Roofing Materials and Energy Efficiency in Utah

Utah’s climate is extreme in every direction — triple-digit summers in the valley, heavy snow in the mountains, and temperature swings that can cover 50 degrees in a single day. Your roof is the biggest factor in how well your home handles all of it. The right material can cut your energy bills year-round. The wrong one makes your HVAC system work overtime.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters Here

In Salt Lake, Provo, and Ogden, summer sun beats down on roofs for 14+ hours a day. That heat soaks through and drives up cooling costs. In winter, homes in Heber, Park City, and the Wasatch Back lose heat through poorly insulated roofs while heating systems burn through energy trying to keep up. An energy-efficient roof works in both directions — keeping heat out in summer and in during winter.

Asphalt Shingles: Common, But Not the Coolest

Standard asphalt shingles absorb a lot of heat, which means your attic turns into an oven in July. If you’re sticking with asphalt, look for “cool roof” shingles with reflective granules that bounce UV rays. Energy Star-certified options from Owens Corning and CertainTeed work well at Utah’s elevation where UV exposure is more intense than you’d expect.

Metal Roofing: Reflects Heat, Sheds Snow

Metal roofs are gaining popularity across the Wasatch Front and Back, and energy efficiency is a big reason why. A coated metal roof can cut cooling costs by about 25% because it reflects solar radiation instead of absorbing it. In winter, the smooth surface sheds snow before it can pile up and create ice dams. Pair it with a radiant barrier and proper attic insulation, and you’ve got a serious energy performer.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

You’ll see tiles more in southern Utah — St. George and Spanish Fork — where summer heat is the main concern. Tiles have high thermal mass, meaning they absorb heat slowly during the day and release it gradually at night. This natural temperature regulation keeps indoor temps more stable without running the AC constantly. Just make sure your roof framing can support the weight.

Slate: Efficient and Built to Last

Slate naturally reflects light and resists heat absorption, especially in lighter colors. Its density also provides solid insulation value in cold weather. It’s expensive upfront, but a slate roof lasts 100+ years. Over that span, the energy savings and zero-replacement cost make it pencil out — especially in mountain communities like Ogden, Morgan, and Wasatch County.

Wood Shakes: Natural Insulation

Cedar shakes and shingles are natural insulators. Wood breathes, which helps keep attics cooler in summer, and its inherent resistance to heat flow retains warmth in winter. The catch is maintenance — wood roofs need regular upkeep, especially in snow-heavy areas. But if you stay on top of it, they perform well in Utah’s climate.

Membrane Roofing for Flat Roofs

For flat or low-slope roofs, your membrane choice matters a lot:

• EPDM (black rubber) — absorbs heat, which helps in colder areas like Morgan or Heber but works against you in summer
• TPO/PVC (white or light-colored) — reflects UV and cuts cooling costs significantly. Best for valley locations

Add-Ons That Boost Efficiency

Beyond the roofing material itself, these upgrades make a real difference:

• Proper attic insulation — keeps heat in during winter and out during summer
• Reflective coatings — can be applied to existing roofs to deflect UV
• Radiant barriers — installed under the roof to minimize heat transfer into living spaces
• Gutter screens — prevent ice dams that damage insulation and disrupt attic airflow

Utah Rebates and Incentives

Utility providers like Rocky Mountain Power and Dominion Energy offer rebates for insulation, air sealing, and other energy efficiency upgrades that complement a new roof. Federal tax credits may also apply to certain energy-efficient improvements. Check the Utah Energy Hub (hub.utahcleanenergy.org) for a current list of available incentives, and ask your contractor what applies to your specific project.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Area

• Heber or Park City: Prioritize snow-shedding materials like metal or slate
• Provo or Spanish Fork: Consider reflective roofing for summer heat management
• Salt Lake City: Combine insulation, cool roof coatings, and efficient materials for year-round performance

Need help with your roof? Call Cardinal Roofing at (801) 330-0311 or get a free estimate. We’ll help you pick roofing materials that save energy and hold up to everything Utah’s climate dishes out.