Do Metal Roofs Make Your House Hotter?

Published on Tuesday August 18, 2020

When examining the advantages and disadvantages of upgrading your asphalt shingle roofing to a metal roof, it only makes sense to find the answer to this crucial question: do metal roofs make your house hotter?

This is a question homeowners frequently ask when deciding whether or not they want to install a metal roof — and the answer can be the deciding factor in this decision process.

Let’s bring some clarity to the subject.

Do Metal Roofs Make Houses Hotter?

Metal roofs do not make a house hotter than other types of roof materials. Because metal roofs have a low thermal mass, they reflect light and heat rather than absorbing it like asphalt shingles. This means that rather than making your home hotter during the summer months, metal roofing actually helps keep it cool, increasing the energy efficiency of your home.

You should have no worry at all about a properly installed metal roof making your house hotter.

However, the degree to which your metal roof retains heat can depend on the covering material and the construction of the roof itself. Heat absorbance of metal materials depends on a number of variables:

Type of Finish

Metal that is exposed directly to sunlight is obviously going to heat up on its surface, but the degree to which it retains that heat depends on the finish of the material. There are many coatings and finishes available for metal roofs that are certified to reflect sunlight, helping keep your roof cooler even when exposed to direct sunlight.

Long Roofing metal roofs are coated with Energy Star-rated Tri-Pigment Reflective Technology that reflects upwards of 70% of the sun’s solar energy, keeping your home cool and reducing your energy needs.

Color Choice

Just as various finishes have an effect on the heat absorption of metal surfaces, so does the color of the metal. Whether your roof is constructed with asphalt shingles, natural stone or metal panels, dark colors are going to absorb more heat than light colors.

While metal does a much better job reflecting heat than other roofing materials, the surface temperature of a dark-colored metal roof is going to be higher.

Sun Exposure and Mass

The more direct sunlight a roof gets, the hotter it will become. As the sun goes down, your roof begins to cool until it reaches the same temperature as the air around it. However, heavier materials with more mass take longer to do so.

Lightweight materials lose heat the fastest, preventing that heat from transferring into your home. Luckily, metal roofing products are lighter than many other roofing material options.

How Do Metal Roofs Improve Energy Efficiency?

The quality of materials used and the skill with which your roofing professional installs the metal roof are just a few factors that affect a metal roof’s energy efficiency. Other factors that contribute to metal roofing’s energy efficiency include:

Reflective Surface

Asphalt shingles, wood, tile, and concrete all absorb heat and cause heat transference into your home. Metal roofs, however, reflect light and heat since they have such a low thermal mass. Reflective coatings only serve to aid this process, helping your home remain noticeably cooler than with other roofing materials.

Efficient Ventilation

When you work with an experienced roofing contractor, your metal roof is installed with plenty of efficient ventilation. A combination of ridge vents and soffits allow air to circulate out of the attic space, keeping you home cool in the summer and venting moisture out in the winter to prevent mold and mildew.

Get More Information About Metal Roofs

Metal roofing is an excellent option for homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their home. For more information about metal roofing, reach out to the experts at Long Roofing. Our qualified metal roofers have experience installing and repairing a variety of types of metal roofs. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation, visit us online today!