When it's time to replace your existing roof, you have many considerations to keep in mind. One point that is easy to overlook is the importance of an energy-efficient roof. Roofs that help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter go a long way toward lowering your energy bills. This article examines some key ways to make your new roof more energy efficient.
Metal
Metal roofing has a number of benefits, one of the most important of which is that it can help keep your home cool during high temperatures. This characteristic of metal roofs makes them a particularly good choice if you live in a warm climate. A metal roof is ideal for warmer climates because it reflects heat back into the air rather than absorbing it. Because they are so effective at reflecting heat away from your house, your energy savings could reach as high as 50 percent.
Although it's true that metal roofs cost more to install than asphalt shingle roofs, the cost savings from metal roofing's energy efficiency will help to offset those costs.
Asphalt Shingles
If you prefer asphalt shingles for your new roof, then you need to think carefully about the color of the shingles. For example, darker-colored shingles will make a house considerably warmer than light-colored shingles on days with sunshine. Because of this, a house with light-colored shingles will not need as much air-conditioning during the summer, which reduces your energy costs.
By contrast, if you live in a region with a colder climate, dark-colored shingles on the roof could be to your advantage. Since these shingles allow more heat to reach the interior of your house, your heating bills will be lower during cold temperatures. Consult with an experienced roofing professional for the best shingle color for your area.
Ventilation
A crucial aspect of any energy-efficient roof is ventilation. Proper ventilation prevents the attic from getting too warm, which can cause problems in both the summer and winter. The best ventilation strategy is to have about half of the ventilation occur on the lower part of the roof and half on the top. Placing your lower ventilation in the soffits is a good idea, according to the Family Handyman website. Air should exit the attic through ridge vents on the top of the roof or hood vents.
To learn more about energy-efficient roof replacements and how they can reduce your overall energy costs, contact a qualified roofing contractor in your area.