Picking the right roofing material for your area’s climate can help you maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and improve your home’s energy efficiency. With that in mind, there’s a notion that metal roofs heat up more than other roofing materials because metal conducts heat easily. Some say they aren’t ideal for places with a hot climate like New Mexico.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The Truth About Metal Roofs
Materials like asphalt, tile and wood absorb heat easily and stay hot even at night. This can make your home hotter, especially in the attic. On the other hand, metal roofs reflect light and heat. They don’t absorb heat due to their low thermal mass. Once the sun sets, a metal roof also cools off relatively quickly. With specialized heat-reflective coatings, you can keep your attic cool in summer without experiencing a significant rise in your cooling costs.
Proper ventilation can dramatically improve a metal roof’s cooling and energy efficiency properties. Efficient ventilation, together with soffit and ridge vents, will keep hot air from your attic. It’s also critical in keeping moisture out of the attic in winter.
Ideal Roofing Material for Hot Areas
Metal is a highly reflective material and is considered a “cool roofing” material. It’s fire-resistant and is more environmentally friendly compared to its counterparts, especially aluminum, which is fabricated with 98% recycled material.
A metal roof, when properly maintained, can last for 50 years or more. This is up to three times longer than asphalt roofs. Modern metal roofs are available in various styles, colors and textures, but keep in mind that lighter colors naturally absorb less heat than darker ones.
For quality metal roofing products and excellent workmanship, choose Goodrich Roofing. Our team specializes in installing ENERGY STAR®-rated TPO roof or “cool” roofing shingles to help you lower your utility bills. Call us at (505) 219-4450, or fill out our online form for a free estimate. We serve homeowners in New Mexico and surrounding areas.