Your roof is one of the biggest investments and important aspects of your property. It is designed to protect you from the elements for many years. Moreover, your roof is crucial in making you and your loved ones comfortable inside your home. However, not all roofs are created equal. Some roofs are better when it comes to making sure your home is energy-efficient, too!
With skyrocketing energy bills, a lot of homeowners are finding ways to save more money. An energy-efficient roof can make a lot of difference. Besides, it can also help improve your home’s insulation to protect you and your home from harsh weather conditions, especially when it’s too hot outside.
But what if you’re renting or purchasing a new home and have no idea whether or not the roof is energy efficient? Here’s how to find out!
-
It’s the Best Color for Your Geographical Area
Dark colors absorb heat, while light colors reflect it. Therefore, the color of your roof plays an important factor in energy efficiency. Depending on your geographical area, your roof should be either light or dark-colored to get significant savings on your electricity bills and roofing maintenance.
The right color of the roof can also get you more years out of your roof shingles. A white or light brown color will work best in reflecting the sun’s energy, which can keep your house cooler even during the hottest months of the year.
Dark color roofs are recommended in more frigid environments because they can absorb plenty of sunlight. In turn, this can help keep a house warm during the cold months.
-
It’s the Most Appropriate Material
Even with the best roof color, we can’t diminish the importance of the right materials as well. Why? It’s simple—even if you have the right roof color, the wrong materials will limit your roof’s energy efficiency.
The best energy-efficient materials are made of shake shingles, metal roofing, slate roofing, asphalt shingles, and tile roofing.
Shake shingles hold up well and allow better air circulation, but they are difficult to maintain in wet environments as they are susceptible to mildew and rot. On the other hand, asphalt shingles are energy-efficient and low maintenance, but they’re not recommended in areas that experience high winds and storms.
A budget-friendly option is metal roofing, which is also known for its durability and reflectivity. This type of material is perfect for sunny environments, yet it can be damaged quickly.
Slate roofing can last, but it’s challenging to install. A lot of roofing contractors are not qualified to install slate roofing. Last but not least, tile roofing is best for warm desert climates.
-
It Ensures Proper Ventilation
There is a third major factor to roof energy efficiency: ventilation. Have you ever visited the attic of your home? How is the airflow? Keep in mind that an energy-efficient roof must have cool outside air to enter the home through intakes, and it will need hot air to leave the attic through its exhausts.
Installation of turbine fans on the roof can actively push hot air out. You can also install a solar fan onto the roof for better ventilation.
Is Your Roof Energy-Efficient?
To understand how energy efficient your roof is, take some time to evaluate its color, material, and ventilation. Doing so will help you see if any changes need to be made for maximum efficiency. Not sure if your roofing is the best? It’s a good idea to get in touch with a roofing expert and have them perform a professional assessment. Aside from evaluating its energy efficiency, roofers can also perform maintenance and ensure your roof serves you well for years to come!
Are you looking for the best roofers around? We can help with your Charlotte roofing needs! With our many years in the industry, we are highly familiar with the importance of a well-built and energy-efficient roof. Contact us today for a professional assessment!