Do metal roofs make your house hotter

Do Metal Roofs Make Your House Hotter?

Do Metal Roofs Make Your House Hotter? Metal roofs have a reputation of being hot to the touch, and this alone makes some homeowners hesitant about installing one. But the question is — do metal roofs make your house hotter?

When examining the advantages and disadvantages of upgrading your asphalt shingle roofing to a metal roof, it only makes sense to find the answer to this crucial question before deciding whether they should install a metal roof. 

Let’s bring some clarity to the subject.

Is a metal roof hotter than a traditional roof?

When homeowners question whether metal roofs make them hotter, they tend to assume that, because a metal roof is a heat conductor, it will conduct the heat from the sun into their attic and residence. 

Although there can be some temperature differences when comparing a metal roof with other roofing materials, they do not make your home significantly hotter than other types of roof materials. Metal is a natural heat conductor and more directional in its heat transfer; therefore, the heat does not escape as quickly as it would with other kinds of roofing materials. Metal roofs are constructed by attaching aluminum sheets to the underside of the roof decking. This process creates a negative heat transfer, so rather than making your home hotter during the summer months, metal roofing helps keep it cool, increasing the energy efficiency of your home. 

You should have no worry at all about a properly installed metal roof making your house hotter. However, the degree to which your metal roof retains heat can depend on the covering material and the construction of the roof itself. Heat absorbance of metal materials depends on a number depends on several factors:

Type of Finish

Metal that is exposed directly to sunlight is obviously going to heat upon its surface, but the degree to which it retains that heat depends on the finish of the material. There are many coatings and finishes available for metal roofs that are certified to reflect sunlight, helping keep your roof cooler even when exposed to direct sunlight.

Designed with careful consideration to every detail, Watkins Construction & Roofing metal roofs are coated with Energy Star-rated Tri-Pigment Reflective Technology that reflects upwards of 70% of the sun’s solar energy, keeping your home cool and reducing your energy needs.

Color Choice

Just as various finishes influence the heat absorption of metal surfaces, so does the color of the metal. Whether your roof is constructed with asphalt shingles, natural stone, or metal panels, a light-colored roof reduces heat buildup in your home while dark colors trap more heat. A light-colored roof reflects the heat from the sun away from buildings, which can save a lot of money spent on central cooling. 

Sun Exposure and Mass

The more direct sunlight a roof gets, the hotter it will become. As the sun goes down, your roof begins to cool until it reaches the same temperature as the air around it. Heavier materials with more mass take longer to do so while lightweight materials lose heat the fastest.

Metal roofing products are typically lighter than other materials, thus, the heat escapes quickly preventing that heat from transferring into your home.

How Do Metal Roofs Improve Energy Efficiency?

If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient way to keep your home cool, a metal roof is the right choice. The quality of materials used and the skill with which your roofing professional installs the metal roof are just a few factors that affect a metal roof’s energy efficiency. Other factors that contribute to metal roofing’s energy efficiency include:

Reflective Surface

Asphalt shingles, wood, tile, and concrete all absorb heat and cause heat transference into your home. Metal roofs, however, reflect light and heat since they have such a low thermal mass. Reflective coatings only serve to aid this process, helping your home remain noticeably cooler than with other roofing materials. Opt for metal roofs with coatings that optimize their heat-reflective quality, and your home will stay cooler even in the summer.

Efficient Ventilation

When you work with an experienced roofing contractor, your metal roof is installed with plenty of efficient ventilation. A combination of ridge vents and soffits allow air to circulate out of the attic space, keeping your home cool in the summer and venting moisture out in the winter to prevent mold and mildew.

Get More Information About Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are popular for good reason. They help reduce your energy use, improve the value of your home, and last longer than traditional roofing materials. 

Watkins Construction & Roofing’s metal roofers are skilled craftsmen who install, inspect, and repair a variety of metal roofs. For more information about metal roofing, reach out to the experts at Watkins Construction & Roofing and our team is here with the answers to your most metal roofing installation questions. Our qualified metal roofers can help you find the perfect metal roof for your home. For more information, call Watkins Construction & Roofing at 601-966-8233 or visit us online today!

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