Enhancing Home Energy Efficiency Through the Right Roofing Choices
Choosing the right roofing material isn’t just about how it enhances your home’s look. While it’s important for the roof to have a look that suits your home, it also has the potential to improve your energy efficiency.
If your roof is at the end of its lifespan, it’s important to consider how a new roof can enhance your home beyond its appearance. Not only is it an essential part of protecting your home but it can reduce your heating and cooling expenses.
Energy-Saving Roofing Upgrades to Consider for Your Home
Take a look at some of the roofing choices that can help maximize your energy efficiency when installing a roof.
Cool Roofing
Cool roofs are made to reflect more of the sun’s rays and absorb less heat. There are many different types of materials that make this possible. Among them, metal roofing is becoming a top choice as it has natural reflectivity to keep homes cooler in hot weather while keeping them warm inside on colder days.
Metal roofs are also highly durable and sustainable, and while they cost more upfront, you’ll wind up spending less over the years for maintenance and repairs. You should know that while metal roofing is an excellent option, it isn’t the only type of cool roofing available. Tile roofs composed of clay or concrete are also highly reflective and are another durable investment that enhances energy efficiency in your home.
Attic Insulation
If you’re replacing your roof, the insulation in your attic is another important roofing choice. Your home will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by keeping heat transfer from occurring between your attic and your home’s living space.
Check your attic insulation to see if it is outdated and have it upgraded if it’s not serving your home well. Along with a new energy-efficient roof, it will help you slash your energy costs and create a more comfortable interior.
Ventilation
Another essential component of making your home more energy efficient is the ventilation system. This prevents moisture from building up in your attic and causing mold and mildew to spread through your home. A professional roofing company can assess the best fit, though a ridge vent system is among the most efficient and effective.
Ridge vents are placed at the peak of the roof, letting hot air escape from the attic. They work with soffit vents at the eaves of your roof, letting cool air enter the space. When replacing your roof, it is critical to consider upgrading this system if it is not serving your home well.
Roof Color
While choosing the right roofing materials is a huge factor in improving your home’s energy efficiency, the color of these materials is just as important. Lighter-colored roofs will reflect more sunlight while absorbing less heat. You may like the way darker-colored roofs look on your home, but they will soak up more heat and make your home hotter during the summer.
Many lighter colors can work with your home. It’s worth considering to maximize your energy efficiency and lower your overall costs.
Reflective Roof Coatings
If you have a certain aesthetic in mind, you may want to consider reflective roof coatings. These can be applied to many different kinds of roofing materials from shingles to tiles. Reflective roof coatings can reflect the sun’s rays, reducing the amount of heat that enters your home.
While they are great for helping your home become more energy efficient, roof coatings are also ideal for extending the life of your roof. Reflective roof coatings can prevent damage from UV rays, keeping them from prematurely aging your roof.
Energy Star-Rated Roofing Materials
Another way to enhance the efficiency of your home with a new roof is by considering Energy Star-rated roofing materials. With the help of a professional roofing company, you can find the products that meet the strict energy efficiency guidelines which rate them on their ability to reflect sunlight and reduce heat transfer.
In order for roofing materials to receive an Energy Star rating, they must meet the requirements for solar reflectance and thermal emittance. This means that they have to reflect sunlight and release any absorbed heat. The higher the values are, the more energy-efficient the materials.
Essentially, it takes the guesswork out of choosing materials that benefit energy efficiency at home. Working with your roofing contractor, you can be completely confident that you’re installing roofing materials that will enhance this aspect of your home and reduce your energy bills.
How to Approach Energy-Efficient Roof Replacement
Your older roof is going to need replacement sooner or later. It’s a prime time to review your options for energy-efficient roofing materials. Make sure you discuss the full spectrum of choices with a reputable roofing company.
