Most of us don’t think much about the roof until something bad happens. Only when we perform inspections and uncover hidden problems such as storm damages and shingle deterioration, we tend to pay more attention to the roof on our home. However, what most people don’t know is that the roof has a great ability to preserve energy and cut down on utility bills. Did you know that you can take advantage of your roof and save money in the long run?
It might be hard to believe, but there are ways to improve the energy efficiency of your roof and make your home more comfortable and green. By reducing energy consumption, you’re not only doing what’s best for the environment but yourself too. With a few changes and improvements in the roof, you can enjoy consistent temperatures in extreme weather and lower too high cooling and heating costs. The best thing is, these roofing upgrades are simple and easy to perform. Here are the three main ways you can make your roof more energy-efficient:
During the extreme summer heat, cooling systems in all homes are running continuously, causing thousands of dollars to go on energy bills over the year. That’s why people came up with roof cooling techniques. These include many solutions, including special materials, paints, and coats for protection against heat.
Different cool roofing materials and paint are used to reflect light rather than absorbing it, which reduces the need for an air conditioning system. As you already know, dark colors tend to attract the sun and absorb the heat. In the roof situation, that causes the entire home to warm up even more. On the other hand, light-colored roofs deflect the sun and have a direct impact on how frequently your AC will be used during the summer.
When cooling your roof, you can either install special shingles made to deflect heat, paint them in a light color, or use a cooling coating. The choice is all yours, but we recommend talking to a roofing contractor first. A professional will inspect your roof and suggest the most suitable solution for saving energy.
An energy-efficient roof is a well-insulated and ventilated one. Insulation is one of the first things people think of when they decide to make their homes more energy-efficient. It’s a good and effective strategy, and we highly recommend it. Poor roof insulation requires much more air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter, which significantly enhances monthly energy consumption and bills. Even worse, poor insulation causes the cooled or warmed air to leave the house quicker. Thus, without proper insulation, you may still feel cold or hot, no matter how much you boost your HVAC system.
Once you decide on roof insulation, you will have to choose proper materials depending on your house type and the climate you live in. You can do your own research or consult a professional but keep in mind that the attic needs to be insulated alongside the roof. The attic insulation is super easy and inexpensive, and it provides immediate results, but you will have to buy another type of insulation for this purpose.
When it comes to roof ventilation, a lot of people get confused with the suggestion. Why would you add air vents when you spent so much effort on insulating the roof and attic? It’s because fresh air is crucial for roof health. Even with the insulation, the attic can accumulate heat and cause shingles deterioration. It can even pass some of the heat to the house and undo the results you got with insulation. Thus, you will definitely need some sort of ventilation to keep your roof healthy.
Last but not least, one of the ways to improve the energy efficiency of your roof is by choosing proper roofing materials. When the time comes for homeowners to install a new roof, they should decide on materials depending on the energy efficiency they provide.
There are many energy-efficient roofing materials available on the market today, and while they are pricier than then shingles, they make a worthy investment. Metal roofing, for example, comes with a high initial installation cost but has an outstanding capability to save tons of money on energy bills. Therefore, check the energy-efficient roofing materials when getting your new roof and consider professional help for proper installation.
Capstone Roofing is your number one roofing contractor in Phoenix. We offer our clients a wide range of roofing services, including inspections, installations, and repairs. Regardless of the task and the problem you might have for us to solve, Capstone Roofing is there to determine your needs and come up with the best solution for your home.
Our highly-trained and experienced team is there to help you improve the energy efficiency of your roof, and thus, make your home more comfortable and lower your monthly bills. Whether you already have a developed plan and only need assistance to conduct it or need consultations to craft an entirely new roofing strategy, Capstone Roofing will help. We provide the best ways to improve the energy efficiency of your roof according to your specific needs and preferences. Contact us here and schedule a free consultation!