Whether you’ll soon need new roofing or are in need of ways of making your existing roof more energy efficient, there are several things you can do to achieve your goal. A roof that’s more energy efficient equals lower utility bills, which you’re sure to appreciate during the hottest and coldest months of the year. Besides basic roofing repair and maintenance, be sure to put these suggestions to good use to put a solid, protective roof over your physical house as well as your financial house.
Use Light-Colored Shingles
Are you in the market for new shingles on your roof? One Melbourne area roof repair company suggests getting light-colored shingles rather than darker ones. The reason for this recommendation is because light colors reflect sunlight whereas dark colors absorb sunlight, which warms up your home. This simple tip is an especially good one if you live in an area that receives an abundance of sunlight throughout the year.
Opt for More Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials
While you’re deciding on which light-colored shingles to spread across your roof, you should also explore your options for energy-efficient roofing materials. Roofing materials and technology have come a long way, something you might not realize if you aren’t a roofing expert. Such materials have an Energy Star-rating so you have a solid idea of just how energy efficient they are before you spend any money on them. Be sure to ask roofers about the unique advantages and disadvantages of each material type.
Insulate Your Roof
Ask an expert to take a look at your roof’s insulation to see if it’s doing its job; it might be time to either get new insulation or upgrade your current insulation. The reason proper roofing insulation is so important is that it better ensures you don’t lose air while heating or cooling your home. If you do, your HVAC unit works harder than absolutely necessary to keep your home at your desired temperature, which often translates to you spending more than you need to on your utility bills.
Look Into Getting a Cool Roof Coating
If you don’t have the money or the need for a new roof but still want to do what you can to make it more energy efficient, getting a cool roof coating is the way to go. What’s unique about the coating is that it boosts your roof’s UV protection. Even better is the fact that the coating also makes your roof more resistant to water damage, and also boosts the overall life expectancy of your roof. One thing to bear in mind is that you’ll want to talk to a roofing professional about which coating is best for your roof and your needs so you get the perfect type of coating for your roof.
Ventilate Your Attic
Besides insulating your attic, you also want to see that your attic is properly ventilated. Specifically, it’s a good idea to use ventilation fans to take care of any heat that does accumulate in your roof, especially since it’s unlikely your HVAC’s ventilation system extends to your roof. When combined with quality insulation, a ventilated attic makes things even easier on your air conditioner and furnace, and therefore, your energy bills as well.
Look Into a Green Roof
If you’ve got the budget for it, getting a green roof made from foliage, dirt, trees and sod not only helps keep your home cooler, but helps the environment at the same time. Again, this is something you’ll want to discuss in depth with a roofing expert so you understand what you’re getting into and how to best take care of your living roof.
It’s easier than ever to make your home’s roof as energy efficient as possible. Put these tips to good use and see how well they work for you and your home.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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