Getting a Better, Greener Roof
The roof over your family’s head has the ever important job of protecting you from the harsh conditions of the outdoors. Whether it be a light sprinkle of rain, a full-on storm, or simply a 100 degree day, you should be able to count on your roof to keep the unwanted elements out, and the air you do want, in.
An efficient roof is an achievable goal for homeowners and will make your life at home easier in many ways. How do you take your roof from less-than to efficient? Let’s find out!
Roof Replacement
The biggest change you can make to your roof to make it more efficient is to replace it entirely. Depending on installation quality and the type of materials, your roof should last between 15-25 years. As soon as it hits that age range, you may begin to notice some things heading downhill:
- Leaks
- Sagging
- Moss/Mold growth
- Missing Shingles/balding
- Damaged flashing
If you are ready to make the investment for the safety and efficiency of your home, a new roof is the way to go. With quality installation, your new roof will be able to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer without making your HVAC work overtime and costing you a fortune in energy bills!
Material Choice
If you’re making the decision to replace your roof, think hard about the material you choose as some are more energy efficient than others. A metal roof, while pricey, is a great reflector of heat, comes in a wide range of styles and colors, and could last upwards of 50 years.
Roofing tiles are another great energy efficient choice as they have a natural thermal resistance to heat. Whether you go with ceramic, concrete, slate, cedar, or asphalt, these tiles are installed individually, meaning they have ventilation built right into them.
Finally, arguably the most popular choice amongst homeowners is the asphalt shingle. This is where you must be mindful of color, though, as dark colors absorb more heat rather than reflect it. Skip the blacks and browns and go for a lighter color to give your roof a fighting chance in the heat.
Insulation
Another big component of saving money on energy bills is good insulation. Without insulation, your roof is relying only on the roofing materials to keep out the elements. We recommend adding a protective layer of insulation to your attic. This will help fill all the cracks and crevices that would otherwise allow air to flow freely between the inside and outside.
Without this filler, you’re throwing away money by the breeze!
Ventilation
With all this insulation, however, we don’t want to turn your attic into a greenhouse! The excess heat will create a build-up of moisture that can develop mold and warp or rot your roof, compromising the structural integrity. This is why ventilation is essential.
Ventilation will help keep the extra moisture from building up, will lower attic temperature, and reduce the risk of ice dams.
Maintenance & Care
Your roof can often be out of sight and out of mind until something goes wrong and makes you notice. Proper roof maintenance and care is a great way to ensure your roof is the most efficient it can be. Trimming back trees and cleaning out the gutters will aid in protecting the materials from limb or water damage.
Scheduling a regular inspection could allow your roofing professionals to spot any signs of damage and repair them quickly. They’ll be happy to patch a leak, seal off spaces where your air is escaping, and replace missing shingles to bring your roof back to total protection and efficiency.
It is in your best interest to fix any roofing issues sooner rather than later. Putting off repairs is only costing you in efficiency and safety!
Are you ready to get efficient with your roof? Give Professional Roofing Services a call at (702) 500-0670 to get started!