If you’re not a tree hugger, you probably think the phrase “cool roof” is slang for a really great looking roof on a home, but the fact of the matter is; this isn’t an adjective to describe someone’s great looking roof; cool roofs are an energy efficient- cost savings roofing material used on homeowner’s, business, and commercial roofs across the United States. Its greatest clientele are those that live in the South and fight the heat most of the year. Cool roofs have many varying definitions, but in general, cool roofs reflect the sun’s heat; the heat from the sun is then pushed back into the atmosphere instead of into the building structure.

Most cool roofs are rated by their manufacturer; two components are looked at when rating a cool roof. The first is solar reflectance and the second is thermal emittance. There are an enormous amount of studies on the Internet that speak of cool roofs positive affects on energy costs to the homeowner. One such study found that a cool roof system can reduce the costs up to 40% during hot summer months; most likely due to the fact that Cool roofs have been known to reduce the temperature of the roof surface by 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool roof systems are available in many forms. Most flat or low slopping roofs require a cool roof coating; while steep sloping roofs generally are surfaced with a cool roof metal or tile. Cool roof coatings are very cost efficient for business owners and usually run around $1.00 per square foot. For homeowners, most choose a reflective tile or metal roof for their cool roof needs. Technology has allowed tile manufacturers to improve their energy efficiency of tiles over the past several decades. Unlike the past, when clay and concrete tiles only reflected 10-30% of the suns rays, today’s tiles reflect up to 70% of the sun’s energy. Most reflective tiles can be purchased at around $3 per square foot, but energy savings in the long run make up for up-front costs.

Metal roofing is another great system. Traditionally, metal roofing was a great reflector of heat; however, the heat was absorbed and not emitted back into the atmosphere. Today’s metal roofs can be coated with a radiant treatment, this will allow for heat to be emitted back into the atmosphere. Metal roofs that are treated with cool roof coatings and pigments can run a homeowner around $2 per square foot.

Although, up-front costs for cool roof systems can run you more than traditional roofing materials, the overall good they will do is insurmountable. Not only will your energy costs go down in the summer months, but most of these cool roof systems are maintenance free, can be easily installed on current asphalt shingles, eliminating landfill garbage, and they are very durable. Most of these roofs will last you a lifetime if installed correctly.