The main purpose of your roof is to keep you and your family safe from the harsh weather. So, roofers from Sandy Springs recommend you use the right materials for it to do its job properly. Durability and practicality come first; aesthetic appeal is a plus.
If you live in a place that gets hot in the summer, you should pick a roof efficient at reflecting heat so you can keep your home comfortable. Plenty of materials suit this need. Read on to learn what will work best for you.
Terra-Cotta Tiles
Terra-cotta means “cooked earth” in Italian. It’s baked at high temperatures to give the material its durability and weather-resistant qualities. It’s a common roofing option in Southwestern United States because it stands up to the warm climate of the region, making it optimal to have anywhere.
Terra-cotta’s light brown color absorbs less light, which means less heat. It’s also made of clay, a material that can withstand hot sun rays for a long time. This is complemented by a curved structure that lets the air circulate below the surface, which helps lower the temperature.
Concrete Tiles
For those who want the same benefits but need to cut costs, concrete tiles are great for you. They have thermal properties, including their thickness, which prevents heat from penetrating them quickly.
Although concrete tiles are much more reasonably priced than other options, they’re not as popular because of their color. The gray hue gives them a stark appearance, which most homeowners don’t like. Luckily, manufacturers are starting to offer dyed alternatives that give them a hint of character.
Metal Roofs
These are made of steel, aluminum, and copper. Sometimes, they’re upcycled from junk, like used soda cans. They’re then formed into thin sheets of metal that can be easily installed.
They’re energy efficient, especially during the summer because of the way they’re built. Metal roofing systems have a gap between the panels and the decking. This dead space serves as a thermal barrier that blocks heat transfer from the sun to your home. Roofing companies say these help reduce your energy consumption from your AC by 20%.
EPDM Membranes
EPDM or ethylene propylene diene monomer is composed of rubber-like substances that withstand extreme heat. They resist high levels of UV radiation without cracking.
They’re coated with titanium dioxide to make them more effective. The added material gives the membranes a light color that reflects light and heat.
Living Roofs
Those who have a green thumb will love this option because it’s essentially a garden on top of your house. Living or green roofs consist of different plant life suspended on a waterproof membrane. The fauna helps reduce heat absorption, which makes them a highly viable alternative for areas that experience warm climates.
Summer is a great season to have a living roof installed. The plants will benefit from exposure to sunlight, making them healthier and providing a better aesthetic appeal for your house. They can also produce more oxygen, which is another advantage since you can breathe clean air.
Take your time to pick which material will work best for you. To be sure it’s the right one, consult professional roofers. Call Superior Roofing Company of Georgia once you’ve decided what you’ll get. They have a variety of tiles and roofing shingles from Sandy Springs that you might like.