growing medium. Green roofs have been shown to make a home more energy efficient by reducing the temperature of the roof and surrounding air. The EPA notes that the air around a green roof can be up to 20 degrees cooler, the roof itself is up to 56 degrees cooler than conventional roofs and it can lower indoor temperatures by 27 degrees.
All of those points are huge for Austin homeowners that want to beat the summer heat. However, like clay tiles, not all roofing systems are ideal for a green roof. Flat roofs are best, but low angle roofs can also allow for green roofing.
If you aren't ready to replace your roof and you aren't building a home there is another way to make it more comfortable inside during Austin's hot summer weather. Adding a heat reflective paint coating to your roofing can make a huge difference.
According to Great Northern Metal Company, a metal roof that's painted is 42% cooler than unpainted metal roofing. There's also a product called elastomeric paint that can be used on asphalt shingle roofs to reduce temperature fluctuations. Just keep in mind that applying a cool roof paint to shingles could void the manufacturer's warranty.
Looking at the different roofing materials it's clear that Austin homeowners have options for cooling their house from the top down. A cool roof can be designed using various roofing materials and even recycled materials. Ultimately, the best roofing material for keeping a home cool in Austin comes down to structural support and budget.
If you're ready to invest in a cool roof that makes your home more comfortable give LOA a call. We can provide a free consultation and take a look at the existing roof to determine which roofing materials will work best.
Dedicated to excellence, our Austin roofing company ensures quality in every project. Contact our skilled Central Texas roofers for a same-day, hassle-free inspection. Call +1 (512) 375-3654 to book your free inspection.