top of page

Energy Efficient Roofing Materials and Colors For Homes In Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

agcwebdev

Updated: Jan 26




Black Metal Roofing on Home in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Region
Black Metal Roofing on Home in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Region

With the constant increase in the cost of living, most people are looking for ways to save money and having energy efficient roofing materials and colors can do just that for your home in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Having an energy efficient roof helps reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing the electricity needed to cool your home. It can also help lower energy bills, increase the resale value of a home, and improve the comfort of a home by providing a more consistent indoor temperature. Roofing materials and color plays a huge role in the energy efficiency of a home and should be chosen wisely and scientifically, by factoring in weather and climate for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Weather and Climate Considerations for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Roofing Options

With average temperatures spanning from an average annual low of 23.7°F in January and high of 84.7°F in July, the materials and color of roofing for homes throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky can impact overall energy costs for homeowners. Starting in May, average temperature reaches about 73.8°F, peaks in July with an average temperature of 84.7°F, and starts to fall below 70°F as September comes to a close.


In June, the longest day of the year sees about 14hrs and 54min of daylight with UV Indexes of 6 that range between the months of May through August. Precipitation throughout the Fall, Winter and Spring Seasons is relatively moderate with humidity being fairly high throughout the year in this area of the Ohio Valley.


When taking into account average high temperatures, longer days and the Sun’s strength in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, we can see that energy efficient roofing materials and colors will play a significant role in your home’s efficiency. When considering roofing materials and colors, it’s also important to take into account the quality of the roofing materials and the roof’s estimated life span. Factoring in all of these variables will help you determine which roofing materials and colors will benefit you the most over time.

What is a Cool Roof?

Cool roofing and energy efficient roofing are often used interchangeably. A cool roof reflects sunlight and emits heat keeping the home cooler and reducing energy use. It maintains a lower surface temperature which can make it more than 50 degrees cooler than a traditional roof. The energy efficient roofing options listed in this article are all considered cool roofs. The cost of a cool roof system is often comparable to the cost of a traditional roof. Certain cool roof products may cost a bit more, but the added expense is typically recouped in energy savings.

What Roof Colors Are Most Energy Efficient?

When choosing a roof color, the Albedo Effect plays an important role. The Albedo Effect is the ability of a surface to absorb or reflect solar radiation. A roofing material with a high Albedo reflects more of the sun’s energy away from the structure of the home and reduces the amount of heat that is absorbed by the home, which can help improve its energy efficiency and reduce cooling costs.


The most energy efficient roof colors are white and light colors. White roofs are highly reflective, deflecting UV radiation and reducing heat absorption. Light Gray roofs are also highly reflective. They are not as reflective as white roofs but are still a suitable energy efficient color option. Light Tan roofs are not as reflective as White or Light Gray but do still offer benefits when it comes to energy efficiency.

Metal Roofing Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs are the most energy efficient roofing material. Metal roofs have a high solar reflectance which means that they reflect a significant amount of solar radiation instead of absorbing it. They have a high thermal emittance, which allows them to release heat quickly and efficiently. Many metal roofs also have cool-metal technology which enhances their energy efficiency. They provide proper ventilation which helps reduce heat buildup and improve cooling efficiency. Another benefit is that they are extremely durable and can last 40 to 70 years depending on the material and installation and are 100% recyclable which reduces carbon footprint.

Tile Roofing Energy Efficiency

A tile roof is another great energy efficient option. Tile roofs utilize tiles made from various materials including clay, concrete, slate, and metal. Due to its thermal resistance and ventilation properties, tile roofs help to maintain stable indoor temperatures which reduces energy costs. If a tile roof is installed properly, it can last over 50 years and some may even last up to 100 years.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing Energy Efficiency

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material due to their cost and ease of installation. Asphalt shingles are the most affordable option when it comes to roofing materials. They are also one of the most non-reflective and heat-absorbent options available. In recent years, there have been many advancements in roofing technology, so asphalt shingle roofs are more energy efficient than they have ever been. Manufacturers are creating new lines of asphalt shingles with solar-reflecting granules which can extend the life of a roof by keeping the surface temperature lower.

Conclusion

Metal and tile roofs have a higher up-front cost, but will stand the test of time. If you’re not ready to invest in a metal or tile roof, asphalt shingles are a great budget-friendly option. With upgrades to asphalt shingles in recent years, they can be much more energy efficient than in previous years. If choosing asphalt shingles, selecting a lighter color can help make them more energy efficient. You can also upgrade by choosing a shingle that has an Energy Star Rating. Energy Star Rated Shingles are designed with special granules that make them more reflective than standard shingles, so they absorb less heat.


If you need a new roof and would prefer a more energy efficient roof, metal, tile, and asphalt shingles are all great choices. It greatly depends on the aesthetic you prefer and the amount you have budgeted. In the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area, metal and asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing materials.


If it’s in your budget, metal roofs are a great investment. Metal roofing is the most energy efficient roofing material and metal roofs can last 40-70 years if installed properly. Asphalt shingles typically last between 15 and 30 years. If a metal roof isn’t in your budget or you just don’t care for the appearance of a metal roof, asphalt shingles are still a great option. White and lighter color shingles are the most energy efficient. If you prefer a darker roof color, there are still shingle options in darker shades that are cool roof or Energy Star-rated that will save you money in the long run.

If you’re in the Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky area and you would like to see what roofing options are best for your home, Anderson Gutter Company is happy to be of service. Call us @ 513-668-8666 or contact us for an assessment/inspection and get a free, no obligation, estimate.


6 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page