What Is an Energy Efficient Roof? And Why You Need One

Every year, utility costs continue to rise across the country. Even basic tasks like turning on a light or heating and cooling your home can add up to hundreds of dollars each month. This steady increase in expenses has contributed to a growing push for more energy-efficient home construction.

As part of this movement, homeowners and builders are now turning to energy-saving materials—especially energy-efficient roofing—to reduce long-term utility costs and improve overall home performance.

What is an Energy Efficient Roof?

Energy efficient roofs, sometimes called energy saving roofs, are roofs constructed using energy efficient roof shingles that are designed to help keep homes cool. Energy efficient shingles help the home to stay cooler by reflecting the sun’s UV rays, which then helps the home lessen the use of AC and heating systems. As a result, the roof helps the home become more energy efficient.

What Makes a Roof Energy Efficient?

Although all energy efficient roofs work the same, there are two main elements that make a roof energy efficient:

Reflectivity

Reflectivity refers to the amount of sunlight your roof can reflect—or bounce—sunlight away from your home. A roof with high reflectivity absorbs less heat, which keeps your home cooler and reduces overall costs.​

Emissivity

All roofs will be exposed to some degree of heat. To combat this, energy efficient roofing has a high level of emissivity—a measure of how well your roof releases the heat it absorbs. The higher the emissivity, the more efficient the roof. The more efficient the roof, the less indoor temperatures of a home increase because of heat exposure.

6 Benefits of an Energy Efficient Roof

Now that you know what makes a roof energy efficient, let’s take a look at some of the benefits an energy efficient roof provides—and why you need one.

1. Reduced Utility Bills

One of the most notable benefits to installing an energy efficient roof is that they can help lower utility costs, especially during the summer months.

Because energy efficient roofing allows homes to stay cooler and rely less on their air conditioner, they typically help you save over time. In fact, by installing an energy efficient roof, you can save anywhere from 7 to 15 percent on your utility bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

2. A Cooler Home

Summers are notorious for their high temperatures, especially in specific regions of the country. Other roofing materials tend to absorb the sun’s UV rays and store heat. This heat enters the home and causes the temperature to rise, which can create an uncomfortable living environment. By using energy efficient residential roofing, you ensure your roof doesn’t absorb extra heat and cause your home’s temperature to rise.

3. Environmentally Friendly

Another benefit that comes with energy-efficient roofing shingles is that they are a more environmentally friendly option, in a few different ways. For one, these roofs tend to last longer without requiring replacing, which means less material waste ends up in landfills.

These roofs also allow the homeowner to rely less on air conditioning, which means there are fewer harmful greenhouse gases emitted and therefore less air pollution.

4. Longer Roof Lifespan

Energy efficient roofing materials are often more durable and weather-resistant. By reflecting heat and reducing thermal expansion and contraction, these roofs tend to last longer and require fewer repairs—unlike traditional roofing options.

5. Increased Home Value

Homes with energy efficient features are more attractive to buyers. After all, if an energy efficient roof can save you money, it can do the same for any buyers, your home’s value.

6.  Potential Tax Incentives

There are also several incentives, such as rebates or tax credits, that you can receive for installing energy-efficient roofing—depending on your location and materials. These can then set off the initial costs of the roof.

Types of Energy Efficient Roofing Materials

Although all energy efficient roofing options are different, there are few types of energy efficient roofing options that stand out from the rest. Here are some of the best energy efficient roofing materials to pick from: 

Asphalt

Asphalt is a common and popular choice in roofing material for the selection of colors and affordability. But not all asphalt shingles are energy efficient roofing shingles. Some have earned their Energy Star rating, and others have not. The energy efficient asphalt shingles are fairly durable on impact, but similar to traditional asphalt shingles, some may get dislodged over time and require repairs.

Metal

Metal roofing is one of the many energy-efficient roofing materials homeowners can choose for their roofing needs. Metal roofs are typically composed of panels or tiles, and they come in a variety of styles and colors. And because they are made of metal, they are highly reflective to UV rays and provide a durable option. However, they are easily dented—and can be loud during storms.

