Utah’s climate is one of extremes—scorching summers, snowy winters, and everything in between. For homeowners across Wasatch County, Heber, Park City, Salt Lake City, and other parts of the Wasatch Front and Back, this seasonal variety creates a unique challenge when choosing the right roofing material. Energy efficiency is a major consideration—not just for environmental sustainability, but for keeping utility bills in check.

In this blog post, we’ll break down how different roofing materials perform when it comes to energy efficiency, insulation, and temperature regulation throughout the year. Whether you’re building a new home or considering a roof replacement, understanding how materials respond to Utah’s seasons will help you make the smartest decision for your home and budget.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters for Utah Homes

Before diving into materials, let’s talk about why energy-efficient roofing matters—especially in Utah.

• Summers in Utah often hit triple-digit temperatures in places like Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden. The sun beats down on your roof for hours, raising indoor temperatures.
  
• Winters in Wasatch County and Park City can bring heavy snowfall and below-zero wind chills. Without proper insulation and thermal protection, heating systems work overtime.
  

Choosing a roofing material with high thermal performance means better indoor temperature control, lower HVAC use, and significant energy savings year-round.

Asphalt Shingles: The Most Common, But Not the Coolest

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material in Utah—and for good reason. They’re affordable, easy to install, and come in a variety of colors. But when it comes to energy efficiency, standard asphalt shingles fall short.

• Summer performance: Asphalt absorbs heat, which can make your attic and upper floors significantly warmer.
  
• Winter performance: They provide basic insulation but don’t retain heat particularly well.
  

Energy Tip: Opt for “cool roof” asphalt shingles, which are manufactured with reflective granules that help deflect UV rays. Owens Corning and CertainTeed offer Energy Star-rated options that work well in Utah’s high-altitude sun.

Metal Roofing: Reflective and Long-Lasting

Metal roofs—especially standing seam and aluminum shingles—are becoming increasingly popular across the Wasatch Front and Wasatch Back. Known for their durability, they also offer impressive energy savings.

• Summer performance: Metal reflects solar radiation rather than absorbing it. Coated metal roofs can reduce cooling costs by up to 25%.
  
• Winter performance: Metal can shed snow easily, preventing ice dams. While it doesn’t insulate, it pairs well with radiant barriers and attic insulation.
  

Best for: Homeowners in Heber, Saratoga Springs, and Park City, where snowfall is heavy, and UV exposure is high due to elevation.

Clay and Concrete Tiles: Thermal Mass for Desert Conditions

Clay tiles and concrete tiles are common in warmer Utah areas like St. George and Spanish Fork. They’re not just beautiful—they’re smart.

• Summer performance: Their high thermal mass absorbs heat during the day and slowly releases it at night, which helps regulate indoor temps.
  
• Winter performance: They offer moderate insulation, especially when paired with underlayment and airspace beneath the tiles.
  

Caution: Clay and concrete tiles are heavy and may not be suitable for all roof structures. Professional inspection and structural support are a must.

Slate Roofing: Energy-Efficient Luxury

Slate is one of the most durable and elegant roofing materials available—and it comes with serious energy benefits.

• Summer performance: Slate naturally reflects light and resists heat absorption, especially lighter colors.
  
• Winter performance: Its density provides natural insulation, reducing heat loss in cold climates like Ogden, Morgan, and Wasatch County.
  

Downside: Slate is heavy and expensive, but the longevity and insulation may offset the upfront cost over time.

Wood Shingles and Shakes: Natural Insulation

Wood roofing—particularly cedar shakes and shingles—offers great insulating properties thanks to wood’s natural resistance to heat flow.

• Summer performance: Wood breathes, allowing air to circulate and keeping your attic cooler.
  
• Winter performance: Cedar is a natural insulator, helping to retain warmth in colder months.
  

Maintenance note: Wood roofs require regular upkeep, especially in areas with heavy snow like Park City and Heber.

Membrane Roofing: Ideal for Flat Roofs

If you have a flat roof, like those commonly found on commercial buildings or modern homes, membrane roofing is your best bet. This includes EPDM, PVC, and TPO membranes.

• EPDM (black rubber): Absorbs heat, which may be beneficial in cold areas like Morgan or Heber, but less ideal in hot summers.
  
• TPO/PVC (white or light-colored): Reflects UV rays effectively, lowering cooling costs significantly.
  

Perfect for: Energy-conscious property owners in urban Utah areas like Salt Lake City or Provo, especially with modern architecture.

Green or Living Roofs: The Eco-Friendly Option

Though less common in Utah, green roofs—which incorporate live vegetation—are gaining popularity for their unbeatable insulation and energy efficiency.

• Summer performance: Plants shade and cool the roof naturally.
  
• Winter performance: The layers of soil and vegetation act as insulators.
  

Great for: Environmentally conscious homeowners and commercial buildings in places like Park City or Salt Lake, where green initiatives are popular.

Roofing Add-ons That Boost Energy Efficiency

No matter which roofing material you choose, certain components can drastically improve your home’s energy performance:

• Proper attic insulation: Keeps heat in during winter and out during summer.
  
• Reflective coatings: Applied to roofing surfaces to deflect UV rays.
  
• Radiant barriers: Installed under roofing to reduce heat transfer.
  
• Gutter screens: While not directly related to energy, they help prevent ice dams that can damage insulation and attic airflow.
  

Energy Star and Utah-Specific Rebates

Many Energy Star-certified roofing materials are eligible for rebates or incentives. Utah homeowners should check with:

• Rocky Mountain Power
  
• Dominion Energy
  
• Utah Clean Energy Program
  

Incentives can help offset the cost of upgrading to energy-efficient roofing—especially helpful if you’re planning a roof replacement in Wasatch County, Heber, or nearby cities.

Choose the Right Roof for Utah’s Climate

Choosing the right energy-efficient roofing material depends on your specific location, home design, and seasonal exposure. For example:

• In Heber or Park City, go for snow-shedding materials like metal or slate.
  
• In Provo or Spanish Fork, consider reflective roofing to beat the summer heat.
  
• In Salt Lake City, a mix of insulation, cool roof coatings, and efficient materials is ideal.
  

At Cardinal Roofing, we help Utah homeowners across the Wasatch Front and Back choose roofing solutions tailored to both their climate and energy goals. Whether you're building a new home or replacing an old roof, we’re here with professional service, quality materials, and expert insight.

If you’re ready to explore energy-efficient roofing in Utah, contact our team today for a free consultation and inspection.