When you think about how the sun beats straight down on the roof of your home or your commercial building, it’s pretty easy to understand why a roof would get extremely hot during the warmer months of the year. Roofing manufacturers recognized this fact some years ago, and began making roofing materials which could do a better job of reflecting the sun’s heat, rather than absorbing it all and making the building underneath much harder to keep cool.
Today, there are a number of good options for installing roofing systems which are energy-efficient, and which will reduce the burden on your cooling system in the living or working space in the building below. Some of the most energy-efficient options for roofing are described below, and when you need a roof replacement, these types should be at the top of your list. Also at the top of your list should be the very best roofing installation company, HomeGuard.
Metal Roofing
One of the best choices you could make for a roofing system is metal roofing. Metal roofs have proven that they can last up to 50 years when properly installed, and with their interlocking panels, they provide excellent resistance to wind and nasty weather. They are relatively lightweight, which reduces the stress on the building supports, and they are also fireproof, which can be a significant advantage in an arid climate. They are incredibly energy-efficient, and they also are available in colors and styles to suit just about every taste, so they have almost universal appeal as a potential roofing solution.
Tile Roofing
Tile roofing offers some unique advantages as a roofing system, starting with the fact that it’s perfect for insulation. Since air can easily circulate under the tiles themselves, energy can be conserved during both warm weather and cold weather. Tiles are also highly resistant to fire, and any kind of damage which might be sustained by hail or stormy weather. This is another roofing system which typically enjoys a very long lifespan, so it’s a good investment from the longevity standpoint, as well as from the energy-efficiency perspective. To top it all off, roofing tiles are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, so they can be installed on almost any structure, and still blend in nicely with other buildings in the neighborhood.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
When seeking out energy-efficient asphalt shingles, you should bear in mind that there are asphalt shingles sold which are not considered energy-efficient, and there’s a big difference between the two types. The energy-efficient variety are actually made with special granules that contribute to reducing heat absorption, while ordinary shingles lack these special granules. Believe it or not, this can make a difference of 100 degrees Fahrenheit on the surface of a roof – so imagine the difference felt in the building below.
There are some other benefits provided by asphalt shingle roofs, beginning with the fact that they are one of the most cost-effective roofing systems on the market today, and are also one of the easiest types of roofing systems to install. They are now being constructed to provide superior protection against wind and rain, as well as against any kind of fire which might be passed on to the roof. For those who prefer their privacy, asphalt shingles act as an insulator against sound penetration, so less outside noise will pass through to the interior.
With a special coating applied, asphalt shingles can also provide tremendous impact resistance, which is vital in Colorado where storms whip up debris and drop sizeable hailstones. In terms of their usability, these shingles also come in all kinds of colors and can be adapted into different shapes, to present a specific curb appeal.
Consider Proper Ventilation and Insulation
Ventilation is a critical part of maintaining the energy efficiency of your roof. A roof that has proper ventilation allows air to circulate through the attic space. There should be vents to let air come into the attic, as well as vents to allow it to exit. Some may think it is strange to insulate an attic to keep it warm and to enable cold air to flow in; however, this combination is what makes your home energy efficient. In the colder winter months, allowing the cooler air to flow naturally into the attic space keeps the attic temperature cooler to reduce the potential for ice damming (snow that melts on the roof from the heat escaping from the attic and refreezing in the gutters of the roof) which is a major cause of roof leaks. The insulation in the attic is meant to keep heat in your home, instead of rising up into the attic. In the warmer summer months, the same natural airflow does the exact opposite – it moves heated air out of the attic to help protect the roof and removes moisture, while the insulation helps to keep the heat from the attic out of your home.
Blocking the airflow at the eaves ( the edges of the roof which overhang the face of a wall and, normally, project beyond the side of a building) is one of the most common mistakes made by homeowners. To allow for proper ventilation and natural airflow, be sure never to cover the soffit vents with insulation in your home.
Things to Know
As a homeowner, you can apply for a tax credit if you have a metal or asphalt roof with pigmented coatings or cooling granules designed to reduce heat gain.
Cool roofs are lighter in color than traditional black asphalt shingles and help to save energy by reflecting light and heat instead of absorbing them.
Ask the Experts
Choosing the most energy-efficient roof, and the one which is ideal for your home or office building, can best be handled by consulting with the roofing experts at HomeGuard. With more than 50 combined years in the roofing business, the professionals at HomeGuard can recommend the absolute best roofing option for you. Contact us today with any inquiries you may have, or to schedule a consultation at your home or office.
