Roofs play a significant role in protecting homes from harsh weather, but they can increase expenses if they are not energy-efficient. If your property is in an area with no shade, your roof will get exposed to the sun for long hours and raise indoor temperatures. This high temperature can overwork the HVAC system and increase your energy bills. Here, we discuss five ways you can make your roof energy-efficient and, in return, reduce your utility bills.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials
Your choice of roofing material can influence how much heat your house absorbs or releases. If you are installing a new roof or getting a replacement, consider using a material that is energy efficient. While asphalt shingles are a good option, metal roofs have a reflective coating that casts back sunlight. This feature reduces the amount of heat absorbed and saves energy that would otherwise go into cooling.
Besides that, metal roofs have a lifespan of over 50 years and require less maintenance than other materials. Some of the metal roofing options available in the market are stone-coated steel copper tiles and aluminum shingles.
Insulate Your Attic
The quality of attic insulation can determine whether or not a roof saves energy. A poorly insulated roof will trap heat in the attic and overwork your air conditioning system during warm weather. It will also allow cold air to flow in the house during winter, increasing heating costs.
Installing an insulator in your attic creates a barrier that reduces heat transfer between your home’s interior and exterior. This measure will then reduce the need to heat or cool your home often and minimize energy consumption.
Select the Right Shingle Color
When choosing roof shingles, most homeowners consider how they will look alongside the wall and the rest of the landscape. While the color of the shingles affects the aesthetic of a home, it also determines the energy efficiency of a roof.
Dark roofing materials absorb heat from the outside and raise the interior temperature of a home. They also release heat faster, making them ideal for melting snow in cold regions. In contrast, light-colored shingles absorb less heat, causing a house to be cooler. This feature makes bright roof shingles more suitable for sunny and hot regions.
Selecting the wrong shingle color can cause your home to be too hot or cold, depending on the weather and the surrounding. You will then end up spending more energy regulating temperatures to make your home more comfortable.
Ensure That the Property Has Proper Ventilation
Roofs should have ventilation to allow proper airflow between the attic and the outer parts of a house. If your roof does not have enough airing, it can trap hot air in the upper part and cause the house to heat up.
It is vital to install vents along the low points of your roof to allow the inflow of cool air. Besides, consider placing more openings on the high ends to allow any rising hot air to escape. Ensuring that your roof has proper airflow will regulate temperature and gradually reduce the need to use your HVAC system.
Install Solar Shingles
Solar shingles may be a costly investment, but they are the most energy-efficient roofing material available. These photovoltaic panels come in small sizes that resemble traditional roof shingles. They are an excellent solution for homeowners that can benefit from reliable solar power but want to avoid a clanky roof appearance.
Contact Absolute Construction for Energy Efficient Roofing Solutions
When installing a roof, you want to make sure that it improves the appearance of your home and reduces expenses. At Absolute Construction, we provide a wide range of energy-saving roofing solutions in Kansas, Missouri, and Texas states. We can assess your roof to determine how we can improve its functionality and durability. Contact us today if you are looking for a contractor to make your roof more energy-efficient.