Did you know that you can significantly reduce your energy bills and minimize your environmental footprint with the right roofing solution?

Besides protecting your property from the elements, many innovative roofing materials and technologies can contribute to a more sustainable future by lowering the need for air conditioning and other appliances, thus reducing greenhouse emissions and mitigating the urban heat island effect, which is quite important in New Jersey.

But which energy-efficient roofing solutions should you invest in if you live in Saddle Brook, NJ? Let’s go over the best options below!

What Is “Energy-Efficient” Roofing?

In essence, an “energy-efficient” roof is a roofing system designed to minimize the amount of energy needed to keep a space or building at a comfortable temperature based on its location’s climate.

More often than not, these roofs require materials and technologies that absorb less heat, reflect sunlight, or both.

Roofs that reflect solar radiation away from the property, for example, can reduce absorption and keep spaces cool during the summer, which reduces strain on your air conditioning system and lowers energy bills.

Some roofing solutions can also reduce heat emissions, minimizing the amount of heat that radiates back into the atmosphere to maintain a comfortable temperature within your property even during the winter.

Best Roofing Materials for Energy-Efficient Homes in Saddle Brook

There are several roofing materials that can be considered energy-efficient, but the following are the most common:

Metal Roofing

Although more expensive than other options, metal roofs are highly reflective. Actually, metals have the best heat reflection ratios in the industry, meaning that systems made with this material do a great job when taking heat up and away from buildings.

By reducing cooling costs in the hot months, metal roofs can help you save between 10% and 40% on your energy bills. During the winter, these systems can reduce heat loss and keep your home warmer.

Roofing Tiles

Tile roofs can also be good energy-efficient options, especially when made from slate, clay, or concrete, as these materials are either highly reflective –such as ceramic– or can undergo pre-treatment to enhance heat reflection and minimize solar heat absorption

These roofing systems allow air to circulate between tiles, so less heat is transferred into the attic. This maintains more stable, comfortable indoor temperatures.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles can also be considered energy-efficient if they’re cool or come in the right color for your specific geographic location.

Cool roofing systems are made from solar-reflecting granules that reduce the amount of heat that’s transferred into your property to keep interior spaces cooler and avoid forcing cooling devices to work harder in order to regulate temperature.

As for colors, the U.S. Department of Energy says that white roofing materials reflect between 60% and 90% of sunlight and stay cooler during hot weather. Other light colors, such as light grays and tans, are also energy efficient.

Dark colors, such as black and brown, tend to absorb more heat than they reflect. However, that doesn’t mean they cannot be energy efficient. At least 50% of sunlight arrives as invisible “near infrared” radiation to the earth. Therefore, dark materials can be treated with special pigments or colorants that reflect that invisible light away.

Improving Energy Efficiency with Roofing Components

In addition to materials and colors, roofing components such as insulation and ventilation can define how energy-efficient a system is.

For example, if properly installed, insulation can reduce the amount of heat that is transferred between your home’s interior and exterior. In other words, insulation keeps heat inside during the winter and prevents it from entering during the summer, reducing your heating and cooling costs, respectively.

A roof’s ventilation system can also directly impact a property’s energy consumption.

Proper ventilation prevents attics or roof spaces from accumulating heat and causing interior temperatures to rise by allowing warm air to escape. Additionally, it’s essential to control moisture levels and condensation.

Chapter 11 of the International Residential Code (New Jersey Edition) provides information on the requirements that roofing insulation and ventilation systems must meet to be energy-efficient.

Why Are Energy-Efficient Roofs Necessary in Saddle Brook, NJ

New Jersey adopted the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and set some requirements to ensure energy efficiency in construction projects, and this includes roofing.

Saddle Brook roofs must have proper ventilation and insulation to reduce energy consumption and help out the environment. In addition, the state codes that these projects must adhere to also include guidelines for energy efficiency.

On top of that, energy-efficient roofs offer many advantages to homeowners, such as reduced utility bills, enhanced indoor air quality, and improved comfort levels. Even if not mandatory in all instances, these roofing systems can be very beneficial and well worth the investment!