As temperatures rise across Missouri and Illinois, so do energy bills—especially for commercial buildings with large, flat roofs exposed to direct sunlight.
What many property owners don’t realize is that the roof itself plays a major role in how much heat a building absorbs and retains.
In fact, commercial roof surfaces can reach 150-180°F in the summer, significantly increasing the load on HVAC systems.
At Jewett Roofing, we work with property owners who are often surprised by how much their roofing system impacts energy performance.
The right roofing system can significantly reduce cooling costs, improve indoor comfort, and extend the life of the building overall.
Here’s how.
Your Roof Is a Major Source of Heat Gain
During the summer months, a commercial roof can reach temperatures well above the outside air.
Dark or poorly performing roofing systems absorb and retain heat, which then transfers into the building below. This forces HVAC systems to work harder—and longer—to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
Over time, that added strain leads to:
- Higher energy bills
- Increased wear on HVAC equipment
- Inconsistent indoor temperatures
Improving roof performance can directly reduce that load.
Reflective Roofing Systems Reduce Heat Absorption
One of the most effective ways to lower cooling costs is by using reflective roofing materials.
Systems like:
- PVC roofing
- TPO roofing
- Duro-Last® roofing systems
are designed to reflect a significant portion of the sun’s energy rather than absorb it.
This can reduce roof surface temperatures by up to 50–60°F, which helps:
- Lower heat transfer into the building
- Reduce strain on HVAC systems
- Improve overall energy efficiency
In our experience, buildings with reflective roofing systems often see noticeable improvements in cooling performance during peak summer months.
Insulation Plays a Critical Role
While the roofing membrane gets most of the attention, insulation is just as important when it comes to energy performance.
Proper insulation helps:
- Limit heat transfer into the building
- Maintain more consistent indoor temperatures
- Reduce strain on HVAC systems
If insulation is outdated, damaged, or insufficient, even a high-quality roofing system won’t perform as efficiently as it should.
At Jewett Roofing, we evaluate insulation as part of a complete roofing strategy to help property owners across Missouri and Illinois maximize energy savings.
Small Improvements Can Add Up Over Time
Not every building needs a full roof replacement to see energy benefits.
In some cases, targeted improvements can make a meaningful impact, such as:
- Repairing or upgrading sections of the membrane
- Improving insulation in key areas
- Addressing seams or areas of heat loss
These smaller steps can help improve performance in the short term while allowing for better long-term planning.
Long-Term Savings vs. Short-Term Fixes
When it comes to roofing decisions, it’s easy to focus on upfront costs.
But lower-cost, short-term fixes often lead to higher expenses over time through:
- Increased energy usage
- More frequent repairs
- Shortened roof lifespan
Investing in the right roofing system—especially one designed for energy efficiency—can reduce operational costs and provide more predictable performance over the long term.
We often work with property managers throughout Missouri and Illinois to help them weigh short-term costs against long-term savings.
The Bottom Line
Your roof does more than protect your building—it directly impacts how efficiently it operates.
As summer approaches, the right combination of reflective materials and proper insulation can help reduce cooling costs, improve comfort, and extend the life of your roofing system.
If you’re unsure how your current roof is performing, a professional evaluation can help identify opportunities for improvement.
Contact Jewett Roofing to schedule an assessment and start reducing your energy costs.
