How to Choose an Energy-Efficient Roof for Mesa, Arizona
Is your roof in need of repair or an entire roof replacement? Are you building a new home or renovating your current one? Regardless of the reason, it’s time to consider investing in a new roof and considering which ones pay off in the long run.
One of the best options are energy-efficient roofs, which save you more in the long run. These help keep your home cool, thus saving you on energy bills and keeping everyone inside comfortable. But with many kinds of energy-efficient roofs, which ones are the best to get, especially when living in Mesa, Arizona?
Read on to learn how to choose an energy efficient roof for Mesa, Arizona!
How to Choose an Energy-Efficient Roof for Mesa, Arizona
There are many things to consider when opting for an energy-efficient roof for those from Mesa, Arizona. You’ll have to consider its price, how it performs, the durability, and a lot more.
Once you have decided to invest in an energy-efficient roof, there are more to consider. Here are factors you should look into to ensure you get the best for your money.
Cost and Your Budget
You should prioritize getting quality roofing material, though do be realistic about the budget. When you already have a budget early on, this will help narrow down your choices and set proper expectations.
The most expensive roofing materials don’t necessarily mean the best. That said, very cheap roofing materials will also mean lower quality. It’s best to consult your local roofing contractor regarding the specs your chosen roofs have.
Energy-efficient roofs would cost more, but with its heat-reducing capabilities, it pays off in the long run. Cool roofs would last longer compared to traditional roofs as they absorb heat well. With all that in mind, you get the bang for your buck and experience lesser energy bills.
Performance Ratings
When selecting energy-efficient roofs, consider the performance ratings. There are two measures rating the performance of cooling roofs, based on the Cool Roof Rating Council.
First is the solar reflectance, which measures the amount of the sun’s energy that will be reflected by your roof. The other measure is thermal emittance, which would measure how well your roof releases heat that is absorbed. These measurements use a scale from 0 to 1, with 1 performing the best.
Energy Star Savings
Next up, the Energy Star Ratings, which is also rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council. They estimate that cool roofs can save homeowners up to 15% in cooling costs!
The Energy Star rating will recognize cool roof products which reduce the peak cooling demand by up to 15%. For roofs to have an Energy Star label, it has to have a solar reflectance of 0.25 or more. After being installed for 3 years, the roof should have a solar reflectance of around 0.15 when exposed to normal conditions.
The Energy Star doesn’t require any third-party certification of its performance. The CCRC, which is what measures performance without imposing minimum levels, would verify that roofs perform at levels stated by their manufacturers.
The Durability and Lifespan
One of the crucial considerations is the roof’s durability. Your roof will be responsible to protect you and your home from natural elements and damaging factors. This is why you need an energy-efficient roof that will protect you for years without getting damaged easily.
Look into the different roofing materials and their energy efficiency, taking their strength into consideration. The material should stand up to natural elements and factors well, particularly the Arizona heat. Roofs are huge investments, select durable materials that last for over 20 years, getting the most out of your money.
Style and Curb Appeal
Of course, you want to make sure that your roof looks great and comes at a design matching your home. Your roof plays an important role in your home’s curb appeal, which makes or breaks the property value.
When selecting a roofing material, it shouldn’t only be energy-efficient, but look attractive, too. There are many different colors and styles available, so select one fitting the house’s architectural style. Speaking of colors, take note that the lighter the color, the less heat it absorbs heat to stay cooler.
It should also match the existing exterior elements, which will tie your home’s aesthetics together well.
The Slope
The slope of a roof is a measurement of its steepness. This is another important consideration as you select an energy-efficient roof. Remember, not all roofs will perform similarly on various slopes.
For instance, tile roofing materials aren’t best for low-sloping roofs, but flat roofs are. Before you choose a roofing material, be sure that you look into the roof’s slope. Select a roofing material that will look and perform well on your home’s particular slope.
Type of Roofing Material
If there is one type of roofing material I highly suggest, it is flat or foam roofing. These are becoming more popular, particularly in Arizona, thanks to their energy efficiency and functionality.
Furthermore, more than 90% of flat roofs in Arizona have been sprayed with polyurethane foam. It’s easy to install and doesn’t need professionals to remove existing roofs. Foam roofing is also lightweight, waterproof, easy to maintain, and screens off the sun’s UV rays with its elastomeric material.
There are also other roofing materials that are energy-efficient, such as tile roofing. They are fireproof and great insulators for either hot or cold weather, making them suitable for the Arizona heat. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and designs for your home’s overall style.
Wrapping It Up
When it comes to investing in an energy efficient roof, there is a lot to think about. From the price down to the quality and type of roofing material, everything plays a huge role. While it might feel tedious to do all the research, it will be worth for the next years to come!
Hopefully, this quick guide helped you choose a suitable roofing material for your home. Once you have narrowed down your choices, consider hiring Stradling Roofing to have it installed correctly. Good luck with the roof hunting!