November 18, 2019

Energy-Efficient Roofing Options to Beat the Florida Heat

Living in South Florida means dealing with intense sun, high humidity, and soaring temperatures—especially in the summer. Your roof plays a crucial role in keeping your home cool and your energy bills low. By choosing energy-efficient roofing materials and technologies, homeowners can reduce heat absorption, lower cooling costs, and increase comfort inside their homes.

At Molsbee Roofing, we specialize in energy-saving roofing solutions that help Florida homeowners beat the heat. Let’s explore the best cool roofing options, reflective materials, and insulation methods that can keep your home cooler year-round.

At Molsbee Roofing, we specialize in energy-saving roofing solutions that help Florida homeowners beat the heat. Let’s explore the best cool roofing options, reflective materials, and insulation methods that can keep your home cooler year-round.

1. Cool Roofing Technology: How It Works

A cool roof is designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a traditional roof. This helps:
? Lower indoor temperatures by up to 10–15°F
? Reduce air conditioning costs by 10–30%
? Increase roof lifespan by minimizing heat-related wear

Cool roofing materials use reflective coatings, special pigments, or naturally reflective surfaces to bounce heat away from your home.

2. Best Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials for South Florida

? Metal Roofing: The #1 Energy-Efficient Choice

? Reflects up to 70% of solar heat
? Lightweight and durable (lasts 40–70 years)
? Available in cool roof coatings for extra heat reflection

Why It’s Great for Florida: Metal roofs are highly reflective and excellent at cooling down quickly, making them one of the best choices for hot climates.

? Tile Roofing: Naturally Insulating

? Available in concrete or clay materials
? Provides natural airflow between tiles for insulation
? Can be coated with reflective finishes for added cooling

Why It’s Great for Florida: Tile roofs keep homes cooler naturally, but they work even better with cool roof coatings to reflect heat.

? Energy-Efficient Asphalt Shingles

? Available with solar-reflective granules
? More affordable than tile or metal
? Can reflect 20–30% more heat than traditional shingles

Why It’s Great for Florida: If you prefer asphalt shingles, choose ENERGY STAR®-rated reflective shingles to reduce heat absorption.

3. Reflective Roof Coatings: Extra Cooling Power

If you don’t want to replace your roof, you can upgrade it with a cool roof coating. These coatings:
? Reflect up to 85% of sunlight
? Prevent UV damage, reducing roof wear
? Help lower indoor temperatures without a full roof replacement

Types of reflective coatings:

  • White elastomeric coatings – Best for flat and low-slope roofs

  • Metal roof coatings – Enhance heat reflection and prevent rust

  • Cool-pigmented coatings – Used on shingles and tiles to reflect infrared heat

Adding a reflective coating can significantly improve your roof’s energy efficiency while extending its lifespan.

4. Roof Insulation: The Secret to Staying Cool

Even with a reflective roof, proper attic insulation is crucial for keeping your home cool. Good insulation:
? Blocks heat transfer from the roof into your living space
? Reduces air conditioning strain, lowering energy bills
? Prevents moisture buildup, reducing the risk of mold

Best insulation types for South Florida:

  • Spray Foam Insulation – Creates an airtight seal to block heat

  • Radiant Barriers – Reflects heat away from the attic

  • Fiberglass Insulation – Cost-effective and widely used

By combining energy-efficient roofing with proper insulation, you can maximize your home’s cooling potential.

5. Solar Panels: The Ultimate Energy-Saving Roof Upgrade

For homeowners looking to cut energy costs even further, solar panels are a great option.
? Convert sunlight into electricity, lowering your energy bill
? Help shade the roof, reducing heat absorption
? Qualify for federal and state incentives to offset costs

Pairing solar panels with a cool roof creates a highly energy-efficient home that can save you thousands in electricity costs over time.

Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Roof with Molsbee Roofing

Beating the Florida heat starts with the right roofing choices. Whether you want to install a cool metal roof, upgrade to reflective shingles, or apply a heat-resistant coating, Molsbee Roofing has the expertise to help.

? Call us today for a FREE consultation! Let’s make your home cooler, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient.