Did you realize that almost 50% of the money spent on monthly utility bills goes toward heating and cooling your home? In a vast majority of American homes, the costs for energy are literally going through the roof. The roof of your home is the first line of defense against the heat of summer and the cold winter air. A poorly insulated roof lets in too much summer heat, causing massive air conditioning bills due to low efficiency. Without proper insulation there is also a great heat loss in cold weather, again leading to excessive costs to heat your home.
Spend the extra money on energy efficient roofing in the first place will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars on your utility bills in the long run. Your roof is the first line of defense for your home against the elements and an energy efficient roof offers better, longer lasting protection. A professionally installed energy efficient roof will keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The materials used in energy-efficient roofing allow the roof to withstand the continuous exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which in turn will lengthen the life span of your roof.
The best energy efficient roofing products are constructed with a high solar reflectance, which means that they reflect the sun’s energy rather than absorbing it. Roofs installed with these reflective characteristics reduce the surface temperature on the roof by as much as 30%, this means that less heat will penetrate into your home. The most energy-efficient roofs are also built to have high emittance, which means they release any heat that has been absorbed more efficiently, again helping to keep your home cool.
Properly installed insulation is another key factor that increases the energy efficiency of your roof. R-value is the measurement of the ability of insulation to resist the transfer of heat. In cold climates, higher R-value insulation materials assist in trapping the warm air in and keeping the cold air out which reduces heating costs. Proper attic ventilation is another key factor in energy efficient roofing, keeping the air moving through your attic prevents heat and moisture build-up within the attic space. There are numerous options to achieve proper air flow through your attic space depending on the style of your home; a professional roofing contractor will help you decide on the best option for your home to maximize the efficiency of your investment.
There are a multitude of financial incentives offered by different levels of government for those who take the initiative to make their roof and home more energy efficient. For example, residents of California who improve the thermal rating of the insulation in their home will receive tax rebates as a reward for their improvements.
Speak with an established roofing professional to discuss what energy efficient roofing options are available to improve your home and save you money.