Did you know that getting a new roof can actually save you money? We know that sounds crazy, but roofs play a huge role in one of a homeowner’s biggest expenses: energy. Having an energy efficient home saves the typical household 25% on utility bills! So, while there are upfront costs, a new roof is an economic decision. And it won’t just save you money in the summer – a new roof will also help lock the heat in during the winter months – keeping your family warm and your roof in peak condition.
But it’s not just about getting a new roof. Here are the key things to keep in mind to make sure your new roof is truly energy efficient and the best choice for your home or business.
Solar Reflection
Have you heard the idea that wearing black makes you hotter because it absorbs the heat from the sun? Well, the same idea translates to your roof. Darker materials, including shingles, absorb the heat from the sun and send it straight into your home. Other materials reflect the light away from your home, such as terracotta tiles. Roofs with high solar reflection can lower your roof’s temperature by as much as 50 degrees!
Because roofs have a relatively long life, somewhere between 20 and 50 years, odds are that your roof is getting up there in years. Older roofs were built with materials that do not reflect the sun as well and newer materials. Sounds like it’s time for an update!
Roof Ventilation
It may seem weird to create vents that allow outdoor air into your attic but fresh air actually plays a huge role in the health of your roof. Attics can become giant ovens if they don’t have ventilation, leading to the air conditioner working harder and higher energy costs. That being said, it needs to be the proper amount of airflow! You don’t want cracks or leaks. Installing a new roof will ensure that your roof has the right amount of ventilation it needs to keep your home energy efficient.
New Roofing Technology and Energy Star Rating
Very few things stay the same and roofing materials are no exception! Roofing materials have undergone immense technological improvements to offer better stability, improved resistance against heat flow and have an increased metal content to better protect from the elements and wind. There are even roofing materials that are specifically for “cool roofs.” New roofs can also be given an Energy Star Rating – so you’ll know for sure that your home is saving energy and money.
Materials play a large role in your home’s energy efficiency, but so do the techniques used to install the roof. Our experts attend continuing education classes to make sure we’re up to date on the best way to install your roof! Get your free estimate for a new roof today.