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  • Writer's pictureMeredith Ott
    • Nov 14, 2021
    • 2 min read

Metal roofs for mobile homes can save money!

Updated: Jun 9

The problem with this topic is that is it technical. I am going to try to make this a leisure read as opposed to a physics homework assignment.


A mobile, manufactured, or modular home's roof is a very basic construction of trusses, plywood, some type of underlayment, and some kind of covering like shingle or metal. A stationary home has the same roof layers but the trusses are thicker. However, under the roof is a big difference, there's most likely an attic. The attic is an air space that contains insulation too. A large majority of mobile homes lack an attic. There is no buffer between the roof and the living area. Insulation helps regulate the temperature of the living area as well, it helps maintain coolness when the A/C is on and heat when the heater is on.


Since there is no attic, there is also no ventilation system. In a stationary home with an attic, the air comes up through the holes in the soffit and pushes the warmer air out the top vents. These vents are called ridge vents.


The diagram depicts the flow of air through an attic space. The attic is represented by a rectangular box with a sloped roof, and the diagram shows the path of air from the soffit vents to the roof vents. The soffit vents are located on the underside of the roof's overhang and allow cool air to enter the attic space. The cool air then flows upward through the attic and exits through the roof vents, which are installed at the peak of the roof. This process, known as attic ventilation, helps to regulate the temperature and humidity levels in the attic, preventing moisture buildup and reducing the risk of damage to the roof and other structural elements of the building. The diagram highlights the importance of maintaining proper attic ventilation to ensure the long-term durability and energy efficiency of the building.
Diagram showing the flow of air through the roof


Ok, so how do we solve the problem of no attic or ventilation? We put the most reflective building material on the roof. Just plain galvalume metal on the roof reflects about 45% of the sun's energy. Image the difference on your electric bill. Other colors of metal roofs vary in reflectivity.



The diagram illustrates how a metal roof reflects heat. The diagram shows a cross-section of a building's roof, with insulation installed between the rafters and a layer of sheathing installed on top. A metal roof is then installed over the sheathing, with an air gap between the metal and the insulation. The diagram shows that when the sun's rays strike the metal roof, much of the heat is reflected back into the atmosphere rather than being absorbed into the roof's structure. This reflective quality of metal roofs helps to keep the building's interior cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning and improving energy efficiency. Additionally, the air gap between the metal roof and the insulation creates an additional layer of insulation, further reducing heat transfer and improving the building's overall energy performance.
Diagram showing metal's reflectivity

"What is known in the metal roofing industry as "cool metal roofing" can significantly reduce a building's long-term energy use. Through the application of heat deflecting metal coatings, energy costs can be reduced up to 40% or more, according to a study conducted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory"- https://www.metalroofing.com/residential-metal-roofing/benefits/


If you have any questions or would like a free estimate please call Christian at 321-223-6026 or Thomas at 321-339-6479.










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