Need Some Information About Cool Roof Shingles?

As temperatures in Texas soar higher each summer and cooling costs rise with them, keeping your home or building cool is a priority.

The right roof installation can play a prime part in doing just that.

Cool roof shingles installed by roof services are a great choice for roofing replacement when energy efficiency, cost, and appearance are all top concerns.

But what exactly are cool roof shingles?

Understand the factors that determine the coolness of any material so you know what to look for when discussing your next roof with a local roofing company.

What Is A Cool Roof?

A cool roof is one that is designed to reflect higher amounts of UV sun rays than other ones or provide an insulating effect that prevents heat arising out of UV rays from entering your house or building.

The three main factors that dictate how cool a roof will be are:

  • R-value - R-value or reflective value is the amount of UV rays a material will reflect rather than absorb; different materials have different R-values by their natural makeup.
  • Color - Darker colors absorb more UV rays than lighter colors.
  • Insulation - Good insulation doesn't allow heat from UV rays that have passed through the external material to continue down into the structure.

Improving home efficiency involves using a combination of these three factors to create roofing material and techniques to increase R-value and decrease heat absorption.

What Are Some Cool Roof Shingle Options?

Because shingles are a preferable roofing choice for many home and building owners in various climates, roofer companies are focusing today on creating super-efficient cool materials to improve cooling efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Of all the shingle options now available that a roof repair service can install, these are the coolest and most energy-efficient:

  • Metal Shingles - When correctly installed with the right insulation beneath it, metal has always been one of the coolest, most reflective roofing materials available. Though it hasn’t always been so attractive, you can now purchase countless styles of cool metal-looking shingles that are metal sheets pressed to mimic the traditional look of various types of shingles.
  • Premium Cool Asphalt Shingles - Asphalt shingle roofs have always been very popular and many asphalt shingle manufacturers now offer premium cool shingles designed specifically to increase reflectiveness and energy efficiency. These shingles that contain extra reflective materials to increase R-value have a much higher reflective rating than even dark-colored standard shingles.
  • Natural Shingles - Not as common and somewhat more expensive, organic shingles like ceramic, terra cotta, and concrete are naturally insulating and absorb UV rays without actually releasing them into the structure. Paired with a reflective glaze or paint coating makes these materials even more effective in keeping the spaces beneath them cool.

Which Cool Roof Shingles Are Right For You?

There are many options available now when you want an energy-efficient, cool roof; however, you also want to stick to the traditional look of shingles.

Made in many styles and colors offered at various price points, it’s recommended that you discuss your needs with roofers who are experienced with these products and can help you determine which will be the best choice for your house or building based on their efficiency and other important traits.

With your new cool shingle roof replacement installed, you’ll see the benefit in lower energy bills right away!

What Are The 5 Types of Roof Storm Damage?

Emergency Roof Companies in Huntsville Texas

Every year as storms blow through, many homeowners across the country have to call  emergency roof companies for repairs. Not all storm damage is obvious and may not be discovered until much later. To avoid the problems that can arise when damage goes undetected, homeowners should be watchful for the main problems they could face. Call for storm damage roof services after noticing any of these issues so repairs can be done as quickly as possible.

Impact To or Penetration of The Roof

When the winds blow, they sometimes bring things with them that can hit the roof and cause damage. Penetrations by tree branches are common, although other debris can also cause substantial damage. After bad weather, always check for this type of damage as it will usually be obvious and frequently more severe. If penetrations or other areas of impact are discovered, homeowners should get in touch with emergency roof companies to start repairs right away.

Missing or Broken Shingles

There are quite a few ways that shingles can become damaged in a storm. They may be broken off, chipped or cracked from some kind of impact, or could be blown off and expose a portion of the underlayment or decking. In either case, shingles should be inspected by storm damage roof services as these issues could reduce water tightness and more damage over time if ignored.

Bent or Loose Roofing Panels

High winds can also damage metal roofs. When the wind gets under the panels, it can blow them off or loosen and bend them. Any obviously bent or missing panels should be immediately repaired by emergency roof companies. In addition, homeowners should look for indications that the panels on their metal roofs might have loosened and have that repaired as well.

Hail Damage

Hail damage can appear unimportant; however, if unrepaired it could cause problems to the whole roof. When hail falls, it could dent, dimple, or crack the outer surface and reduce its ability to prevent water from getting underneath. Hail can also remove the protective granular coating on asphalt shingles, reducing their ability to properly protect the home. Hail damage can be hard to spot, so homeowners should have their roofs inspected by storm damage roof services.

Missing or Broken Gutters or Flashing

One of the most common types of damage sustained during storms is to gutters or any flashing in corners or around roof vents and other protrusions. Both of these elements protect against leaks and water damage in other ways. When they are broken, loosened, or blown off, they should be immediately replaced. Failing to repair and replace flashing can cause significant problems over time if water gets under the shingles or panels. Damaged or missing gutters may cause ice damming and other serious conditions.

When storms come, be prepared by understanding what type of damage could happen and know how to look for it. Inspect the roof for these common concerns, then call for storm damage roof services if any are noted. Regular roof inspections to make sure everything is in good condition before a storm hits can also prevent or reduce damage and the need to contact emergency roof companies for unexpected repairs.

Need Storm Damage Roof Services in Huntsville Texas?

GMA Restoration Offers Emergency Roof Services!

Call (936) 213-5770!