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With the right roofing, you can optimize your home’s energy efficiency. Here’s how roofing affects energy efficiency
Roof renovation and energy efficiency are two terms that are inextricably linked. After all, it’s not just thermal insulation that makes an important contribution to efficient energy use and a pleasant indoor climate. The roofing itself is also an important component. Knowledge of the properties of the various roofing materials will help you to choose the insulation materials that best suit them.
Energy efficiency of roofs – an interplay of different components
When choosing a roofing material, most owners primarily look at the visual impact and cost. The next considerations are important attributes such as longevity, maintenance and care requirements, functionality and weight. Rarely is the energy efficiency of the roofing material considered.
Yet it can offset the potentially higher cost of roofing with the lower cost of thermal insulation. Conversely, less energy-efficient roofing requires an above-average investment in insulation.
Only through the matched combination of insulation and roofing can you achieve an optimal result in all respects. Therefore, do not decide based on the cheapest roofing material alone. Instead, look at the total cost, which consists of the following items.
- Roofing,
- insulation,
- necessary substructures, as well as
- All work and materials related to the roofing and insulation.
For example, if you choose a very simple, cheap, metal roof out of pure cost considerations, you should definitely request cost estimates for the metal roof and all other favorites. That way, you will have all the important information to compare costs and make your decision.
The right roofing for every need
Thanks to the continuous development of roofing and insulation materials, you have numerous options for an energy-efficient roof renovation. Whether it is a modern and specially coated metal roof, a traditional roof tile or a roof tile with an excellent ecological balance: in combination with the right thermal insulation, you will always achieve the ideal result.
The market offers a wide variety of roof coverings made from the most diverse materials that adapt to increasingly stringent standards thanks to innovative technologies.
The classic roof tile is made of the natural material clay or loam and is still produced in the traditional way today. It is available in a wide variety of shapes and colors and has a very long lifespan of 80 to 100 years. Clay tiles are suitable for energy-efficient roof renovation and new roofing.
Its energy efficiency as a roofing material is very good and it adapts individually to local conditions. For example, in Florida, where there is sunshine all year round, white roof tiles have been mandatory since 2005 as a so-called “cool roof” roof system, because the white color reflects the sun’s rays. This has a positive effect on the air conditioning of buildings. In colder regions, darker roof tiles are more suitable for roofing. They absorb the sun’s rays and the building receives additional heat through the roof on sunny days.
Roof tiles – indestructible high-tech material for roof renovation
The cheap alternative to clay tiles is the roof tile. It is made of concrete and is available in different shapes and colors. With a lifespan of up to 50 years, it convinces with its robustness, its high dead weight and its very good sound insulating properties. From the point of view of energy efficiency, it exhibits equally positive values as the roof tile. In addition, the roof tile convinces through various positive environmental properties and a generally very good ecological balance.
The renowned manufacturer of roofing materials, Braas GmbH, has published a comprehensive overview of the properties of roof tiles and roof bricks, taking every aspect into account. This article is an ideal decision aid for anyone who is still unsure about the choice between roof tile or roofing stone.
Slate – durable and pure nature
Slate is a purely natural building material with a silky shimmering surface. It is mined, cast into the desired shape and not chemically processed. Slate is durable for up to 100 years and is ideal for energy-efficient roof renovation. Although it has a relatively high price per square meter, it is a popular roofing material. This is not only due to its great naturalness. Slate can be found in large quantities in US and does not need to be imported. This makes it a convincingly natural material with a very good ecological balance. In addition, slate is known for its good insulating properties.
Roof renovation with thatch – highest energy efficiency but very expensive
A thatched roof is an absolute winner and has very good insulation values with regard to cold and heat. In addition, it has excellent moisture regulating properties. However, this natural beauty has many disadvantages. In addition to the high cost of the roofing, it is primarily the follow-up costs for regular maintenance and the high insurance premiums that deter many homeowners from renovating a thatched roof.
Metal roofs – modern and visually attractive
The days of unattractive metal roofs are long gone. Modern metal roofs impress with their durability, low weight and great flexibility. They are storm resistant and can withstand even the harshest weather conditions, from hurricane-force winds to massive hail storms, without a problem.
Especially on hot days, special coatings ensure that solar radiation is absorbed only minimally. Although the roof heats up strongly, the heat has no chance of penetrating the roof lining due to the high reflection of the sun’s rays. Coordinated insulation also ensures a pleasant indoor climate in the rooms below.
