If you’ve lived through even one Lancaster winter, you know what it means to feel the cold indoors—despite keeping the thermostat set just a little too high. The truth is, your heating bill may not be about your furnace at all. In many homes around here, the real problem starts at the top: the roof. That’s why energy-efficient roofing matters more than most homeowners realize—it’s one of the few upgrades that can reliably reduce heating costs season after season.
In this post, we’re breaking down:
- What makes a roof “energy-efficient”—and what doesn’t
- Why this matters in Lancaster County’s climate
- What to do before upgrading
- What materials to consider, how they compare, and what to expect in savings
- How JMK Roofing helps you make choices that are smart, not salesy
We’re JMK Roofing, and we’re not here to push products. We’re here to help you fix real problems with smart solutions. If you’re ready to talk specifics, reach out here.
Why This Matters in Lancaster County
Heating costs hit hard here, especially in older homes with aging insulation or outdated roofing. What we see most often are homeowners doing everything right—sealing windows, upgrading furnaces—yet still battling drafts and rising utility bills. The missing link? A roof system that actually keeps the heat in.
“Energy-efficient roofing” isn’t a marketing term. It’s about using materials and techniques that resist heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer—essential in a four-season climate like ours.
The Basics
Let’s get a few terms straight:
- R-value measures how well a material resists heat flow. Higher R = better insulation.
- Radiant barriers and reflective surfaces help deflect heat, especially useful in summer but still part of a balanced roof system.
- Ventilation matters just as much as insulation. A sealed attic without proper airflow traps moisture, which leads to mold and ice dams.
Lancaster winters can dip below freezing for weeks. If your attic or roof structure is underperforming, you’re not just wasting money—you’re shortening the lifespan of your home’s most expensive system.
Before You Upgrade: What to Know
This isn’t a decision to rush. Here’s what to sort out first:
- Budget Realistically
Energy-efficient roofing isn’t the cheapest option up front, but it’s often the most cost-effective over time. Expect 10–20% higher material costs compared to standard asphalt—but balanced by utility savings and longer life. - Get the Right Permits
Yes, permits are required for most roof work in Lancaster County. The good news: JMK Roofing handles them for you. - Know Your Roof’s Condition
If your deck, underlayment, or flashing are already failing, no insulation upgrade will fix the bigger issue. We always start with a full inspection. - Choose a Contractor Who Thinks Holistically
Energy-efficient roofing isn’t just a product you install—it’s a system you design. That’s how we approach every job.
How to Choose the Right Energy-Efficient Roofing System
With the prep work out of the way, let’s look at the roofing systems that actually move the needle. We’ve installed just about every type of roof in Lancaster County, and here’s what works for energy savings:
Insulated Shingles
- Best for: Straightforward upgrades, especially on newer homes
- Why it helps: Adds a small but meaningful R-value bump
- Watch out for: Low-quality products that claim to insulate but don’t deliver much value
Reflective Metal Roofing
- Best for: Long-term homeowners thinking about both winter and summer bills
- Why it helps: Reduces radiant heat transfer and lasts 40–50 years
- Watch out for: Improper ventilation—metal roofs need airflow to prevent condensation issues
Radiant Barrier + Blown-In Insulation
- Best for: Retrofitting older homes without gutting the attic
- Why it helps: Targets the whole envelope of your home, especially when paired with R‑49 attic insulation
- Watch out for: Assuming it’s a standalone fix—it works best as part of a whole-system upgrade
Synthetic Slate or Cedar with Built-In Efficiency
- Best for: Homeowners who want performance and curb appeal
- Why it helps: Higher R-values, longer life, and better fire resistance than natural materials
- Watch out for: Higher up-front costs (but lower total cost of ownership)
Quick Comparison: Energy-Efficient Roofing Options
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common energy-efficient roofing options, how they compare, and where each one fits best.
