When it comes to managing a commercial property, energy efficiency is often top of mind. Between HVAC usage, lighting, and daily operations, energy costs can be a significant line item on your monthly expenses. But there’s one element of your building that plays a major, and often overlooked, role in your energy efficiency: the roof.
If you’re a commercial property owner wondering what is the best roofing material to reduce utility costs and increase comfort, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. But understanding the relationship between roofing materials and energy performance is the first step toward a smarter investment.
In this blog, we’ll break down how different types of roofing materials impact energy bills. We’ll also look at which options are best suited for commercial properties looking to save money in the long run.
Why Roofing Material Matters
The roofing material you choose influences:
- Heat absorption and reflection
- Thermal insulation performance
- Longevity and maintenance costs
- Compatibility with insulation and solar
The right roof can act as a barrier against Denver’s blazing summer sun and frigid winter nights. This helps your HVAC system operate more efficiently year-round. Whether you’re going with shingle roofs, slate roofing, concrete tile roof, or a standing seam metal roof, you want to make sure you’ve got the right materials. That could be different between your roof lasting 20 years or 50 years.
Reflectivity vs. Absorption: The Energy Equation
One of the key factors in creating an energy-efficient roofing system is solar reflectance. This refers to a roof’s ability to reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. When a roof has high solar reflectance, it bounces a significant portion of the sun’s rays away from the building. This reflection prevents excessive heat from penetrating through the roof surface.
This characteristic is especially important during the hot summer months. This is the main thing that helps to keep the building’s interior temperatures lower. By reducing the amount of heat absorbed, a reflective roof lessens the demand on air conditioning systems. Running your AC unit less frequently leads to improved energy efficiency and reduced utility bills.
Roofing materials that absorb rather than reflect sunlight can contribute to increased indoor temperatures and higher cooling expenses. Dark-colored materials such as EPDM, which is commonly used black rubber roofing, tend to soak up a large amount of heat from the sun.
This absorbed heat transfers into the building. This additional heat creates an uncomfortable indoor environment and forces air conditioning systems to work harder and consume more energy to maintain comfortable temperatures. Over time, this can lead to substantially higher operational costs and increased wear on HVAC equipment.
In contrast, roofing systems that incorporate white or light-colored materials offer a practical solution to this problem. Think of roofing systems such as TPO membranes or specially designed cool roof coatings. These lighter surfaces have higher solar reflectance values. This means that they effectively reflect a greater portion of sunlight away from the building.
As a result, they help maintain a cooler roof surface and reduce heat transfer into the interior spaces. This not only improves occupant comfort but also significantly cuts cooling costs, making these roofing options a smart choice for those looking to maximize energy efficiency and sustainability in their building design.
What Is the Best Roofing Material for Energy Savings?
Here’s a breakdown of the most common commercial roofing materials, their energy performance, and pros and cons.
1. TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
Energy Performance:
TPO, or Thermoplastic Olefin, is a popular roofing material in commercial applications due to its impressive solar reflectivity and energy-saving properties. One of its standout features is its white or light-colored surface, which reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it.
This helps lower the heat that enters the building. It keeps indoor temperatures down and makes HVAC systems work less hard in the hot summer. Property owners can see lower energy costs. They also help create a more eco-friendly building design.
TPO’s durability and resistance to UV rays, chemicals, and punctures further solidify its position as a smart, long-term investment for energy-conscious commercial properties.
Pros:
- Highly reflective
- UV-resistant
- Cost-effective for energy-conscious properties
- Easy to maintain
Cons:
- Vulnerable to punctures
- Lifespan may vary by manufacturer
Best for:
Flat or low-slope roofs in sunny climates like Colorado, where cooling loads are a major concern.
2. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
Energy Performance:
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber roofing membrane that is most commonly available in black, which naturally absorbs more heat from the sun. This heat absorption can lead to higher indoor temperatures, increasing cooling demands and energy costs for commercial properties, particularly in warmer climates.
EPDM is known for its durability, flexibility, and weather resistance. However, it does not reflect light well. This makes it less energy-efficient than lighter materials like TPO or PVC.
