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September 21, 2024Reducing energy costs in Rhode Island presents several challenges. Some challenges are related to the state’s climate, infrastructure, and regulatory environment.
Rhode Island has no natural fossil fuel resources and imports nearly all of its energy, leading to higher costs. Price fluctuations directly affect energy costs for residents and businesses.
The limited energy supply infrastructure, including pipelines for natural gas, increases transportation and distribution costs, which are passed on to consumers. In the summer, air conditioning increases energy demand, particularly during heatwaves.
In this article, I will explain the benefits of a cool roofing system and how you can reduce energy costs.
What Is Cool Roofing?

Cool roofing is a specialized system that reflects most sunlight and absorbs minimal heat.
On the other hand, traditional roofing materials absorb the most sunlight and make the entire space hot. This could be a little helpful during the winter months. But in the summer, traditional roofs make homes extremely hot. As a result, decreasing the temperature takes a lot of energy and higher utility bills.
Cool roofs minimize this heat/sunlight absorption and keep the surface cooler.
You can install cool roofs using various materials, including reflective coatings, tiles, and specially designed shingles. These materials are specifically designed to maximize reflectivity and heat dissipation. So they reduce the overall temperature of the roof.
Read also: Unlocking the benefits of EPDM membrane roofing systems for your home
How Cool Roofing Works

Cool roofs work by increasing both the roof’s solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Solar reflectance refers to the roof’s ability to reflect visible and invisible radiant/heat.
Thermal emittance is the roof’s ability to release absorbed heat. These two properties help keep the home cooler. This reduced heat absorption is the foundation of cool roofs’ energy-saving benefits.
Depending on the material, a cool roof can reflect anywhere from 30% to more than 80% of solar radiation, compared to 10% to 20% for a typical roof.
Read also: Hot vs. cold roof: understanding the difference
Key Benefits of Cool Roofing
Below, I mentioned some of the key benefits of cool roofing that are mostly specific to Rhode Island homeowners.
Reduced Energy Bills
A cool roof has the ability to lower your energy consumption. During the hot summer months, a traditional roof can contribute to significant heat buildup in your home, forcing your air conditioning system to work harder.
Cool roofing significantly reduces indoor temperatures and minimizes the need for air conditioning.
While Rhode Island experiences a range of weather patterns, the summer months can still see high temperatures, making cool roofing a practical solution for lowering energy bills during the hot season.
In addition to direct energy savings, cool roofs also reduce the strain on your HVAC system. A cooler attic and reduced heat buildup can mean your air conditioner doesn’t need to run as often or work as hard.

Read also: The pros and cons of black roofs
Enhanced Indoor Comfort
Homes with cool roofs often have a more comfortable indoor temperature. Cool roofs can dramatically improve comfort levels in rooms that are prone to overheating.
This benefit is particularly noticeable in homes with poorly insulated attics. By reducing heat transfer into the home, a cool roof can keep your living spaces more comfortable, even during heat waves. This is especially important for homeowners who spend significant amounts of time in upper-level rooms or attics that tend to trap heat.
Read also: Advantages of prefabricated roofing
Longer Roof Lifespan

Cool roofing can extend the life of your roof by reducing thermal expansion and contraction caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. Traditional roofs experience significant stress as they heat up during the day and cool down at night. This cycle can lead to cracks, warping, and premature wear of roofing materials.
Since cool roofs remain at a more constant, lower temperature throughout the day, they undergo less thermal stress. This helps prevent the degradation of roofing materials, reducing the need for repairs or early replacement.
For Rhode Island homeowners who face both summer heat and winter cold, a cool roof can help mitigate the damaging effects of these temperature extremes, resulting in a more durable and long-lasting roof.

Read also: Your options when you need a new roof but can’t afford it
Environmental Impact
Cool roofing is not just beneficial for individual homeowners; it also contributes to the reduction of urban heat islands. Urban heat islands occur when cities and suburbs become warmer than surrounding rural areas because of the heat-absorbing buildings, roads, and infrastructure.
Cool roofs reflect solar radiation back into the atmosphere, helping to reduce the overall temperature of urban environments. This can have a positive impact on local weather patterns and air quality by reducing smog formation and lowering energy consumption across the board.
For eco-conscious homeowners, installing a cool roof is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability.
Additionally, many manufacturers use recycled or sustainable materials to make cool roofing materials, which offer further environmental benefits.
Read also: A guide to skylight insulation
Best Cool Roofing Materials for Rhode Island Homes
When considering a cool roof for your Rhode Island home, it’s important to choose materials that offer both durability and reflectivity. Here are some of the best cool roofing materials to consider:
Cool Asphalt Shingles

Cool asphalt shingles are designed to reflect more sunlight than standard shingles. They are available in a variety of colors and styles, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want the benefits of cool roofing without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
Read also: Best roofing materials for flat roofs
Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are highly reflective and can be coated with specialized paint to increase their reflectivity even further. Metal roofing is also incredibly durable, making it a great option for homeowners seeking both longevity and energy efficiency.
Read also: Active and passive ventilation – which one is the best for your roof
Cool Roof Coatings

Roof coatings can be applied to existing roofs to increase their solar reflectivity. These coatings are made of acrylic, silicone, or elastomeric materials that reflect sunlight and help reduce heat buildup. They are especially popular for flat or low-sloped roofs.
Read also: Pros and Cons of Roof Coatings for Flat and Low-Slope Roofs
Tile Roofing

Tile roofing, whether clay or concrete, has natural thermal properties that make it a good cool roofing material. The gaps between tiles allow for airflow, which helps to dissipate heat and keep the roof cooler.
Read also: When is the best time to replace a roof?
Challenges of Cool Roofing in Rhode Island
While cool roofing offers numerous benefits, it’s important to consider some potential challenges, especially in a state like Rhode Island where winters can be cold and harsh.
Reduced Heating Efficiency in Winter
One potential drawback of cool roofing is that it can also reduce the amount of heat absorbed during the winter months, potentially increasing heating costs.
However, because Rhode Island homes typically rely more on heating in winter than cooling in summer, homeowners should weigh this factor carefully. The overall savings from reduced cooling costs may still outweigh any increase in winter heating costs.
Read also: Why do you need an ice and water shield on the roof?
Initial Installation Costs

Cool roofing materials and coatings can be more expensive upfront compared to traditional roofing options. However, the long-term energy savings can make the investment worthwhile. Also, there is a chance of getting rebates and incentives. Additionally, the extended roof lifespan can offset some of the initial costs over time.
Read also: Will roofing companies offer financing for a new roof?
Conclusion
Cool roofing offers Rhode Island homeowners a multitude of benefits, from lowering energy bills and improving indoor comfort to extending the life of the roof and contributing to environmental sustainability.
While there are some considerations to keep in mind, particularly regarding winter heating, the overall advantages make cool roofing an excellent investment for those looking to improve energy efficiency.
If you’re considering upgrading your roof, talk to a roofing professional to discuss the best cool roofing materials for your home and explore any financial incentives available in Rhode Island. By making the switch to a cool roof, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable home while reducing your energy consumption and environmental impact.