When thinking about roof systems for Las Vegas, it is very important to consider energy efficiency, as the climate here demands it. The area's plentiful sunshine exposes roofs to incredible amounts of heat energy, and clever design using energy-efficient materials and methods can significantly lower a roof's energy consumption. One very popular option is a reflective, or "cool" roof. While many buildings use concrete or similar dark materials that absorb enormous amounts of heat, a cool roof will use light-colored, shiny, or otherwise "cool" materials that reflect sunlight and stay relatively cool. Such roofing can save a homeowner or business considerable amounts of money on electrical energy bills, because it dramatically reduces the amount of heat energy transmitted into the building below. Cool roofs are a great choice in this part of the world, and metal roofing is another excellent option.
Homeowners have a variety of energy-efficient roofing materials from which to choose, and each one offers unique advantages that are well-suited to the Las Vegas climate. Reflective asphalt shingles are an economical choice that presents no difficulty in putting together a proper roof. When considering premium options, both clay and concrete roof tiles are exceptionally effective because of their thermal performance and longevity. Accordingly, you see a lot of these hard components in the desert. A less obvious but no less cool roofing option is to grow a green roof. Vegetation above the roof not only cools the immediate space but also has the potential to dramatically alleviate the urban heat island effect.
Selecting the proper energy-efficient roofing materials is essential for attaining an energy-efficient home in Las Vegas, but it is only half the equation. Professional installation is just as crucial, if not more so, for achieving and maintaining a "break even" point on your investment within the expected lifespan of the roof. Unlike traditional roofing, energy-efficient roofing demands a very high level of craftsmanship. This is because energy-efficient roofing requires four critical parameters to be met: the roof must be sealed, ventilated, aligned, and drained properly to achieve maximum energy efficiency and longevity. Moreover, you can't just walk up to a house and determine whether its roof is energy-efficient. Once again, this makes professional installation and routine maintenance even more important because a casual observer can't tell whether the roof has been installed correctly or is being maintained properly.
