There are a lot of misconceptions out there about metal roofs and how they absorb heat. The truth is, metal roofs are actually really good at reflecting heat away from your home. In fact, they can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Here’s a closer look at how metal roofs work to keep your home comfortable all year long.
Many people think that metal roofs are hot to the touch because they absorb heat. However, this is not true – metal roofs actually reflect heat away from the house.
Many people often have the misconception that metal roofs are always too hot to touch, presumably because they absorb heat. But fear not, as this is nothing more than a myth! Metal roofs actually work to reflect and disperse heat away from the house and its inhabitants, making them suitable for any climate – no matter if you live in an area with scorching summers or frigidly cold winters. Don’t be fooled – Metal roofs are not always hot! Everyone can enjoy the benefits of a metal roof, no matter where you live.
High heat conductivity is not always a bad thing
High heat conductivity isn’t always a bad thing! For example, absorbent materials with high conductivity can actually act as cooling agents in buildings. By absorbing and distributing heat during the day, it ensures that structures don’t become overheated, but the dispersal of that heat happens quickly at night, so the building isn’t left feeling stuffy. It’s basically a process of balance whose efficiency is defined by how well a material or object is able to absorb and distribute heat evenly over time – this is known as its ‘heat conductivity’.
SRI and emissivity can also contribute to how a steel roof conducts heat.
SRI and emissivity are two key elements in the process of how a steel roof conducts heat. SRI measures the surface’s effectiveness of reflecting radiant heat; the higher SRI value, the more reflective it is. Emissivity measures a surface’s ability to absorb and emit thermal radiation, regardless of whether it is absorbing or reflecting radiant heat. Steel roofs that have a SRI rating of 78-100, mixed with low emissivity, can help to greatly reduce overall building temperatures as they are less prone to absorbing and radiating radiant heat. Additionally, light colored materials usually have higher SRI ratings than dark colors—black having the lowest SRI rating—so keep this in mind when making material selection decisions for your steel roofing projects. However, always be sure to talk to a professional when selecting steel for a roof. Roof temperature could also vary based on other factors.
How can you counter heat transfer with a steel roof.
When thinking of how to counter heat transfer with a steel roof, insulation is essential. While insulation helps regulate the general temperature of your building or home, it also blocks any transferred heat from entering in or exiting out of the roof itself. Many types of insulation are available on the market today, such as fiberglass insulation rolls, which can be made to fit perfectly inside each and every panel on your steel roof. For the best results, you’ll want to find an insulation that has a high ‘R-value’; this refers to the insulation’s ability to slow down heat transfer over time. By investing in adequate insulation for your steel roof, you can effectively keep your home cooler and quieter throughout summer months without worrying about spending too much extra money on cooling services.
While it’s true that metal roofs have high heat conductivity, this isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, you can use this to your advantage by choosing a steel roof with the right Solar Reflective Index (SRI) and emissivity. With the right choice of materials, you can create a steel roof that actually reflects heat away from your home. Questions about how to choose the right roofing material for your project? Our team is happy to help – just take a look at our color catalog and give us a call if you have any questions about choosing the right metal for your building.
