Are you frustrated with high energy bills? Does cooling or heating your home feel nearly impossible? Your roof could be the culprit. Most of our roofs are exposed to long hours of sunlight on any given day. This can raise your home’s temperature and force your HVAC system to work overtime, jacking up your energy costs in the process. But there is no need to worry, there are several ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency!
Now, more than ever, it’s vital to make sure you’re not unknowingly throwing away your hard-earned money. So, let’s explore some key energy-saving roofing strategies for improved living spaces and lower utility bills. Make sure your roof is working for you, not against you!
Insulation
When it comes to heating your home, a well-insulated roof is key to a toasty and cozy home. Think of insulation as a thick layer between the roof on the outside of your home and the ceiling on the inside. Since heat rises, a faulty roof with poor insulation would allow heat to seep out. You would be cranking up the heat constantly, but your home would not be staying warm. This also applies to cooling your home during the hotter months as well.
Although you could install insulation on your own in some cases, we highly recommend hiring a certified professional to do it for you. This would ensure everything is done properly the first time around without any extra headaches.
Ventilation
Roof ventilation is all about airflow and keeping your attic at a stable temperature all year round! Proper ventilation helps rid your space of stale air and replace it with fresh air. It also removes excess heat and moisture that, if left trapped in your home, could cause damage. Some problems poor ventilation could cause include mold, mildew, structural rotting and warping, and even ice dams in the colder months. Not sure if your roof has the proper ventilation it needs to keep your energy costs low? Reach out to us!
Shingle Colors
Yes, it’s true – the color of your shingles can affect your home’s energy efficiency! In all cases, darker colors tend to absorb more heat from the sun than lighter colors do. Furthermore, lighter colors usually do a better job of reflecting the sun’s rays and therefore reduce the heat. With this in mind, darker shingles can be great in colder climates while lighter shingles would be ideal for hot and sunny climates. Some asphalt shingles can also come with reflective surfaces so that you can go with a darker color if you’d like.
It may be hard to believe, but this simple roofing choice could make a drastic difference in your home’s temperature and energy bill.
Solar Shingles
In recent years, the invention of solar shingles has changed the energy-efficient roofing game. Though a bit of a costly investment, solar shingles are small photovoltaic panels that look similar to traditional roofing shingles. They work like regular solar panels that offer solar power to the home but with a less bulky appearance on the roof.
As roofing materials, products, and technologies continue to advance, opportunities for more energy-efficient homes will appear. Make sure you have a trusted and certified roofing professional on your side to keep up with the roofing industry advancements. Want to know if your roof could be running up your energy bill? Give us a call at 248-393-0055 or visit our website to set up your roof inspection today!
Sources:
https://www.qualityfirsthome.com/blog/roofing/new-roof-energy-efficiency/
https://mcfallroofing.com/five-ways-increase-roof-attics-efficiency/
https://www.absoluteroofingcompany.net/5-ways-to-make-your-roof-energy-efficient/
