As a roofing contractor, you’re approached by a variety of homeowners, each with their own priorities in mind for their individual projects. For some, energy-efficient roofing is right at the top of their list. For others, things like durability and longevity factor in when it comes to choosing a material.
Fortunately, with DECRA Metal Roofing, there is no this or that. Owners don’t have to sacrifice on strength or style to get what they want out of a roof. DECRA prides itself on creating products that accommodate the most discerning of tastes, wants, and needs, so if energy efficiency is a top concern for your clients, this guide will help you speak to it with confidence.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters
For many homeowners, energy efficiency is a top priority especially as utility costs continue to fluctuate. From hot summer days to colder-than-usual winters, extreme weather can put added stress on HVAC systems and drive up monthly bills.
What many don’t realize is just how much of that energy loss comes from the roof. In fact, studies indicate that roofs can account for approximately 25% of a home's total heat loss. This makes the roof one of the most critical areas to address when aiming to improve a home's energy performance.
In addition to rising energy use, aging power grids and increased demand have made power reliability a growing concern in many parts of the country. As a roofing contractor, helping clients choose energy-efficient roofing options can not only improve indoor comfort and reduce utility costs but also add long-term value to their homes.
How is the Energy Efficiency of a Roof Measured?
Energy efficiency is measured differently across various products and industries. For example, refrigerators are often assessed for energy efficiency by how much electricity they use relative to their size and cooling capacity.
In roofing, energy efficiency is measured by three key physical characteristics, collectively known as thermal performance. These include:
- Thermal resistance (also known as R-value)
- Emissivity
- Reflectivity
Thermal resistance, also known as R-value, is the roof's ability to resist heat transfer. The concept of thermal resistance is similar to how a thermos or cooler helps keep drinks warm or cold by minimizing heat exchange.
A metal roof acts similarly to a cooler's outer shell by reflecting sunlight to keep the interior building cooler. Conversely, an asphalt roof absorbs heat, much like a sponge, warming the space below. Thermal resistance is typically measured as an R-value, and roofs with higher R-values mean they are better at insulating temperatures.
Emissivity refers to how well a roof can release absorbed heat back into the atmosphere. Roofing materials with high emissivity can cool down faster than those with low emissivity.
For example, think of a metal car hood that becomes hot under the sun and from the engine below. When the car is parked, and the engine is turned off, the metal quickly becomes cool to the touch. Now, think of how asphalt pavement retains heat long after the sun has set. The same is true for metal roofs and asphalt shingle roofs. The high emissivity of a metal roof will help keep a building much cooler than an asphalt shingle roof that radiates heat down into the building below, even after the sun has set.
Reflectivity refers to how well a roofing material is able to reflect sunlight and heat away from the building. Imagine a mirror reflecting the sun's rays up and away from a building–that’s how a highly reflective roof works.
A metal roof reflects the sun’s energy and heat away from the building. An asphalt shingle roof, on the other hand, is much like wearing dark clothing on a hot day and will absorb, rather than reflect, more sunlight and heat.
Now that we’ve covered how energy efficiency is measured in roofing, let’s take a closer look at how DECRA Metal Roofs are engineered to excel in all three areas.
How DECRA Boosts Energy Efficiency
Infrared-blocking color pigments in DECRA’s stone-coated granules help block infrared radiation from the sun, the primary source of heat. During hot days and heat waves, this heat can build up and remain trapped in roofing materials even after sunset. DECRA’s infrared-blocking pigments significantly increase the solar reflectance of the metal roof, far surpassing the performance of uncoated metal roofing products.
In contrast, many traditional roofing materials, especially dark-colored asphalt shingles, absorb rather than reflect heat, reducing energy efficiency. A 2019 study by R&D Engineering found that DECRA Metal Roofs improved energy efficiency by up to 218% compared to conventional three-tab asphalt shingles.
“You can actually feel the difference—not just inside, but when you put your hand underneath the soffit vent. You can feel the airflow being sucked up through the attic and outside through the ridges. The utility bill has been reduced drastically. I wasn’t expecting it.” -Matt B.
The reflective properties of modern metal roofing can lower cooling costs by up to 25%, and homeowners with a DECRA roof often report even greater savings.
“Our energy bill has decreased by 39% since installing DECRA Tile. Living in Texas, we wanted a roofing solution that reflects heat away from the house, and DECRA does just that.” –Lisa U.
DECRA is Compatible with Solar Panels
Solar panels are becoming a top priority for many homeowners. As of last summer, there were over five million installations across the United States, a number that is expected to double by 2030 and triple by 2034. Solar helps homeowners reduce utility bills and eases strain on aging grids, helping prevent brownouts and blackouts.
But the benefits go beyond energy savings:
- Sustainability: Solar energy helps minimize a household’s carbon footprint. As a renewable energy source, it won’t run out and it allows homeowners to continuously power their homes without creating pollution.
- Profitability: As mentioned above, solar power helps save money in the long run. Plus, modern solar options make it easy to find systems that match specific exterior design preferences.
DECRA roofs are fully compatible with solar panels. Mounting systems like QuickBolt and QuickMount PV are engineered specifically for stone-coated metal roofing, ensuring a secure installation that won’t compromise roof integrity.
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Benefits of Metal Roofing for Homeowners
Beyond energy savings, homeowners appreciate DECRA’s longevity. Metal roofing lasts two to three times longer than traditional options like asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and wood shakes. That means one remodel is likely the only roof replacement they’ll ever need.
Fewer remodels also mean less construction waste, appealing to sustainability-minded homeowners. In many cases, DECRA can be installed directly over asphalt shingles, reducing waste even further.
Modern metal roofing can also increase a home’s value by up to 6%, making it an attractive choice to those looking to build long-term equity.
Worried about rising insurance costs or canceled policies? Some carriers are using drone inspections to flag roof risks before they become claims. Fortunately, a DECRA roof helps reduce that risk. Metal roofs often qualify for insurance discounts and can help homeowners maintain coverage without worrying about switching policies.
Why do insurers love DECRA? Its proven weather resistance is one of the many reasons:
- Warrantied for hailstones up to 2.5 inches in diameter and wind speeds up to 120 miles per hour
- Approved for use in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones
- Lightweight and capable of handling heavy snow and reducing ice dam formation
- Carries the highest possible Underwriters Laboratory Fire Rating
Taken together, these benefits make DECRA a smart, sustainable, and high-performing solution for today's homeowners.
Ready to Help Homeowners Choose Smarter Roofing?
With rising energy costs, growing interest in sustainability, and increasing insurance challenges, more homeowners are looking for roofing solutions that offer more than just curb appeal. DECRA Metal Roofing delivers on energy efficiency, durability, and long-term value without compromise.
Contractors can request a complimentary DECRA sample to help homeowners see and feel the difference for themselves. It's a great way to build trust, demonstrate quality, and support informed decision-making.
Request your free DECRA sample today and start the conversation with confidence.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in August, 2021 but has been updated with relevant information.
