Energy-Efficient Roofing Solutions

The benefits of having professional roofing, installations, inspections, and repairs are well-discussed in the industry. Besides ensuring that your roof can endure and protect you from Florida’s weather hardships and safeguard your property’s value, your roof can also increase the energy-efficient values of your property whether you’re in Alachua County, FL, Bradford County, Marion County, Gilchrist County or Clay County, FL and their hot and humid weathers.

Florida's eco-friendly market is growing daily, but the roofing industry has stayed caught up. You can choose from several roofing solutions to contribute to the environment and save on utility bills. If you’re interested in diving into sustainability and upgrading your roof, keep reading to discover the energy-efficient roofing materials best suited for your needs and how to start today!

Four key factors to consider when choosing eco-friendly roofing options

While diving into the sustainable world is a charming option with several benefits for your wallet and the planet, there are two things you must be careful with to ensure your roof maintains the ideal indoor temperatures so you can get some energy savings with a new roof: selecting the best suitable materials and a proper installation.

Choose reflective roof materials.

One way to improve your property's energy efficiency is to opt for reflective roofing materials such as clay, terracotta, metal, slate, or concrete tiles. Their natural high reflectance and thermal emittance allow them to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, contributing to a cooler attic space and regulating indoor temperature. This can reduce the strain on your air-conditioned unit and result in energy savings reflected in your monthly bill.

Cool roof technology

This technology has gained popularity in warm states and eco-friendly enthusiasts as it reflects more sunlight than a conventional roof, absorbing less solar energy and lowering the temperature inside the building. According to the National Department of Energy, conventional roofs can reach 150° F on a summer day, while cool roofs could stay up to 50° F cooler under the same conditions.

Several cool roof technologies, including tiles and coatings, may be more affordable than changing your entire roof. Some of them are:

Evaporative roofs: These materials allow the water to evaporate, cooling down the roof and the building below. Some evaporative materials are clay tiles or metal roofs with water-absorbing coatings, although they can be more effective in hot and dry climates.
Cooling paints: These paints make your roof more reflective and help it cool down, making your property more energy efficient. They are effective in hot and sunny weather and usually contain a highly reflective pigment called titanium dioxide.
Cooling granules: are tiny, reflective beads commonly applied to roofing shingles. Like cooling paints, they tend to be more effective in sunny climates.
Green roofing: These are roofs made of a waterproof membrane covered with soil and vegetation to insulate the roof and reflect sunlight. They can disperse heat up to 70% and cool the building during summer. Green roofs can contain anything from a basic grass cover to gardens and small trees and are ideal for commercial buildings with flat, low-slopped, and shallow-pit roofs.

Besides being an eco-friendly option, green roofs are sustainable as they help reduce stormwater runoff and provide an ideal habitat for birds and other pollinators.

Get energy-efficient insulation

Proper insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures, keeping your property cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Insulation can reduce your HVAC unit's workload, resulting in noticeable energy savings. You can upgrade your roofing insulation during replacement or an inspection by letting your roofer know you want to evaluate it.

Adequate your ventilation system.

An adequate ventilation system is as essential as using energy-efficient roofing materials to improve your property’s energy efficiency. A well-ventilated roof will let the hot air escape from your attic and prevent it from radiating into other rooms, heating them. This helps reduce the strain on your HVAC system, which can extend its lifespan and promote energy efficiency in the building.

If you plan to replace or upgrade your roof to benefit from some energy savings with the new roof, it’s best to consider these four factors before buying roof materials. If you want to ensure which material is best for your roofing and if there are other options not to demolish and install your roof again, contact a roofing company in your area. Their honed knowledge will guide you through the process and ensure your roof is safe and energy-efficient.

Solar panels in roofing: discovering myths and truths

Solar energy has grown impressively in Florida, especially in the South. Today, 6.4% of electricity comes from solar panels in the state, and it has become an enticing possibility among the range of eco-friendly roofing options available.

Although installing solar panels on your roof is possible, you must consider multiple factors before changing to this sustainable energy source.

Space and shading

A typical solar panel system, with 6 to 12 panels, covers between 107.64 and 215 square feet of roof area. In addition to ensuring you have enough space to install the system, you’ll also need to consider the additional weight on your roof and prove that the beams will resist it.

Another aspect that plays a crucial role in solar-generated electricity is how much shade the roof receives. The shade of nearby buildings, trees, and chimneys can negatively affect your panel system, reducing the amount of power generated. Therefore, finding an unshaded spot is the best option for installing them. Still, if it’s impossible, you can opt for a solar optimizer to get an energy-efficient solar panel system.

Roof orientation

Though hard to believe, which direction your roof faces has an essential role in ensuring the best performance of your solar panels. Experts in these sustainable energies have found that a roof facing to the south can generate between 15 and 20% more energy than east—and west-facing roofs. Thus, to guarantee you’ll get the maximum energy output, it is recommended to consult with experts if your roof is facing the ideal direction.

Permits

Installing a solar panel system on your property's roofing usually requires a city or county government permit to ensure the installation complies with the local building codes, electrical codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards. So, before quoting solar panels, it is best to consult with your local authorities to get all the information you need to obtain a permit.

You may also need permission from your Homeowners Association (HOA) should you live in a zone with one. However, remember that the Florida Solar Rights Acts can protect you from solar ordinances and unreasonable restrictions imposed by the HOA.

Federal incentive programs

Although solar panels may result in the most significant energy savings, the upfront cost can be out of budget for many homeowners. That is why a federal solar tax credit covers up to 30% of the installation cost. However, not everybody can apply for it. To qualify for this incentive, you must own the solar panels and have a specific tax liability threshold.

Improve your roof’s energy efficiency with Atlantic Roofing & Exteriors.

Get energy-efficient roof solutions guided by experts in the roofing industry. Founded more than ten years ago, we have honed our skills as one of the best roofers in North Florida and have proven our expertise with noticeable clients such as the Florida Department of Agriculture, the US Navy Mayport, and the Bank of America.

We handle several energy-efficient roofing materials, such as clay and concrete tiles, shingles, metal, and thermoplastic polyolefin roofing (most known as TPO), and we also offer our exclusive WaterSealed Roofing Systems. These materials are specifically designed to prevent water intrusion in your roof, which can also result in energy savings with the new roof. The waterproof materials avoid damage to the roof insulation, maintaining the thermal integrity and leading to reduced costs for your HVAC system.

If you’re considering joining the sustainability bandwagon, contact Atlantic Roofing today to discover the eco-friendly roofing options that best suit your property’s needs. We are open from 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday and can schedule on-site appointments if requested.

Phone: 352-327-7663

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Energy-Efficient Roofing Solutions