5 Tips to Reduce Heat on Your Metal Roof

Usually known for its harsh cold seasons, Canada can also be bright and sunny. Especially during summer months, the sun shines intensely all day, turning rooftops blistering hot.

Like all roofing materials, metal roofs absorb heat. And their exterior surface becomes so hot that you can barely touch them.

But don’t worry! There are ways to reduce heat on your metal roof.

Interestingly, a metal roof has a natural insulating quality. And you can take five simple steps to keep the roof cool even during extreme heat.

Intrigued? Keep reading to find out more!

Importance of Reducing Heat on a Metal Roof and Keeping it Cool

Metal beats other roofing materials in most features except for one: surface heating. Much like other roof types, it becomes quite hot in extreme heat.

But metal’s high heat conductivity makes it absorb heat quickly. And it’s essential to control this issue.

Machines, large appliances, computers, etc., run inside residential, commercial, or industrial properties. These dissipate some amount of heat when they operate together almost all day.

Plus, human presence and activities can raise indoor temperature and humidity. Besides, outside heat can get trapped inside properties, creating a greenhouse effect.

If a property’s roof isn’t cooled on time, its indoors will remain consistently hot and humid. This can damage electronic devices and perishable products, besides causing discomfort for the dwellers.

A cool roof over your head allows you to take advantage of the material’s natural insulation. This quality comes from its high solar reflectance and the ability to release heat fast.

It can keep out high heat to maintain indoor coolness and reduce air conditioner usage. This makes it a green roof material – and benefits property owners by lowering energy costs.

5 Tips to Reduce Heat on Your Metal Roof

Now you know why it’s important to reduce heat on your metal roof. It’s time to take a look at how to do it. Here are five tips:

Proper Insulation

Proper insulation is like a blanket over your roof, blocking the scorching sun rays. It forms a barrier between the hot air and the roof, reducing heat and condensation issues.

Thus, insulation keeps your property cooler during summer by preventing quick heat movement. The added advantage is that it can maintain a warm indoor temperature during winter.

Glasswool, Polyester, Cellulose, Rockwool, Sheep’s Wool. etc., are popular insulation materials in Canada. They come in different forms like spray foam, rigid boards, batts, blanket rolls, loose-fill, and panels.

If you know your way around tools and hardware, you can insulate your roof yourself. But get professional help for full coverage without gaps, especially for large roofs.

Light Paint

Painting your metal roof is usually recommended to prevent water damage and rusting. But it also acts as a cool coating that prevents metal roofs from absorbing heat.

While picking the paint, go for a light colour that can bounce off sunlight and remain cool. On the other hand, dark roofs absorb more heat, and the surface turns scalding.

Also, look for a special heat-insulating paint with robust membrane-forming pigments. They enrobe metal components to resist high temperatures without burning or melting.

The paint must be applied evenly across the roof to maximize reflectivity. Also, check the paint periodically and provide necessary touchups for long-lasting cooling effects.

Rooftop Garden

It’s no big news that plants have a cooling effect as they absorb heat and release moisture. And planting a garden on your roof offers eco-friendly insulation that wards off heat waves.

The entire setup with the soil and plants creates a natural insulating layer on the roof. Pick plants with high heat tolerance and are ideal for the weather conditions in your location.

Also, install a proper drainage system to prevent water damage to the roof. Use lightweight soil and reinforcing materials so the roof can handle the weight and not feel burdened.

If a rooftop garden isn’t possible, plant tall trees around the property about 8′-10′ away. They provide shade to the roof and cool the surrounding environment.

Ventilation and Misting

Proper ventilation lets you release hot air close to the roof or trapped in the attic. That’s because hot air is lighter and floats near the top of the roof.

Install roof, gable, or ridge vents matched to your roof size. Keep vents obstruction-free and add exhaust fans to improve airflow and cool the roof.

Commercial buildings and factories can also add more expensive roof misting systems. It can be a mist fan or a mist spraying system for the roof.

Mist fans are more effective as they regulate the temperature inside the property. Mist sprays provide partial cooling and provide relief on hot days.

Solar Panels

Solar panels don’t just lower energy bills and help the environment. They block sunlight from directly hitting the roof and keep the exteriors cool.

In-roof solar panels are installed directly into the roof structure like tiles. They remove gaps through which heat can reach the structure.

The vacuum-sealed tubes in solar thermal panels prevent heat transfer and promote airflow. Thus, they work like insulators that keep the roof cool in summer.

Solar thermal systems also eliminate gas or electric systems. That way, they reduce internal temperature rise from appliances.

Contact Country Towne for the Best Metal Roofs in Canada

Are you looking for energy-efficient roof options? Then, Country Towne metal roofing is perfect for you.

Our services align with Canada’s green construction goals. And our artisans are experts at handling cool roof products.