However, building owners can enhance the energy performance of an EPDM roof by applying a reflective coating. This helps reduce heat gain and improves the roof’s overall thermal efficiency.
Pros:
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Cost-effective upfront
- Performs well in cold climates
Cons:
- Absorbs heat unless a white coating is added
- May increase summer cooling costs
Best for:
Cold climates or properties prioritizing durability over reflectivity—though not ideal for energy savings in sunny regions.
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Energy Performance:
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) roofing is a popular choice for commercial buildings focused on reducing energy consumption and achieving sustainability goals. PVC membranes, like TPO, are usually white or light-colored. They reflect sunlight well, which helps keep indoor temperatures lower by reducing heat absorption.
This reflective quality can significantly reduce cooling costs during hot months, making PVC an energy-efficient option for businesses looking to improve operational efficiency. Additionally, PVC is a durable, long-lasting material that resists chemicals, fire, and harsh weather conditions, which makes it ideal for facilities seeking green certifications such as LEED.
Its combination of performance, sustainability, and energy savings makes it a smart investment for property owners committed to environmentally responsible building practices.
Pros:
- Excellent reflectivity
- Fire-resistant
- Long lifespan
- Chemical-resistant
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Less flexible in very cold conditions
Best for:
Commercial properties with flat roofs that require durability and want to maximize energy savings.
4. Metal Roofing
Energy Performance:
Metal roofs are inherently durable and long-lasting. There’s many different types of metal roofing and their energy performance can be significantly enhanced with the application of reflective coatings. These specialized finishes are designed to reflect a greater portion of the sun’s rays, rather than absorbing them as heat.
Buildings with coated metal roofs stay cooler inside. This reduces the need for HVAC systems and lowers energy bills, especially in summer. Reflective coatings help make the roof last longer. They do this by reducing thermal expansion and contraction from heat.
For commercial property owners looking to boost energy efficiency and reduce long-term maintenance costs, a metal roof with a reflective coating is a practical and high-performing solution.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Long lifespan (40–70 years)
- Recyclable and sustainable
- Available in cool roof colors
Cons:
- Higher initial investment
- Noisy during rain or hail unless properly insulated
Best for:
Industrial properties, warehouses, and retail centers looking for a long-term investment with moderate energy benefits.
5. Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Energy Performance:
Built-Up Roofing (BUR) systems, which consist of multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics, are typically dark in color and therefore absorb a significant amount of heat. This can lead to higher indoor temperatures and more cooling costs. This is especially true in warmer climates or during summer.
However, the energy performance of BUR systems can be improved by applying energy-efficient reflective coatings. These coatings help lower solar heat gain by reflecting sunlight away from the roof. This keeps roof temperatures down and reduces the building’s energy use.
For commercial property owners with BUR systems, adding a reflective coating can save money. It improves energy efficiency without needing a full roof replacement.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Multiple layers for redundancy
Cons:
- Poor reflectivity
- Heavy, which may stress structural support
Best for:
Budget-conscious properties not prioritizing energy savings.
Additional Considerations
Insulation Matters
Even with a reflective roof that helps deflect solar heat, your building’s energy efficiency can suffer significantly if it lacks proper insulation. Insulation acts as a thermal barrier, reducing heat transfer between the interior and exterior of a building. Without it, cool air can escape in the summer and warm air can leak out in the winter, forcing your HVAC systems to work harder and driving up utility bills. This is why insulation isn’t just an add-on—it’s a critical component of any energy-efficient roofing system.
In a place like Denver, where temperatures can swing dramatically between seasons, pairing a reflective roofing material with high-quality insulation that meets or exceeds recommended R-values is essential.
The right combination ensures optimal performance year-round, keeping indoor temperatures stable, reducing mechanical strain on your building systems, and ultimately lowering operating costs. For commercial property owners, investing in both reflective roofing and proper insulation is a smart, long-term strategy for improving energy efficiency and building comfort.
Coatings as an Upgrade
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a full roof replacement, cool roof coatings offer a practical and cost-effective alternative. These specialized coatings can be applied directly to existing roofing systems such as EPDM or BUR, transforming them into more reflective and energy-efficient surfaces.
