Is Metal Roofing Energy-Efficient?
The primary job of your roof should always be acting as the barrier between you and the elements, however, good quality metal roofing can also save you money and energy in the process. Metal is one of the very best energy-efficient roofing options on the market at the moment, providing you potential savings of up to 40% on your energy bills.
The energy efficiency performance of metal roofing often comes down to the finish. For example, a standard, unpainted metal roof is able to reflect a large amount of radiation from the sun, far more than an asphalt roof. This means that it absorbs natural heat and holds it, thus keeping your home warmer and reducing the need to spend your hard-earned money on heating.
Of course, this scenario would not be ideal if you live in a warm climate, like large parts of Australia. However, by opting for either pre-painted or granular-coated metal cladding and roofing, you can reflect the radiation from the sun. Your home is then cooled as most of the heat is then re-emitted away from the roof. The more reflective the roof, the more solar radiation is re-emitted. For example, some granular-coated or highly-emissive painted roofing is known to be able to re-emit around 90% of solar energy.
Cool-Metal Roofing
Cool-metal roofing is widely regarded as the best energy-saving finish on the market. The cool pigments in the paint and the highly-reflective coating is utilised to lower the temperature of the roof by re-emitting large percentages of solar radiation. This reduces the need for air-conditioning within your home, thus saving you money on your electricity/energy bills. It also ensures that the natural room temperature of your home is far more comfortable than it may be with other roofing materials or finishes. As if that wasn’t good enough, a vast array of cool-metal roofing options can also qualify for tax incentives.
Passive House Ready
The Passive House Institutes Certification represents the highest energy efficiency rank for residential homes. Metal roofing is seen as the ideal option for those looking to achieve a net-zero energy emittance, thanks to the material’s ability to reflect solar and thermal energy. It is seen as one of the most Passive House ready roofing materials on the market for a number of reasons. Firstly, the insulation backup on a house with metal roofing is far better protected, ensuring that the thermal resistance of the building is maintained over a long period of time. Secondly, metal panels boast air barrier qualities that allow it to be Passive House certified. Finally, not only is metal a great choice for the roof itself, but it also allows for high-efficiency skylights, windows, and more, thus increasing the energy performance within the home even further.
Solar Friendly
Solar panels are now popular technology options to provide a constant source of renewable energy for your home. However, what many people do not realise is that metal roofs are ideal for the installation of such panels, sometimes without the need to penetrate the roof itself at all. Not only that, but the lifespan of a metal roof exceeds that of a solar panel, meaning that the latter can be installed even on existing roofs. The upgrade to solar panel technology becomes far more beneficial with a metal roof due to the maximised cooling, durability, and ease of installation.
Metal Roof Colour
Believe it or not, the colour of your metal roofing actually plays a role in how energy efficient it is. Therefore, by taking the time to choose something as simple as the colour of your new roof, you could save yourself plenty of money in the long-run. Lighter colours reflect the solar heat far better than dark shades. For example, certain white metal roofing options have even been awarded Energy Stars, as well as being recognised by the Cool Roof rating council. Some of the best performing light-coloured cool roofs have been known to maintain temperatures 50 to 60 degrees cooler than that of dark asphalt shingle alternatives. Brands such as Colorbond metal roofing come in a wide variety of colours.
If you live in a region with a lot of sun and a consistently hot climate, then you should opt for white, blue, light green, light bronze, peach, or beige metal roofing. This could reduce your energy expenses by 20 to 30 per cent each and every month, as well as reducing the natural temperature of your home and reducing the need for air-conditioning in the hotter months.
If you live in a cooler climate, have an incredibly well-insulated home, or own a property with a ventilated attic/loft, then a darker metal roofing colour will not affect your energy efficiency. However, it is important to note that, such is the effectiveness of metal roofing, even darker colours boast higher energy efficiency ratings than many other material options on the market.
KC Roof Plumbing
KC Roof Plumbing is one of the leading Melbourne commercial metal roofing contractors. All of the licensed roof plumbers with KC are involved with the process from start to finish, including the first customer call, the tender drawings, the plans, the signed contract, and the finished product. KC Roof Plumbing not only assess the site, liaise with the client to work around their desired finish date, and ensure the unification of all related on-site trades, but they do so with consistently high-quality results. If you are looking for reliable metal roofing options in Melbourne, visit the KC Roof Plumbing website today and contact a member of their team to take the first step towards a more energy-efficient home.