Extensive Guide to Roof Heat Proofing

Continuous climate change has a direct impact on our lives. We cannot deny the fact that we need to live under the sun and feel its warmth for almost half of our lives. Whether we are under our roofs or in the open sky, exposure to the sun's rays is inevitable.

The only solution we can imagine when we feel extreme temperatures even inside our house is air conditioning. These devices act as an immediate solution to the problem but create a huge dent in our pockets when we receive the bills.

However, the energy-consuming solutions are temporary because of their high maintenance. People now realize that they need a permanent and long-lasting solution to cope with this emerging problem.

Roof heat proofing is one such solution that has been introduced in the market and is getting popular due to its effectiveness.

Roof heat proofing is a process that involves various techniques and methods to either reduce heat gain or prevent direct heat from the sun. When you step into your house, coming from the unbearable heat waves, you do not want to feel the same heat inside as well.

So, it is important to ensure that your house is well-prepared for extreme climate changes and keeps the heat out.

Well, there are many ways to beat the scorching heat, at least inside your house, keep reading the article to know more about them. 

Understanding the Need for Roof Heat Proofing

As we all know, the summer mid-days in a country like Pakistan sometimes become so hot and sunny that the temperature of the surroundings becomes unbearable.

This is the time when heat enters our homes and is stored inside due to a lack of ventilation or proper heat-proofing.

The appropriate roof heat proofing treatment can cause your house to remain cool for a long time and save your budget from hefty utility bills.

These cost-efficient methods of roof heat proofing maintain a normal temperature in your house by reflecting and blocking the direct exposure of the sun and its heat waves. This also lowers the need to run AC 24/7, resulting in a decrease in electricity bills. 

Roof Heat Proofing Solutions

As the summer began, the need to tackle the sweltering heat became a necessity, especially if you were living on the top floor. The continuous use of AC is not a viable option as it has many side effects, not only on our budget but also on our health.

In this case, people opt for roof heat proofing services to keep their house cool in any way possible.

So how does roof heat proofing treatment work?

Well, it depends totally on factors like:

• Location of your house,
• Architecture,
• Size of the house, 
• The climate of the surrounding

These methods are just another layer, either of paint or any heat-resistant material that absorbs or reflects the heat to some extent.

1. Installing Heat Resistant Sheets

The most common way to resist heat and make your house heatproof is to install heat-resistant sheets on the roof. These sheets are made from materials like:

• Polyester Painted Sheets

A combination of aluminium and steel is combined to form huge rolls of corrugated sheets that are then coated with zinc, which is greener more often to include the aesthetic value of the roof. The most common sheet to resist heat is used in agriculture sheds, huge huts, or in your seating area because of its low cost and long life span.  

• Galvanised Sheets

A sustainable method of heatproofing is the installation of galvanised sheets on the roof. Because of the direct treatment with zinc during the dipping process, these sheets are more heat-resistant, low-cost, and have a longer life span. It can also bear the extreme climate effects and could be best for you if your house is directly exposed to the sun. Due to its recyclability and other benefits, it is the most popular heat proof sheet on the market. 

• Plastisol PVC Sheets

Like other sheets that are being used in the process of heat proofing, plastisol PVC sheets also come with extensive benefits. The PVC coating on the surface of a corrugated sheet allows it to be more durable and resistant to heat. The fact that these sheets withstand extreme weather without any leakages or damages is what makes them more convenient and reliable.

• Bitumen Sheets

A mixture of different hydrocarbons with a bitumen compound attached to corrugated sheets is the most widely used material for roof heat proofing. Usually, these sheets are used in garages or on the roofs of commercial buildings. To increase their benefits and durability, the sheets are either painted with elastomeric or white paint to resist heat as much as possible.

• Heat Absorbing Material for Roof

Heat-absorbing materials play an important role in maintaining a cooler roof and reducing heat transfer to the building's interior. These materials are designed to absorb and dissipate heat effectively, preventing it from penetrating the living or working spaces below. Several effective heat-absorbing materials are commonly used for roof heat proofing, such as:

• Heat reflective coatings
• Thermal tiles
• Cool roof membranes

2. Use Roof Cooling Chemicals

One of the most affordable and effective ways to heat proof our house is to paint it white. This may seem like a simple and usual task, but it has a huge impact on overall resistivity to heat. Moreover, white paint has a greater tendency to reflect ultraviolet rays that are harmful and easily absorbed through the roof. Two or more coatings of these chemicals do not allow the roof to be affected by extreme weather, making it the best roof cooling technique.

• Opting for Built Up Roofing or BUR

BUR roofs typically consist of alternating layers of asphalt or tar and felt or fiberglass, which are then covered with gravel or a reflective coating to protect against the elements. These roofs are commonly used for flat or low-slope roofs and are known for their longevity and resistance to weather conditions.

3. Optimizing Roof Efficiency

Professional roof heat proofing treatments are essential to prevent heat transfer through the roof and ensure optimal cooling efficiency. These treatments often involve the following methods:

• Roof Insulation

Installing proper insulation beneath the roof is critical for reducing heat conduction. Insulation materials, such as foam boards, fiberglass, or mineral wool, create a thermal barrier, preventing heat from entering the interior.

• Sealing and Coating

Properly sealing any gaps or cracks in the roof structure is essential to preventing heat leakage. Applying roof heat-proofing coatings reinforces the roof's ability to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption.

• Ventilation Improvement 

Adequate roof ventilation is crucial for dissipating trapped heat. Installing vents, ridge vents, or exhaust fans ensures hot air can escape, helping to maintain a cooler indoor environment.

4. Eco-Friendly Roofing Solutions

After inventing different techniques and methods to maintain the temperature of the house, there are also some ways to do this in a natural way to make it environmentally friendly, namely:

• Green Roofs

Green roofs act as an insulation barrier, absorbing heat and cooling the roof through evapotranspiration. Green roofs reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and manage stormwater. They also extend the roof's lifespan. Proper design, waterproofing, and maintenance are essential for their effectiveness.

• Shading your Roof

Another effective way to resist direct heat is to increase the shade on the roof. This can be achieved by planting tall trees and other plants around your house or by installing green fiber on your roof. This will make your roof cooler and more comfortable, so you can even relax and unwind there.

• Install Solar Panels

The other way to heat proof a roof is to install solar panels. This is the most efficient method to utilize the excess sunlight. Solar panels not only block the direct exposure of the sun from the roof but also consume thermal energy to convert it into electricity.

Essential Key Considerations

For effective heat reduction and maximum energy efficiency, it is essential to consider factors like climate, location, size, building structure, and, most importantly, your budget. For hot and dry climates that are almost the last half of the year in Pakistan, you can opt for reflecting coatings.

While the southern areas are backed up by reflective coatings, the humid region can benefit from green roofs. For this, you have to assess the building’s load capacity and consult a professional to get the best possible result. Additionally, other techniques and solutions are effective in their own right. However, you have to choose wisely by approaching every factor.