When you think about staying cool on a hot summer day in Florida, what comes to mind? Opening your windows? Turning on your air conditioning? Sure, both are effective ways to cool the interior of your home. But did you know that the cooling process starts up above your head? It’s true! Believe it or not, your roofing has just as much (or more) to do with keeping your home cool as your air conditioning system. But which type of roof is the best for keeping your home as comfortable as possible? Let’s see what a roofing contractor in Central Florida has to say!
- Terracotta: Roofs made from terracotta and clay have been used in warm climates for centuries. They’re often found in Mediterranean countries, as well as Mexico and the Southwestern United States. Why is that? Well, all of those areas typically have a lot of heat and sunshine year-round! Terracotta tiles are typically molded into a half-barrel and interlocked with one another. The space in between each half-barrel allows air to get under the roof and helps create a cooler space. Terracotta is a fine choice for roofing if you want to keep your home cool, but the tiles can be expensive, and they’re prone to breaking in wet weather.
- Asphalt shingles: By and large, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material across the country. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive, easy to install and come in practically any color you can imagine. Unfortunately, they’re typically not great for keeping your home comfortable in hot climates. Asphalt shingles are usually dark, which absorbs light and traps heat. Since that heat has nowhere to go, it heats up your roof, which in turn warms your whole home. Choosing a lighter color for your asphalt shingles can help, but in general, asphalt isn’t the way to go if you’re looking to stay comfortable in hot climates.
- Metal roofs: When you think of a metal roof, you probably imagine an old tin roof on a shack in the middle of the forest. While those tin roofs were certainly common in rustic areas, new metal roofs are more popular than ever across the country. Today’s metal roofs aren’t made from tin. They can be made from steel, aluminum, copper or stainless steel. They’re incredibly durable and can be made to look like any other type of roofing system. The best part, though, is that metal roofs help keep your home incredibly comfortable and energy efficient. Metal roofs reflect heat and sunshine, which can help save you up to 50 percent on your utility bills, and ensures the top levels of your home remain cool throughout the summer. Although they can be a bit more expensive to install, metal roofs save you tons of money throughout their lifespan.
Give Winter Springs Roofing & Repairs a call if you’re interested in learning more about keeping your home cool next summer with new roofing. You’ll be amazed at how much more comfortable your home is with a new roof. Reach out to speak with a roofing contractor in Central Florida Today to learn more!