| Roofing Type | Energy Benefit | Cost Tier | Lifespan | Best Use Case |
| Insulated Asphalt Shingles | Low–Moderate | $$ | 25–30 years | Fast, familiar upgrades |
| Reflective Metal | Moderate–High | $$$ | 40–50 years | Long-term savings |
| Radiant Barrier + Insulation | High (combo) | $$ | Varies | Retrofit projects |
| Synthetic Slate or Cedar | High | $$$$ | 40–60 years | Premium homes |
Real example: We installed reflective standing-seam metal roofing on a 2,400 sq ft Lancaster home this spring. Combined with attic insulation, the homeowner reported a 12% reduction in winter heating bills—and is already seeing reduced summer cooling costs. This isn’t just a theory. It works.
Deep Dive: Risk vs Reward in Our Region
Now that we’ve looked at your material choices, it’s worth digging deeper into how these options perform under Lancaster’s climate—and what can go wrong if they’re not installed correctly.
Benefits That Pay Off
- Lower utility bills year-round
- Fewer drafts and cold zones
- Materials that last longer, resist ice dams, and reduce maintenance
Risks to Avoid
- Installing reflective materials without ventilation—this can trap moisture
- Relying solely on materials without addressing attic insulation or sealing
- Hiring contractors without energy-specific experience
At JMK Roofing, we walk you through each step—from attic evaluation to material selection—so you don’t waste time or money. We also back our work with:
- 10-year workmanship warranty
- 30–50 year manufacturer warranties
- Proven experience with Lancaster County building codes and weather patterns
What Lancaster Homeowners Want to Know About Energy-Efficient Roofing
Does energy-efficient roofing really reduce heating costs?
Yes, energy-efficient roofing can significantly reduce heating costs in Lancaster homes by minimizing heat loss through the roof during cold winter months. Materials like insulated shingles and reflective metal work with attic insulation to keep warmth inside where it belongs.
Is a permit required to install a new energy-efficient roof in Lancaster County?
Yes, installing any new roof—including energy-efficient options—typically requires a permit in Lancaster County. JMK Roofing manages the permit process for you to ensure compliance with local codes.
How much does it cost to upgrade to energy-efficient roofing?
Upgrading to energy-efficient roofing generally costs 10–50% more upfront than standard roofing materials, depending on the product. However, many Lancaster homeowners recover that investment over time through energy savings and reduced maintenance costs.
Will energy-efficient roofing affect my home’s appearance?
Yes, energy-efficient roofing can affect your home’s appearance, but not negatively. Many options, such as synthetic slate or reflective metal, offer clean, modern aesthetics or high-end finishes while improving performance.
Can I keep my current roof and just add insulation for energy efficiency?
Yes, in some cases you can keep your current roof and add attic insulation to improve energy efficiency, but we always recommend an inspection first. If your roof deck or ventilation system is compromised, insulation alone won’t deliver the expected savings.
Are energy-efficient roofing materials covered by warranty?
Yes, energy-efficient roofing materials are covered by manufacturer warranties—as long as they are installed correctly. JMK Roofing installs Owens Corning and GAF systems with up to 50-year warranties, and we include a 10-year workmanship guarantee on all projects.
Will energy-efficient roofing help reduce summer cooling costs too?
Yes, energy-efficient roofing helps reduce summer cooling costs as well by reflecting solar heat and lowering attic temperatures. This makes your HVAC system work less year-round, not just in winter.
Why Your Roof Should Work Smarter This Winter
If you’re tired of watching your heating bill climb and wondering why your house never feels quite warm enough, your roof might be the missing piece. Energy-efficient roofing isn’t a trend—it’s a smart investment, especially in Lancaster County’s extreme seasons.
At JMK Roofing, we’ve been doing this since 2012. We’re licensed, experienced, and known for getting the job done on time and done right. With strong warranties, trusted reviews, and transparent pricing, we’re ready to help you fix what’s costing you.
Schedule your free inspection today. Let’s make this winter warmer—for you and your wallet.
