8 Types of House Roofs That Keep Your Home Cool

The house feels stuffy, even with all the windows open. Before rushing to install an air conditioner, take a closer look at your building's structure. The root of the problem might actually lie in the roof you're using. If that's the case, switching to a type or roof that can reduce heat absorption might be a much more effective way to cool down your home.

Imagine during the dry season, your house feels like an oven. This can happen if the roof absorbs too much heat. Dark-colored roofs, insufficient ventilation, or improper roof pitch can all contribute to making the air inside your home hotter. As a result, the indoor temperature becomes uncomfortable, even if you’ve already turned on fans or air conditioning.

8 Types of Heat-Resistant Roof Materials

M House on Jalan Sersan Bajuri, West Bandung Regency, uses COLORBOND®.

You can actually tackle a hot and stuffy home in a more eco-friendly and energy-efficient way. Even without using air conditioning, it’s entirely possible to make your home feel cooler. The key lies in choosing the right roofing material. Below are some types of roofing that help reduce heat inside the house.

1. Clay Roof Tiles

Clay roof tiles are a classic option commonly used in Indonesia’s tropical climate. This material is well-known for its ability to absorb heat effectively, helping to keep the interior of the house cooler.

Another advantage is its relatively affordable price. However, keep in mind that clay roof tiles are quite heavy and prone to cracking if not installed correctly.

2. Ceramic Roof Tiles

If you’re looking for an modern and heat-resistant roof, ceramic tiles could be the right choice. These tiles are actually made from clay, just like traditional clay tiles. However, they have a glossy ceramic coating on the surface. This ceramic layer helps reflect heat more effectively.

With their superior features, ceramic roof tiles are relatively more expensive than clay tiles. Installation also requires specialized skills due to their significant weight.

3. Coated Metal Roofing

The Conoco Philips factory in Lubuk Bintialo uses COLORBOND®.

Coated metal roofing is made from metals like steel, coated with zincalume or galvalume. This material is known for being lightweight and durable. While it can retain heat without additional insulation, metal roofing with special coatings can effectively reflect heat.

Another advantage of coated metal roofing is its resistance to rust and its ease of installation.

However, despite its advantages, coated metal roofing can be noisy during rain.

4. uPVC Roofing

uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) roofing features a wavy design with air cavities that help keep the interior temperature cool. Made primarily from plastic, which is inherently a heat insulator, this roofing material effectively resists heat. It is lightweight, durable, and an excellent option for those seeking a practical solution to reduce indoor heat.

5. Polyurethane Roofing

This type of roofing combines metal sheets with a polyurethane foam layer designed specifically for excellent thermal insulation. The polyurethane layer acts as a barrier against heat, reducing temperature transfer from outside to inside the house. With its superior insulation capability, this roofing ensures a cooler indoor temperature even during hot weather. Additionally, polyurethane roofing is durable, lightweight, and suitable for various modern home designs, making it an efficient choice for both comfort and aesthetics.

6. Shingle or Ulin Wood Roofing

Shingle roofing is often found in traditional homes or gazebos. Made from ulin wood, it offers an exotic and natural traditional appearance. Shingle roofs are also highly effective at cooling indoor spaces. Ulin wood has thermal properties that allow it to absorb heat slowly and release it gradually, making it efficient in maintaining a cool interior temperature, especially during hot afternoons. The porous nature of the wood also aids in air circulation, enabling trapped heat beneath the roof to escape more quickly.

Despite its advantages, shingle roofing requires meticulous maintenance and is relatively expensive. However, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking both aesthetics and comfort.

7. Zincalume Roofing

Made from a blend of zinc and aluminum, zincalume roofing is lightweight, rust-resistant, and highly effective at reflecting heat. This type of roofing is also easy to install. However, zincalume roofing can be quite noisy during rain, requiring additional insulation to dampen the noise and enhance user comfort.

Trinity House Uses COLORBOND® for Its Pitched Roof.

8. Asphalt (Bitumen) Roofing

Bitumen roofing has become a trend due to its excellent heat-reducing and soundproofing capabilities. This material is durable and suitable for noisy environments, such as near busy roads. With its good longevity, asphalt roofing can last for a significant amount of time.

COLORBOND®: Stay Cool Throughout the Seasons

When choosing a type of roof for your home, don’t stop at aesthetics. If you can have comfort and additional benefits like energy efficiency, why not? Interestingly, all these advantages are now available with the Thermatech® technology from COLORBOND®.

Sayana Cabin House Uses COLORBOND®.

COLORBOND®’s Thermatech® technology reflects more of the sun’s heat. Even during the dry season, your home will stay cool. Moreover, the nine standard core colors and five Matt finishes in COLORBOND® steel allow you to choose a roof that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

In addition to its thermal efficiency, COLORBOND® steel is known for its sustainability. It’s designed to last even in extreme climates, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and replacement. Furthermore, all COLORBOND® products are 100% recyclable.

So, if you’re looking for a roof that not only keeps your home comfortable but is also eco-friendly and durable, COLORBOND® is the perfect choice. With a combination of modern aesthetics, innovative technology, and sustainability, COLORBOND® steel is the ideal solution for a better, cooler, and more energy-efficient home.

Ready to make your home more comfortable and eco-friendly? Start by choosing COLORBOND® steel for your roof and experience the difference yourself!