More homeowners than ever are trying to achieve the most energy-efficient home possible. From installing solar panels to investing in better insulation, there are many things you can do to achieve a greener home. But one thing you might not think about is how your roof color impacts your energy efficiency.
At Lifetime Roofing, we understand that homeowners looking for a new roof are likely looking for the most energy-efficient option on the market. But how much of a difference can your roof color make in your home’s energy efficiency? If you want to learn more about whether your roof color is helping you achieve your most energy-efficient home, keep reading.
Does Your Roof Color Impact Your Home’s Energy Efficiency?
So, does your roof color have an impact on your home’s energy efficiency? The truth is that your roof color can have a significant effect on your home’s energy efficiency. White roofing materials are found to be the most energy-efficient, as they do the best job of reflecting sunlight away from your home.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, white roofing material can reflect 60% to 90% of the sunlight that hits your home. When this light is reflected away from your home, you can trust that heat doesn’t seep into the attic and upper levels of your home. However, white isn’t the only energy-efficient roof color. Other energy-efficient roof colors include tan and beige.
Does Roofing Material Impact Your Home’s Energy Efficiency?
While your roof color does play a role in your home’s energy efficiency, it isn’t the only thing that impacts your efficiency. The material used to build your roof may also play a role in how energy-efficient your home may be. The most popular, energy-efficient roofing materials include:
- Metal Roofs: Metal roofs are known for having a high reflectivity rating. These roofs are known for their ability to naturally dissipate heat, with the U.S. Department of Energy finding that homes with metal roofs may experience a 25% reduction in their energy bills during the warmest months of the year.
- Cedar Shakes: While cedar shakes aren’t as popular as they once were, they are an energy-efficient roofing material. This material acts as a natural insulation, keeping the heat out during the warmer months while maintaining a comfortable temperature during the winter months.
- Asphalt: Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the U.S. and are known for being durable, affordable, and energy efficient. High-quality shingles, especially those that are darker-colored, can help you cut back on your energy bills.
Which Roof Color is Best for Your Home
If you’re preparing to replace older materials, you might wonder whether your roof color is best for your home or if a new color may be a better choice for your home. While the energy efficiency of your roof color might be something you consider during this process, you should also consider how this color impacts your curb appeal.
Will lighter-colored white or tan roofs complement your home’s siding? Will this new roof color stick out in an unbecoming way? If you are concerned about the curb appeal of your home and a lighter roof color clashes with the rest of your home, you might want to consider a darker color, even if it isn’t the most energy-efficient option on the market.
Should You Replace a Less Energy-Efficient Roof?
As you learn more about how your roof color impacts the energy efficiency of your home, you may find yourself considering replacing a less energy-efficient roof with something a little newer. While this might sound like a good idea, it is important that you take a moment to consider whether this is the right investment in your home.
On average, replacing the roof on a 1,000-square-foot home will cost about $7,000. This can be an incredibly costly investment to make if your roof isn’t in need of immediate replacement. So, while you may want to invest in a more energy-efficient option, this might not be the right place to put your money if you have a newer, well-functioning roof.
Instead, you might want to consider investing that money in other energy-efficient home upgrades, like improved siding, upgraded insulation, or newer HVAC systems, while you wait for your next roof replacement. By investing in other energy-efficient options before you replace a newer roof, you can ensure you have the most energy-efficient home after the replacement occurs.
Finding the Perfect Roof Color with Lifetime Roofing
When it comes time to install a new roof, it is essential that you work with a reliable roofing company like our team at Lifetime Roofing. By working with us, you can trust that we will help you find the perfect roof color for your home, ensuring your house looks its best while maintaining great energy efficiency.
From asphalt shingles to modern metal roofs, our team provides a variety of roofing products to guarantee every homeowner has the perfect roof for their home. If you would like to schedule an appointment to install a new roof on your home or if you have any questions about choosing your roof color, don’t hesitate to contact us today.