Thermal Performance of Roofing Materials Found to be a Critical Factor
Research conducted in Australia and abroad has confirmed that the choice of roof material can have a significant bearing on household energy expenditure through its impact on the internal temperature of the home.
According to the Australian Greenhouse Office, 39% of household energy costs come from heating and cooling the home. Designing and constructing a house that maintains a steady temperature without the need for artificial heating and cooling, can dramatically minimise the amount of energy the household consumes, thereby reducing carbon emissions.
Research conducted by the University of Newcastle identified that careful selection of roofing material can have both aesthetic and functional impacts and can assist in creating a comfortable environment for residents all year round while minimising energy consumption.
The research identified roof tiles as amongst the most effective products on the market with clear practical benefits across a number of categories including strength, longevity, embodied energy, solar reflectance, and thermal performance.
An investigation into the thermal performance of common roof materials by the Roofing Tile Association of Australia at the University of Newcastle found tiled roofs significantly outperformed metal roofing in reducing cooling energy consumption in hot climates.
The testing (which adjusted roof material colour, solar radiation, roof size and mean air temperature to a common basis and removed the impact of insulation products) revealed that roof tiles saved a huge $803.12 per year on average compared to metal roofing in dark colours.
Commenting on the testing Mr Michael Monro (Sales and Marketing Coordinator of Bristile Roofing) said “Controlling the temperature in the home is the key to saving money on your energy bills and roofing material plays a significant role in achieving this. By choosing a trusted roofing material such as roof tiles, homeowners can cut down the amount of heat absorbed into the building thereby reducing their electricity bill by minimising the need for appliances like fans and air-conditioners.
Roof tiles also have the benefit of reflecting a high proportion of solar energy (up to 7.8% more heat) away from the home than metal roofing in the same colour, according to the Florida Solar Energy Centre.
As a solid, heavyweight material, roof tiles also offer high thermal mass and help achieve optimum energy efficiency by reducing the impact of external temperature variations on the temperature of internal living areas. Every day when outside temperatures are fluctuating, the thermal mass of tiles reduces inside temperature extremes by absorbing thermal energy and releasing it later when the surrounding atmosphere is cooler.
To find out more about the full range of Bristile Roofing products or to source a copy of the ‘Roof Tiles For Living’ brochure, visit www.bristileroofing.com or call 1300 274 784.
Media enquiries can be directed to Diana Bauer at City PR on (02) 9267 4511 or dbauer@citypublicrelations.com.au
