The Weather Is Heating Up – So Are Your Shingles!

A roof is every home’s main protection from the weather; and the one barrier between interior spaces and the sun. Roofs take a beating nearly every day from the sun constantly shining down on them. This is especially true for shingled roofs, as they can either can either help or hinder heat from entering a home. When hiring roofing services for a residential roofing repair or installation, it is good idea that homeowners know a little about how roofs absorb heat, and how composition and color is a main factor in improving the efficiency of shingled roofs. Discussing shingle color is important in locations where heat absorption is important; and something that any experienced roofing contractor should be more than willing to discuss with a homeowner to help them make the right shingle choice.

Heat Absorption of Different Types of Shingles

The sun always shines down on roofs, regardless of the type, so reducing heat absorption is of primary interest for roofing contractors in keeping homes cooler, reducing energy bills, and also preventing condensation and other roof damage caused by moisture. Therefore, the amount of heat a roof absorbs or reflects is a top consideration for roofing services when trying to reduce the heat that passes through them, and into a home’s attic space. Shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials used today in both roofing repairs and the construction of new roofs, so understanding how both of the following, natural and asphalt shingles, react to extreme heat is essential in making an efficient roofing decision:

Natural Shingles - Roofing shingles are made of many materials, ranging from synthetic to natural. Of all the different kinds available, clay, ceramic, concrete and slate shingles are the most efficient at preventing the passage of heat into a building since they absorb and hold it, creating a cooler interior. In extremely hot climates, clay tile shingles are the most efficient, and the most popular, but they are expensive. Yet experienced roofing contractors suggest that the reduction in cooling costs does add up over the years.
Asphalt Shingles - Asphalt shingles are much less expensive, and used in most areas except in the hottest climates. They are readily available, easily produced, and easy for a roofing services company to install; making them a great, affordable choice for most homeowners. The biggest concern with these shingles is heat absorption, and how to keep asphalt roofs cooler. Today there are many energy efficient shingle products available that provide higher reflection and lower heat absorption, making asphalt shingles more efficient.

Effect of Shingle Color on Heat Absorption

One of the ways asphalt shingle manufacturers are making a more efficient product is by offering different shingle colors. Traditionally, asphalt shingles were always black, and black absorbs heat very easily. The darker a color, the more UV waves it absorbs; which means that where shingles are concerned; whether for a new roof or for repairs on an older roof, more heat passes through the roof, and into a home’s attic space. The lighter a color, the more heat it reflects. Tests done on shingles of varying colors prove that lighter shingles absorb much less heat, preventing heating up of that space.

Asphalt shingles are now available in different, attractive colors that not only look stylish and make a home stand out from the crowd, but they are more energy efficient. Because lighter-colored shingles have greater thermo-efficiency, they are the best choice for homes in hotter areas. Darker colors are better left for areas where extreme heat is not much of an issue.

Homeowners looking for ways to make their homes more thermo-efficient in warmer climates should discuss roofing materials and methods with an experienced roofing contractor in their area. Whether the answer is in upgrading to attractive clay tile shingles, or installing more efficient, lighter colored asphalt shingles, how the various qualities affect heat absorption should never be underestimated. The best roofing services can advise on residential roofing repair and installation concerns, including which shingles have made the most difference in the immediate area, helping homeowners make informed decisions about their own roofs!