energy efficient shingles

Energy efficient shingles not only help reduce your heating and cooling costs, but also help reduce the effect of ‘Urban Heat Islands’

Feature 1

Believe it or not windows and yes, some shingles do carry Energy Star® ratings. Energy Star® recognizes cool roof products that reduce peak cooling demand by 10% to 15%. To obtain the Energy Star label, steep-slope products must have an initial solar reflectance of at least 0.25. Three years after installation, the roofing product must achieve a solar reflectance of 0.15 under normal conditions.

Feature 2

An urban heat island is the term for an urban area or metropolitan areas that are significantly warmer than their surrounding rural areas due to human activities and building practices. This is in large part due to traditional roofing materials that hold heat IN and towards the buildings (remember science class? Dark colors absorb heat and light reflects it away).

Historically, few home builders or homeowners opted for energy-efficient cool roofs because it used to require that the roof was white. But that’s not the case anymore. Thanks to Military research and technology, there are now roofing materials that are darker in color (what homeowners typically prefer), but that also reflect the majority of the sun’s radiation and heat. Heating bills may not change much, but the reduction in cooling costs, especially in climates with hot summers, makes up the difference. These new roofing materials come Energy Star® Rated.

Feature 3

A long-lasting, durable roof is good for the environment. Fewer waste materials land in the trash if you can extend the time between roof replacements. Excessive heat causes rapid degradation of your roof, especially asphalt shingles. The longer your roof lasts the fewer times you’ll need to re-shingle.