As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the bottom line of many Minnesota businesses, the last thing they want to spend their new budgets on is roof maintenance. Energy-efficient roofing systems deliver instant savings by reducing energy consumption. An energy-efficient roof coating can extend your existing roof’s life, helping avoid roof repairs or replacements.
The Elements of an Energy Efficient Commercial Roofing System
No matter what type of roof it is, there are two critical elements of energy-efficient commercial roofing—solar reflectance and ventilation. During hot summer days when buildings are blasted by direct sunlight, rooftop temperatures can easily get 100 degrees hotter than outdoor air temperature.
If the existing roofing materials are not reflective, your building absorbs that heat, causing your HVAC systems to work overtime. The harder your air conditioning system works, the higher your utility bills climb. Not to mention the undue stress it puts on your HVAC equipment and the maintenance costs.
Flat roof systems typically don’t have attics, so ventilation is less of a concern. But to avoid trapping damaging heat in the attics of sloped systems, you need a ventilation solution that transfers heat out of your building.
The Most Energy-Efficient Commercial Roofing Options
Several types of energy-efficient roofing materials qualify as Energy Star compliant or cool roof solutions. Let’s examine some of the most energy-efficient commercial roofing materials you can choose to increase your energy savings.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs provide excellent solar reflectance, keeping your building cool in the summer months. Additionally, they provide remarkable insulation during the cold Minnesota winters, keeping the warmer inside air from escaping. Metal roofs are estimated to cut energy bills by up to 50% during the year’s hottest temperatures. Though the cost of metal roofs may be higher than other options, the long-term savings, durability, and little maintenance required make them a business owner’s ideal choice.
SIngle-Ply Roofing Materials
Single-ply roof membranes like TPO, EPDM, and PVC are all heralded for being top-of-the-line energy-efficient roof solutions. Where membranes shine is their ability to reflect solar energy away from commercial roofing.
This results in lower energy bills, less strain on heating and cooling equipment, and a more comfortable environment for your staff. As an added benefit, experienced roofing contractors can easily install single-ply systems, reducing your labor and installation costs compared to more complex energy-efficient roof options.
Green Roofing
When you think of green roofs, you probably think of them as an eco-friendly solution rather than an energy-efficient one. However, their efficiency is one of the reasons they’re considered exceptionally good for the earth.
Green systems remove heat while also acting as a layer of insulation. This makes regulating temperatures easier and gives your HVAC systems a break on hot days. So not only can you breathe a little easier with a green roof, you can drastically reduce your carbon footprint, utility costs, and material consumption.
The Benefits of Efficient Roof Design
Beyond lower costs, there are several benefits to installing energy-efficient roofs, including:
- Extended service life: Metal roofs have an expected service life of up to 70 years, exceeding most other materials. Energy-efficient roof membranes can be installed over numerous materials and extend the lifespan of a system by decades.
- Sustainability: Energy-efficient roofing systems reduce material waste and, in many cases, are recyclable.
- Improved indoor air quality: Energy-efficient roof designs promote comfortable indoor conditions. They keep your workers comfortable and productive and regulate humidity.
- Tax incentives: The United States government offers incentives to building owners that install qualifying energy-efficient roofs through the 179D commercial buildings energy-efficiency tax deduction.
Rainville-Carlson Is the Energy-Efficient Roof Design and Installation Expert For You
With over 80 years’ experience in the Minnesota roofing industry, we’ve seen and done it all. Our team of experts is ready to consult with you on your energy-efficient commercial roofing project to ensure your business gets all the advantages. Reach out to us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step in improving your roof’s functionality and lowering your energy bills.
