Cooling Costs
Cooling Costs | Metal Roofing | Roofing | Dunlap
Imagine a roof that not only shields your Dunlap home from pounding rain and sizzling sunshine, but also helps cut your utility bills month after month. That’s the promise of metal roofing from HEP: reflective panels that bounce back radiant heat, a tight interlocking design that keeps conditioned air where it belongs, and a palette of colors that complement any neighborhood. Our crews install every panel with precision, creating a sleek exterior that can trim cooling costs by up to 25% while standing strong against Tennessee’s fiercest storms.
Beyond the savings, you’ll enjoy decades of low-maintenance durability backed by HEP’s rock-solid warranties and trusted local service. Whether you’re renovating a farmhouse off Cherry Street or building new near Savage Gulf, our metal roofing specialists handle everything—from on-site estimates to final inspection—with the courtesy and craftsmanship that have made HEP a household name. Ready to stay cooler, spend less, and give your home the curb-appeal edge? Let’s raise the roof together.
FAQs
How can a metal roof reduce my cooling costs in Dunlap’s hot summers?
Metal roofs reflect a significant portion of the sun’s radiant heat instead of absorbing it like traditional asphalt shingles. High-quality, light-colored, or cool-coated metal panels can reflect 50-70 % of solar energy, lowering attic temperatures by as much as 40 °F. This reduces the load on your air-conditioning system, trimming summer energy bills by 10–25 % on average for Dunlap homeowners.
What is a “cool roof” coating and is it available for metal roofing?
A cool roof coating is a factory-applied paint system engineered to maximize solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Most standing-seam and metal shingle products offered in Dunlap come with ENERGY STAR®-rated Kynar 500® or Hylar 5000® coatings in light and medium colors. These finishes help your roof meet or exceed the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) standards, boosting energy savings and qualifying many homes for TVA or federal energy-efficiency incentives.
Will a metal roof make my home colder in winter?
No. Cooling performance in summer does not translate into heat loss in winter. The reflective surface works only on incoming solar radiation. In cold weather, heat primarily leaves your house through conduction and convection. Proper attic insulation and a continuous underlayment beneath the metal panels keep indoor heat where it belongs, so you enjoy lower cooling costs without sacrificing winter comfort.
Is extra attic insulation required when installing a metal roof for energy savings?
While metal roofing alone improves summer reflectivity, pairing it with adequate R-38 attic insulation and a vented ridge/soffit system maximizes energy performance. During a typical Dunlap reroof, many contractors add a synthetic breathable underlayment or a radiant barrier directly under the panels. These small upgrades cost little up front but can boost total HVAC savings to 25–30 %.
How durable is a metal roof compared to shingles, and does longevity affect long-term energy costs?
Metal roofs last 40–70 years—three to four times longer than asphalt shingles—while maintaining their reflective properties. Shingles lose granules and darken over time, reducing reflectivity and driving up cooling costs. A metal roof’s baked-on finish resists fading and algae growth, so your energy savings remain consistent for decades, offsetting the higher initial investment through reduced utility bills and fewer roof replacements.
Are there local incentives in Dunlap or Tennessee for installing an energy-efficient metal roof?
Yes. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) offers rebates and low-interest financing for qualified cool-roof installations. Many Dunlap homeowners also claim a federal tax credit of up to 30 % on ENERGY STAR® metal roofing materials (subject to annual limits). To maximize savings, keep your purchase receipts, ensure your contractor provides the manufacturer’s certification, and file IRS Form 5695 with your tax return.