Keeping cool under a metal roof

By Drexel Metals.  

How metal roofs can keep temperatures and costs low. 

According to a recent analysis from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), home electricity bills are expected to rise to an average of $784 this summer, up more than 6% from $737 in 2024, marking a 12-year record. The price the heat continues to bring is not going away any time soon, and that’s why we at Drexel Metals want contractors and homeowners alike to understand the benefits that metal roofs can bring to making homes more comfortable, cool and energy efficient. 

High temperatures overwork the roof and the home systems it protects 

Against this backdrop, homeowners are carefully evaluating every square inch of their homes, looking for ways to prioritize long-term energy cost savings. Some may be surprised to learn the significant role a roof can play in this uphill battle. As one of the largest external surfaces of a home directly exposed to the sun, the roof is ground zero for heat absorption. During peak summer months, harsh sunlight can cause roofing materials to absorb and retain unwanted heat, which raises the roof’s surface temperature. This, in turn, raises the temperature inside the home. This spike in temperature places extra pressure on HVAC systems, forcing them to work harder and longer to keep the occupants comfortable. That not only drives up energy consumption and cooling costs but can also lead to more frequent equipment maintenance or replacement due to overuse. 

Not to mention, constant exposure to heat and damaging UV rays can degrade roofing materials over time, causing them to discolor, crack or lose structural integrity more quickly. These issues are especially common in homes with poor roof insulation or outdated ventilation systems, where the heat has nowhere to go and simply builds up. 

These challenges underscore the need for reliable, tested roofing assemblies that provide lasting overhead protection and mitigate the heat effect. Enter standing seam metal roofs, which have grown increasingly popularity over the past decade — even in regions prone to extreme temperatures and sun-filled weather conditions. 

Metal roofs can reduce heat absorption through cool roof ratings 

Standing seam metal roofs can directly and indirectly contribute to more comfortable interiors by minimizing heat absorption through their high thermal emittance rate and cool roof technology. Generally speaking, a cool roof reflects more sunlight and absorbs less solar energy than a conventional roof. As a result, homes with a cool roof have more comfortable indoor temperatures, put less strain on air conditioning systems during peak operating hours and help lower energy costs. The key to unlocking these benefits often comes down to the material color. 

Standing seam metal roofs can be finished in lighter and more reflective colors to achieve cool roof ratings. Drexel Metals offers a wide variety of durable and fade-resistant color options that reflect and re-emit solar radiation. These colors can be combined with almost any metal substrate and profile type to achieve the desired design aesthetic while prioritizing energy efficiency. 

Consider a complete building solution 

To enhance the heat mitigation properties of a standing seam metal roof, contractors can turn to ventilation solutions that work together as a complete building system. For example, Drexel Metals offers Defend-R Vent, which utilizes solid wood spacers to add a standard 1-inch air space between the roof and Defend-R’s already high-performing insulation board. This ventilated composite panel is designed to passively facilitate air circulation beneath the roof deck, helping to dissipate heat and support cooler roof temperatures without relying on mechanical systems. 

Featuring a panel of closed-cell rigid polyiso that offers the highest R-value per inch compared to other types of insulation, Defend-R Vent helps keep attic spaces cooler in the summer and adds a whole other list of benefits in the winter. The built-in air space provides over 92 percent open air space and 75 percent lateral air movement for optimal cooling and venting. The combination of a metal roof and Defend-R Vent insulation helps lower energy costs and reduce heat transfer. Airflow beneath the roof’s surface allows any built-up heat to escape before even reaching the insulation layer, reducing the amount of strain put directly on the insulation and thermal stress on the entire roof assembly, helping to preserve the integrity of metal panels and supporting materials and ultimately extending the life of the entire roof system. Defend-R Vent’s improved airflow also aids in reducing moisture vapor accumulation within the roof assembly, which is crucial in humid climates to prevent mold growth and structural damage and supports healthier indoor air quality (IAQ). 

Prioritizing energy efficiency from the roof down 

Standing seam metal roofs with cool roof-rated colors paired with the right roof insulation products will contribute to cooler, more comfortable and more energy-efficient interiors.   

Looking to extend the heat mitigating benefits of metal roofs to your customers?  Let’s chat— reach out to Drexel Metals today. 

Original article and photo source: Drexel Metals