Solar reflective shingles and solar reflective roof membranes can be an essential component of a building system designed to decrease overall building energy consumption and the environmental impact of the house or structure.
Reflective roof shingles surfaces reflect much more infrared radiation (IR) than conventional roof surfaces. IR is a kind of light that causes much heat to be generated onto roof surfaces, so designers came up with the idea of solar reflective shingles, or reflective shingles, to reduce the consumption of IR from the sun by reflecting this light off the roof’s exterior, preventing the high temperature from being transmitted to the inside of a home or building (for example, to the attic or to any rooms you might have at the top of your house).
Reflecting shingles and solar reflective roofs generally keep building interiors much cooler by decreasing heat transfer and lowering the use and stress on HVAC systems, especially in warmer areas and during the summer.
The question is, however, considering their cost, will solar reflective shingles be worth it?
Protect The Roof
Aside from the energy savings mentioned above, solar reflective shingles can offer protection for your roof.
Research has shown that warmth from the sun is one of the most significant factors influencing a roof’s lifespan. Therefore, higher temperatures and large seasonal or day-to-day fluctuations in roof temperature are detrimental to the life of roof surfaces. Using reflective shingles to reduce this issue will result in a roof that lasts longer.
Solar Tax Savings
Energy Star-compliant roofing qualifies for a tax credit. The current credit is for 10 percent of the cost of the roof materials (excluding installation charges), up to $500. It is essential to note that the advantages mentioned above assume that the “cool roof” shingle is used in a hot area for optimum benefit. In cooler regions, the performance increase is anticipated to be less and perhaps negated, by a loss of solar heating during the winter months. Check with your accountant or tax preparer for specific details by state and qualifications.
Cost Savings
The primary advantage to having these reflective shingles, of course, is a decrease in electricity consumption, which is expected to be as much as thirty percent lower during peak demand season. So, when you think about how much your energy consumption is costing you now, and you offset this against the cost of installing a “cool roof”, it can often make sense to choose this option. Otherwise, these solar reflective shingles may not be worth it in the end.
In summary, there are apparent benefits to solar reflective or “cool asphalt” shingles for most customers, with more significant benefits for those who reside in the country’s hottest areas.
Power savings during the warmer months due to lower roof temperatures are an obvious advantage. Then, for the year in which they are installed, a tax credit for the use of compliant shingles may be claimed. Finally, fewer severe temperature cycles may have the added advantage of extending the shingle’s service life. Thus, for many people, the question of are solar reflective shingles worth it is easily answered.
Greatway Roofing has over 20 years of experience as the leading Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley, and Ventura County roofing company.
We offer free, comprehensive estimates, and our work is fully guaranteed. We also offer solar reflective shingles to our customers. Talk to one of our friendly team members now at (805) 523-2550.