Energy efficiency remains an extremely important yet complex issue. It is directly linked to environmental protection and closely tied to building regulations and standards. The energy efficiency of a house depends on many elements, including the shape of the roof, its ventilation, and—very importantly—the choice and precise installation of the right roofing material. Let’s explore which roofing solutions help create an energy-efficient home.
Financial Benefits, Comfort, and Ecology
Investing in an energy-efficient home is cost-effective in the long run and has a significant impact on the comfort and health of residents. At the same time, it brings numerous ecological benefits. However, for a building to be truly energy-efficient and not just in name, the entire design concept must be carefully planned, the right solutions and materials chosen, and construction entrusted to reliable contractors.
It is also worth analyzing the technologies used in the production of building materials. The best choice is to trust manufacturers who partially recover the energy used in production, ensuring that the entire technological process is eco-friendly, low-emission, and aligned with modern construction standards.
The Importance of Standards
Building an energy-efficient house requires the use of solutions that comply with specific low-emission standards. These standards were tightened by the 2021 update of the building code (WT2021). The new regulations increased the requirements for reducing the demand for non-renewable energy, meaning that all new houses must now meet stricter efficiency levels. This also means higher upfront costs for advanced materials, though such investments usually pay off within a few years.
Two key indicators define the energy efficiency of a building:
- Primary Energy Demand (Ep): This measures how much non-renewable energy a building can consume. The lower it is, the better. The standard for single-family homes was reduced from 95 kWh/m²/year to 70 kWh/m²/year. This makes renewable energy sources and high-performance insulation materials essential to reduce energy demand.
- Heat Transfer Coefficient (U): This measures how much heat escapes through walls, ceilings, roofs, windows, and doors. The lower the U-value, the more energy-efficient the building is.
Energy-Efficient Homes – From Design to Specific Solutions
The idea of an energy-efficient house is multifaceted and linked to numerous building parameters. It all begins with the right design, ideally featuring a simple, compact structure.
Investing in modern technological solutions is equally important. Among the most essential are renewable energy sources (RES), which reduce the costs of heating, hot water, and electricity. But energy efficiency is not just about generating clean energy—it is also about minimizing overall heat loss.
To achieve this, proper insulation throughout the home is crucial, especially sealing vulnerable areas where heat most commonly escapes. Efficient ventilation systems are also essential to ensure balanced airflow and a healthy indoor climate.
While homeowners often focus on preventing heat loss through windows, doors, and walls, much less attention is given to heat loss through the roof—which can account for up to 30% of total losses. Heat naturally rises through all levels of the house and escapes through the roof, making the roof one of the most critical elements of an energy-efficient building.
The Key Role of the Roof and Its Components
When assessing a house design, the first factor to consider is the roof shape. Simple roof structures, such as mono-pitched or gable roofs, are preferable. Complex designs create corners and joints where significant heat loss occurs. A simpler roof also makes it easier to install photovoltaic panels and solar collectors.
The second crucial factor is insulation. With proper roof insulation, heat loss can be reduced by up to one-third, significantly lowering heating costs. Roof insulation must be thicker than wall insulation—at least 30 cm—to achieve the required thermal performance.
Equally important is the correct installation of the roofing material. Only a properly sealed roof covering prevents unwanted gaps that allow heat to escape. Accessories such as roof membranes and ventilation outlets also play a major role. To be effective, the membrane must not only be properly installed but also feature excellent parameters in terms of weight, water resistance, vapor permeability, and UV protection. Modern products such as DuraBLACK+ or SolidBLACK+ meet these requirements, ensuring durability and extending the roof’s lifespan.
Ceramic Roof Tiles – Supporting Energy Efficiency
While different roofing materials can be used in energy-efficient homes, ceramic roof tiles (such as KODA, SIMPLA, or TITANIA) and concrete roof tiles (such as KIOTO or KAPSTADT) are among the most effective.
Thanks to their weight and natural composition, they provide excellent thermal insulation. In winter, they slowly release heat, keeping warm air inside the insulation layer. In summer, they heat up gradually, ensuring a stable attic temperature and a healthy indoor microclimate while reducing the need for excessive ventilation.
Ceramic roof tiles are also highly impermeable. Their low water absorption prevents moisture penetration, protecting the roof structure against dampness, mold, and mildew.
At the same time, their vapor-permeable properties allow internal moisture to escape, ensuring dry walls and a balanced indoor environment. Additionally, both ceramic and concrete tiles offer excellent sealing and protection thanks to double side and top interlocks, which provide wide tolerance for precise fitting.