How to Improve Energy Efficiency with Your Flat Roof

Photo by Jorge Gardner on Unsplash

Browsing through an architectural design magazine, you’ll likely come across numerous flat-roofed homes. While flat or low-sloped roofs are praised for their contemporary appeal, they are also gaining popularity for being more energy efficient.

While flat roofs are often criticized for potential leaks, they tend to outperform older pitched roofs in terms of thermal efficiency. This is because many flat or low-sloped roofs utilize advanced insulation techniques and modern materials to reduce heating and cooling needs. Here is how to improve energy efficiency with your flat roof.

Choose the Correct Insulation Size

Insulation serves as a well-known method for energy-efficient roofing. When properly sized, it reduces the loss of conditioned indoor air and prevents outside air infiltration. This eases the workload on the HVAC system, decreasing energy consumption.

Consulting a roofing expert can assist in determining the correct insulation quantity needed. Factors considered include long-term thermal resistance, initial R-value, compliance with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2012), and adherence to building codes enforced by Authorities’ Jurisdiction (AHJ). The NRCA’s EnergyWise Roofing Calculator is useful for evaluating different roof assemblies for thermal efficiency and predicting the associated heating and cooling cost savings.

Roofing Material

Having a roof above your head is crucial for shelter, especially for your home. Various roofing materials and designs play a unique role in regulating your home’s temperature. For instance, metal roofs, known for their reflectivity, can minimize heat absorption by reflecting sunlight. Metal roofs can also receive a special heat-reflective coating to enhance energy efficiency.

Alternative roofing materials like asphalt shingles and clay tiles can also enhance energy efficiency. Shingles and tiles can reduce heat transfer effectively by coating them with reflective substances or incorporating air gaps for improved insulation. Choosing the best flat roof materials could also lengthen your roof’s lifespan, saving you money on constant replacements.

Upgrade Your Insulation

Many individuals are surprised to learn that adequate insulation can help regulate temperatures in a building, keeping heat inside during winter and out during summer. Insulation serves to block heat transfer from the outdoors to your living space.

Consulting a roofing expert on the optimal energy-efficient roof insulation for your attic and roof is crucial. Inadequate insulation can result in moisture problems that may damage your roof and property. The placement of insulation may vary depending on your property and surroundings to prevent moisture buildup and condensation.

Good ventilation is key to preventing condensation and enhancing energy efficiency by allowing hot air to escape when necessary. For instance, properly insulating your attic and the area beneath your roof could reduce overall energy consumption by up to 11%. Other common areas where your roof may impact your home’s energy efficiency are through gaps and openings.

Set up a Heat Recovery Ventilator in Your Attic

Address unwanted cracks, air holes, and gaps in your home while also ensuring proper ventilation to maintain a fresh air supply. Regulating airflow through attic ventilation can help control temperatures under your roof and in your living space.

Installing an energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) or heat recovery ventilator (HRV) can optimize ventilation control in your building. These systems can reduce your heating and cooling load by 9% to 12% when utilizing ambient heat. HRVs or ERVs effectively cut energy expenses and enhance indoor air quality.

Roofing Color

The selection of colors for roof coatings and roofing materials must be considered. Just as a dark-colored car reacts differently to a hot day than a light-colored car, your roof’s colors have similar effects.

Lighter roofing materials reflect sunlight more and lessen heat absorption, whereas darker ones absorb more sunlight and increase heat retention.

Endnote

Including these extra aspects highlights the diverse benefits of installing flat roofs. By adopting sustainability, resilience, and innovation, flat roofs become a revolutionary choice for contemporary buildings aiming to improve energy efficiency, reduce long-term expenses, and boost occupant comfort and well-being.