Your roof plays a fundamental role in creating an energy-efficient home in Florida. Even with the best cooling system and premium insulation, if your roof is not designed for the hot, humid climate, your home will struggle to stay comfortable and efficient. Here’s what to look for in energy-efficient roofing solutions.
Reflective Roof Coatings
One of the most effective Florida roofing solutions is a reflective coating. This is a special membrane applied to the roof surface to reflect sunlight. Essentially, the heat that conventional roofing materials would typically absorb is deflected away from your home.
Reflective coatings can lower roof surface temperatures by up to 50°F. This reduction eases the load on your air conditioning system, improving energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
Moreover, reflective coatings will help extend your roof’s lifespan by minimizing the damaging effects of prolonged heat exposure. Intense sunlight and high temperatures cause thermal expansion, UV degradation, and premature material fatigue, all of which accelerate wear and reduce structural integrity over time.
When selecting a reflective coating for your Florida home, consider material compatibility, solar reflectance and thermal emittance ratings, and other benefits you may want. Material compatibility is critical because different roofs have unique properties that affect adhesion, performance, and longevity. For example, asphalt roofs can pair well with elastomeric coatings, whereas silicone coatings may struggle to adhere properly without specialized primers.
Regarding solar reflectance and thermal emittance ratings, look for ENERGY STAR® or Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC)-certified products. Coatings with these certifications have been independently tested to ensure they efficiently reflect solar radiation. Additional benefits you may like include waterproofing, mildew and algae protection, and crack resistance.
Cool Roofs
A cool roof is a roofing material that strongly reflects sunlight (solar energy), much like a reflective coating. However, unlike coatings, which are applied to existing roofs, cool roofs have reflective properties built into the material. In other words, the energy-saving performance is inherent to the product. As a result, they contribute to a more comfortable environment for as long as they last.
Consider installing a cool roof when planning to replace your roofing system, typically after 15 to 20 years, or sooner if your current roof is too deteriorated to repair. Upgrading at the time of replacement allows you to integrate energy efficiency without the added cost of retrofitting. It also provides longer-lasting, cost-effective protection against Florida’s hot, humid climate because, as long as your roof is in place, it will reflect solar heat.
Proper Ventilation
Another way to incorporate roofing to reduce cooling costs is by ensuring proper attic ventilation. The science of ventilation relies on the principle of convection: hot air rises while cooler air sinks. In a well-ventilated roof assembly, warm air that accumulates in the attic escapes through upper exhaust vents, while cooler air is drawn in through lower intake vents.
This continuous airflow cycle prevents heat buildup, reduces moisture accumulation, and helps lower indoor temperatures. By eliminating trapped heat and humidity, proper ventilation significantly reduces the strain on your cooling system. It also improves indoor air quality, protects against mold and mildew, and helps preserve the effectiveness of your attic insulation.
Consult with a licensed roofer before investing in a roof ventilation system, as there are various types suited to different roof designs and climate conditions. In Florida’s hot, humid climate, common options include ridge vents, soffit vents, gable vents, static roof vents, and powered attic fans.
Attic Insulation
Attic insulation is the final layer of defense in your cool roofing materials. While reflective coating and ventilation manage heat at the roof surface and in the attic, insulation slows the transfer of that heat into your living areas. It guarantees energy efficiency, even when other systems are temporarily overwhelmed by extreme temperatures or high humidity.
Given Florida’s persistent radiant heat and humidity, your attic insulation must be properly rated and installed to perform effectively. Most homes benefit from insulation rated between R-30 and R-49. Spray foam, fiberglass batts, and blown-in cellulose are among the most common options.
Contact Bigfoot Roofing & Construction for Expert Assistance
The team at Bigfoot Roofing & Construction can help you explore the best energy-efficient roofing solutions for your Jacksonville home. Our team brings decades of hands-on experience and a proven track record of exceptional workmanship across Northeast Florida. We also offer free estimates and flexible financing plans for qualifying homeowners to make it easier to invest in high-quality, durable roofing systems without compromising your budget.
Call Bigfoot Roofing & Construction today for more information about energy-saving roofs in Florida.