By increasing the solar reflectivity of your current roof, these coatings help deflect sunlight and reduce surface temperatures, which in turn lowers the amount of heat transferred into the building. This can significantly ease the load on your HVAC system, especially during Denver’s hot summer months.
Cool roof coatings are an ideal solution for commercial property owners looking to boost energy efficiency without the disruption and expense of a full tear-off. These coatings not only extend the life of the existing roof but also support sustainability goals by minimizing waste and resource consumption.
Whether you’re aiming to improve energy performance or delay a major capital expense, this upgrade offers a smart, budget-conscious path to better roof performance and long-term savings.
Bonus: Solar Compatibility
If you’re considering adding solar panels to your commercial roof, it’s essential to understand how your existing roofing material can impact both installation and long-term performance. Certain roofing systems, such as TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), are particularly well-suited for solar integration.
These single-ply membranes are not only highly reflective, helping to keep your building cooler, but they’re also easier to work with when it comes to sealing around mounting hardware. This compatibility reduces the risk of leaks and simplifies the installation process, making them an ideal base for solar arrays.
Additionally, the high reflectivity of TPO and PVC contributes to better energy efficiency by reducing rooftop temperatures, which can enhance the performance of solar panels. Cooler roof surfaces help photovoltaic systems operate more efficiently, especially in sun-intense climates like Colorado’s.
Choosing a roofing material that aligns with your solar goals can increase your energy return and reduce long-term utility costs. If you’re planning a solar project, it’s wise to consult with both your roofer and solar installer early in the process to ensure all components work seamlessly together.
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
Selecting the best roofing material is only half the battle—the other half lies in expert installation and ensuring the system is tailored to your building’s specific structure, usage, and environmental exposure. A high-quality roofing product can only perform at its best when it’s installed with precision and paired with the right supporting components, like insulation, drainage systems, and coatings.
Even the most durable or energy-efficient roofing material will fall short if it’s not properly flashed, sealed, or ventilated. That’s why commercial property owners should never underestimate the value of working with a contractor who understands the full roofing ecosystem.
That’s where Kapella Roofing comes in. With years of experience in commercial roofing across Colorado, our team brings a deep understanding of local building codes, climate demands, and energy-efficiency goals.
We don’t just install roofs—we design systems that work hard for your business, helping you manage costs, reduce long-term maintenance, and improve overall performance.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade common roofing materials or planning a new installation, Kapella Roofing will walk you through material selection, custom specifications, and ongoing care to ensure you get the most from your investment.
As trusted commercial roofers with years of experience in the Denver area, we offer:
- Free, no-pressure assessments
- Expert guidance on energy-efficient materials
- In-house insurance professionals to help you maximize your coverage
- Seamless installation with minimal business disruption
Final Thoughts
So, what is the best roofing material for your commercial property? It depends on your goals. If energy savings are a priority, TPO, PVC, or coated metal roofing systems are your best bets.
If budget constraints or unique structural considerations take precedence in your roofing project, it’s important to know that there are still viable options beyond the most commonly recommended materials. While certain roofing materials may not inherently provide the highest performance, they can be significantly improved through strategic enhancements such as the application of reflective coatings.
These coatings help increase energy efficiency by reflecting more sunlight and reducing heat absorption, which can keep your building cooler and lower cooling costs. This approach allows you to balance cost-effectiveness with functional benefits, ensuring your roof performs well even if initial material choices are driven by financial or architectural limitations.
Ultimately, thoughtful upgrades like these can extend the lifespan of your roof and optimize its overall performance without requiring a complete overhaul of your material selection.
At the end of the day, choosing the right roofing material is about much more than just protecting your building from the elements. It’s an investment that can yield significant financial benefits over time. A well-selected material enhances your building’s energy efficiency by improving insulation and reflecting heat, which directly contributes to lower utility bills throughout the year.
This means reduced costs for heating and cooling, translating into consistent savings month after month. Additionally, durable, high-quality roofing materials require less frequent repairs and replacements, minimizing maintenance expenses and unexpected costs.
In the long run, this combination of energy savings and durability ensures that your roofing choice pays for itself, making it a smart and cost-effective decision that supports your building’s performance and your bottom line for years to come.