Summer Heat and Metal Roofs

With the heat of summer in full swing, homeowners may wonder how their metal roof affects the temperature inside. Those who plan to install a metal roof should pause to consider how metal compares to shingles when battling the elements of summer.

Choosing a roofing material that protects your home from seasonal elements, including the hot summer sun, is always a primary concern when roof shopping. There is nothing more important for keeping a home comfortable than the type of roof over your head.

Will a Metal Roof Heat Up My Home?

A common misconception is that metal roofs become hot in the summer and create an overheated living space because metal quickly heats up to the touch. However, this is a myth. Metal roofs do not make a house hotter than any other kind of roofing material. In fact, they can actually help to keep the home cooler during the summer months.

Metal roofing is one of the most energy efficient materials available to homeowners and can help lower the energy used to cool off your house. Instead of absorbing all the sun’s heat, metal works to keep the hot air out, which in turn reduces how much air conditioning you need.

How is metal roofing able to create this temperature balance? Because of its reflective and lightweight nature, metal reflects the sun’s rays off its surface rather than absorbing it all into the home, especially when painted a lighter color. Darker colors tend to absorb more heat, so choosing a roof with a lighter color will help keep the temperature low. Metal roofs are also lightweight, which means that they will cool down faster than shingles or other dense roofing materials.

Therefore, if your metal roof is properly installed, you should not have to worry about it causing unnecessary heat in your home.

Cooling Factors of Metal Roofing

Your roofing materials and the way they are installed will impact how your metal roof affects the temperature inside your home. The factors listed below will help you determine how to best prepare your roof to withstand the summer months.

• Roof color: A light color, such as white or gray, will absorb less heat and have a lower surface temperature than a darker color, such as dark gray or black.
• Finishes and coatings: The degree of a metal roof’s reflective properties is often determined by the finish or coating applied. Many finishes are designed to reflect sunlight and keep your roof cool. Check with a roofing expert to determine the best choice for your roof.
• Insulation and ventilation: It’s vital that your metal roof is installed with plenty of insulation and ventilation. Allowing air to circulate out of your attic will help to cool down your home and prevent mold or mildew. The higher the quality of your insulation, the less heat will leave your attic, so your home will stay cool in the summer.

For more information on our roofing materials and how we can best serve you, contact our roofing experts at Enterprise Roofing for a free roof evaluation. Call us at 937-298-86646 today!