Your roof has a big impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Both the material and color can impact how efficient your home is. Louisiana summers often see extreme heat, and an efficient roof is key for keeping a home comfortable year-round. Because of this, one of the questions we get the most from Baton Rouge homeowners is, what is the most energy-efficient roof material and color?
Your roof’s materials, colors, and condition impact how much heat it absorbs. Your roof keeps your home’s temperature regulated by reflecting ultraviolet rays. A quality roof makes it easier to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
To help you pick the right roof for your home, here’s a look at how roof color and material can impact its efficiency and some tips for making your roof as energy-efficient as possible.
To get a free roof quote or learn more about your roofing options, contact Parish Construction and Roofing, LLC at (318) 496-8405.
What Are the Benefits of an Energy-Efficient Roof?
There are several reasons homeowners need an energy-efficient roof, including:
- Reducing utility bills
- Reducing the home’s carbon footprint
- Putting less strain on the home’s AC unit
- Extending the lifespan of the AC unit
- Keeping the home more comfortable year-round
- Extending the lifespan of the roof because it absorbs less heat in a warm climate
A roofing professional can inspect your roof and give you tips for ensuring you have the most energy-efficient roof possible.
What Is the Most Energy-Efficient Roof Color?
In Louisiana, homeowners need a “cool roof” to help regulate their home’s temperature and make it as energy-efficient as possible. A cool roof is a light-colored roof that varies from the dark-colored shingles that have long been the roof color of choice. White is the most energy-efficient option.
A cool roof takes advantage of the albedo effect to reflect light and heat rather than absorb them. Cool roofs are light colors like white, gray, or light brown. These colors are ideal for reflecting sunlight instead of absorbing it.
A cool roof can dramatically reduce the amount of energy your home consumes. According to the US Department of Energy, a white roof can reflect as much as 60 to 90% of sunlight. Darker roofs tend to reflect only 30 to 60% of the sun’s heat.
While darker roofs have some benefits, especially in cooler climates, they are not an ideal choice in a warm climate like Baton Rouge. Louisiana homeowners need a cool, light-colored roof that can help make their homes more energy efficient.
What Is the Most Energy-Efficient Material for Your Roof?
The material of your roof can impact your home’s efficiency. For homeowners in warm climates, the most energy-efficient materials are:
- Metal. Metal is highly reflective and often considered the most energy-efficient roofing material. In addition, its long lifespan and low maintenance make it a good choice for homeowners wanting to limit their carbon footprint.
- Energy-efficient asphalt shingles. While asphalt shingles aren’t usually thought of as energy-efficient, new energy-efficient asphalt shingles have solar-reflecting granules that make them energy-efficient.
- Tile or clay. Tile or clay roofs reflect a significant amount of sunlight. These roofing systems also allow airflow below the tiles, making them more efficient in hot climates.
To discuss the best material for your home, schedule a free inspection with a Louisiana roofing expert.
Other Ways to Make Your Roof Energy Efficient
While roofing material and color are important for improving energy efficiency in Louisiana, there are other ways to make your roof and home more efficient.
To maximize your roof’s efficiency, you need to consider:
- Insulation: To maximize your home’s efficiency, it’s vital to have proper insulation. This is key for ensuring you’re keeping warm air out in the summer and cool air out during the winter. Attic insulation and proper weather-proofing around windows and doors are key for properly insulating your home.
- Ventilation: Good ventilation helps keep your home comfortable and avoids the build-up of moisture in your roof or home. Roof and attic vents ensure that heat can escape from your attic and help keep your home comfortable.
To learn more about ways you can improve your roof’s efficiency, schedule a free roof inspection with a local roofing professional.
Get a Free Roof Quote
If you need to replace or repair your Louisiana roof, Parish Construction and Roofing, LLC can help. Our team of roofing professionals will do a free inspection of your roof and can provide tips for making your roof as energy-efficient as possible.
For homeowners needing to replace their roofs, we’ll discuss what is the most energy-efficient roof material and color. Call us today at (318) 496-8405 to get a free roof quote for your Baton Rouge home.