Tile

There are different kinds of tile roofing options available: concrete, clay, and ceramic. Each option provides a beautiful aesthetic, coming in a variety of styles and colors that lend themselves to energy efficiency. 

In fact, tile roofs—though especially concrete—are extremely popular in hotter climates because they can keep roofs cool, But the issue is that they are all heavy and sometimes require additional structural support to ensure the home doesn’t collapse under the weight.

Slate

Slate tile roofing is another option which, while dark like asphalt shingles, has energy efficient roofing properties—and can be made more reflective with coatings.Not to mention, it’s a durable option that is capable of taking impacts. But like with other tile options mentioned above, slate roofing is very heavy and requires added structural support so that the home doesn’t collapse.

Synthetic

Another option for energy-efficient residential roofing is synthetic, polyurethane tiles. These tiles are lightweight, highly durable, and incredibly eco-friendly. This means it increases the home’s energy-efficiency and makes it possible for the building to stay warm during the cold months and cooler during the summer months.

What is the Most Energy Efficient Roofing Material?

While synthetic roofing is the most energy efficient roofing material and maintenance-free roofing option, every home is different. 

And choosing an energy-efficient roof for your home depends on a few factors, which we will talk about next.

How to Choose the Right Energy Efficient Roof

To truly determine the right energy efficient roof materials for your home, you need to do the following:

Evaluate Costs

You always need to evaluate the price point of energy efficient roofing—and what is best for you and your family.

However, keep in mind—and this goes for almost all energy efficient roofing materials—you will save on energy bills over time. You will reduce your heating and cooling costs. So while the initial investment may have a higher cost, you'll save in the long term.

Consider Your Roof Slope

The slope or pitch of your roof should also play a significant factor in your decision. Depending on the slope of your home, your roof may be exposed to more or less sunlight, which impacts its efficiency—and your choice of materials. For instance: 

Roofs with a steep pitch have a larger surface area exposed to the sun, which can increase heat absorption. They may need roofs with a more energy efficient material than others.

Flatter roofs, on the other hand, might have less exposure to direct sunlight, potentially reducing heat absorption. So they may not need a roofing material with as much energy efficiency.

Select the Right Roof Color

The color of your roof influences the amount of heat your home absorbs. So if you live in a hot climate, you should always look for lighter-colored energy efficient roofing materials. But if you live in a colder climate, you can use darker-colored materials.

Note: a high-quality roofing material manufacturer will have both lighter and darker color options.

The Energy Efficient Roofing Materials from CeDUR

CeDUR Roofing, a leader in synthetic roofing materials, has quickly become one of the most popular choices for energy efficient roofs. Here’s why:

• High Insulation Value: CeDUR products provide a strong R-Value that is 20% greater than wood shakes, creating better thermal performances in homes.

• Durability & Weather Resistance: With a Class 4 Impact Rating and the ability to withstand strong winds, CeDUR offers long-term protection that reduces the need for repairs.

• Low Maintenance: Unlike traditional wood shakes or asphalt shingles, CeDUR requires minimal maintenance.

• Fire Safety: CeDUR is also Class A Fire Rated, which means they are not only energy efficient but also fire resistant.

Energy Efficient Roofing Style Options & Designs

CeDUR Roofing also provides a range of energy efficient roof shingles that meet the needs and styles of different external home designs. There main include: 

• Live Oak: Inspired by the strength and character of aged oak, Live Oak delivers a bold, rustic look with exceptional durability and weather resistance.

• Shiloh: As a classic design, Shiloh offers the appearance of traditional wood shakes with the added durability and efficiency of modern materials.

• Golden Cedar: This profile captures the warmth and tone of natural cedar shake while reflecting heat and maintaining thermal insulation.

• Walden: A refined, versatile choice, Walden has a timeless appeal that is built for year-round energy performance.

Choose CeDUR for a Long-Lasting Energy Efficient Roof

Energy efficient roofing has quickly become an important component of energy efficient building design. And although there are many energy saving roofing options to choose from, you cannot go wrong by choosing CeDUR.

If you have questions about how CeDUR can help you create an energy efficient roof design or are interested in learning more about our product, contact us today or request a sample. 

Either way, we are excited to be a part of the process that can save you money and make your home more energy efficient.