Is Your Roof Working for You—Or Against You?
When it comes to keeping your energy bills under control in Salt Lake City’s climate, most people think about windows, insulation, or HVAC systems first. But your roof? It’s one of the biggest players in the energy-efficiency game—and it’s often overlooked.
Whether you’re sweating through July or shoveling snow in January, the right roof can make a world of difference to your home’s comfort and your power bill. In this article, we’ll break down how your roof influences energy efficiency, which materials matter, and whether you really need a full replacement—or if repairs can do the job.
The Unsung Hero of Your Energy Bills: Your Roof
Your roof plays a crucial role in your home’s ability to retain or release heat—yet most homeowners don’t give it a second thought until there’s a leak or visible damage. But especially in Salt Lake City’s climate, where sweltering summers and cold winters demand year-round temperature control, your roof could be helping or hindering your home’s energy performance in a big way.
Scientific research confirms this. A 2024 study published in Applied Energy found that green roofs can reduce annual energy consumption by up to 16.7%, depending on local climate and irrigation practices. Even standard cool roofs—those with high solar reflectivity—can lower indoor cooling demand by up to 50% by reflecting more sunlight and reducing roof surface temperatures.
These findings align with earlier data from the U.S. Department of Energy, which reports that cool roofing systems can reduce energy use for air conditioning by up to 15% in certain conditions.
Whether your property is a home in Holladay or a commercial building in Sandy, the right roof—properly insulated and ventilated—can significantly reduce your reliance on heating and cooling systems, slashing your energy bills and improving year-round comfort.
Best Roofing Materials for Energy Efficiency in Utah
Not all roofing materials are created equal—especially when it comes to how they manage heat and cold.
Asphalt Shingles
Affordable and widely used, asphalt shingles are decent insulators but tend to absorb heat. In the summer months, this can increase indoor temperatures unless paired with reflective coatings or proper attic ventilation.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular for their durability and energy efficiency. They reflect solar radiation rather than absorbing it, helping reduce cooling costs. In winter, they shed snow quickly, which also reduces strain on the structure.
Slate Roofing
Slate is a natural insulator and works well in both hot and cold climates. It’s heavy and durable, offering long-term performance, but it’s more expensive and better suited to homes built to handle its weight.
TPO Roofing (Commercial)
For commercial buildings, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a top choice. It reflects UV rays and helps keep commercial spaces cooler, making it a smart option for large rooftops exposed to direct sun.
The material you choose should match your building type, budget, and local climate. That’s where talking to a local expert—like MAD Roofing—can make all the difference.
Breathe Easy: Why Roof Ventilation and Insulation Matter
Even with top-tier materials, your roof won’t perform well without proper ventilation and insulation. Without these, heat can build up in your attic during summer or escape too quickly in winter—driving up energy bills, reducing indoor comfort, and shortening the lifespan of your roofing system. Still not convinced? Here’s a little more detail:
Ventilation keeps hot air from building up in your attic during summer, which can lead to higher cooling bills and even damage to roofing materials over time. In winter, it helps prevent condensation and ice dams—those nasty formations that can cause leaks and structural issues.
Insulation acts as a barrier between your home and the outdoor temperatures. Without it, warm or cool air escapes quickly, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. That’s energy (and money) lost right through the top of your house.
Signs your insulation or ventilation may need work? High energy bills, temperature swings indoors, or visible signs of moisture in your attic.
Repairs vs Replacement: What’s Best for Energy Efficiency?
If your roof is getting old or your energy bills are climbing, you might wonder: do I need to replace the whole thing? Not always.
Roof repairs can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency—especially if the problem is localized. Damaged shingles, small leaks, missing flashing, or clogged gutters can all cause heat loss or allow moisture into insulation layers. Fixing these issues quickly can restore performance without the cost of a new roof.
But if your roof is nearing the end of its life or has widespread damage, it might be more cost-effective to replace it with a modern, energy-efficient system designed for Salt Lake’s climate.
At MAD Roofing, we’ll inspect your current roof and give you honest advice—whether that’s a few smart repairs or a full upgrade.
Business Owners, Take Note: Energy-Efficient Roofing Isn’t Just for Homes
Commercial buildings in Salt Lake City face many of the same energy efficiency challenges as homes—but with a few unique twists.
Flat roofs absorb more heat, which means cooling costs can skyrocket in summer. That’s why materials like TPO, EPDM, and cool roof coatings are popular for commercial applications. They reflect heat and withstand extreme conditions, helping business owners save big over time.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key here, too. A small leak or insulation issue in a large warehouse or office space can translate to major energy loss.
Whether you run a retail space in Millcreek or manage an office in South Jordan, MAD Roofing offers commercial roofing solutions designed for performance, longevity, and efficiency.
What Kind of Energy Savings Can You Expect?
Exact savings depend on the type of roof, its condition, and how well your home or building is insulated. But, as we mentioned above, studies show that cool roofing systems can reduce energy use for air conditioning by up to 15%. Proper insulation and ventilation can improve those numbers even more.
If your current roof is over 15 years old or hasn’t had a check-up in a while, chances are good that some improvements could lower your bills—and boost your comfort.
Let’s Make Your Roof Work Smarter—Not Harder
Your roof does more than keep the rain out. It plays a critical role in how energy-efficient your home or building is—especially here in Utah’s wild-weather climate.
Whether you’re interested in a new energy-efficient system, thinking about switching to metal roofing, or just wondering if your old shingles are letting heat escape, MAD Roofing is here to help.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us for a free roof assessment and find out how your roof could save you money.
