A New Roof Can Save Energy and the Environment!

Energy efficiency is an important topic today, and one that homeowners must take very seriously. Becoming more energy efficient helps save money on home utilities costs, but it also helps the environment, too. One significant way homeowners can improve their home’s efficiency is with the right roof. Since the roof is not only a home’s main defense against weather, but also a main factor for controlling interior temperatures, a new roof made from the right energy-efficient materials is important. This should be done by an experienced roofing installation company, and one that appreciates the challenge of becoming more energy efficient, and knows how to help homeowners do so with the right roof installation.

Controlling Heat Exchange with Efficient Roofing

The biggest concern for most homeowners today, with regard to their energy bills, is the way heat is exchanged in their home during the various seasons. The goal is to keep heat inside during cold weather, and to keep heat outside during hot weather. Finding a good balance becomes the challenge, since certain roofs are good at keeping heat in while others are good at letting it out. Therefore, it is important to find the right balance based on region, and which action is most desirable. To stop the loss of energy in both directions, the solution lies in the proper roof installation, and using the right roofing materials in the right climates, combined with other energy-saving measures - like insulation designed for specific effects and more.

Energy Efficient Roofing Types

Depending on the material a roof is made from, a home will experience different levels of energy-efficiency. Roofing materials should be chosen with the help of an experienced roofing replacement and installation company, and based on a number of factors - including local climate and extreme weather conditions:

Asphalt – Roofing replacement and installation companies assert that asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials used today because they are cost-effective, durable, and provide good energy efficiency. Today’s asphalt shingles last as long as 50 years, and are designed to reflect the sun’s rays, reducing the amount of heat absorbed through the roof. This is great for reducing cooling bills in warm weather and making any home more energy efficient.
Clay or Ceramic - Clay tiles are one of the more heat-resistant roofing options used today, making them ideal in areas that experience high temperatures for much of the year. Roofing installation companies say that because of the natural, thermal properties of clay - which reflects heat, and retains what little it does absorb rather than letting it pass into the home - this is an excellent choice for energy efficiency. Additionally, because clay tiles are made from readily available natural resources, there is little environmental cost in producing them, either. Clay is longer lasting than most other roof installations as well, but it will not withstand continual harsh conditions, so this must be taken into consideration.
Metal – Metal roofs reflect the sun’s rays, preventing heat from penetrating a roof’s surface and warming a home. Many metal “cool roofs” come with a reflective coating, and are available in different colors to match the home as well. A metal roof installation is fairly inexpensive and long-lasting, too.
Green – Roofing replacement and installation companies relate that green roof is a living roof, and one that most naturally keeps a structure cool. With a green roof that is planted with vegetation, the roof absorbs the sun’s rays, but the heat is not transferred into the structure. Green, energy-efficient roofs are becoming more popular as they increase efficiency in numerous ways, from reducing cooling and heating bills to helping to clean the air.

Using one of these main roofing choices, homeowners can create the best plan for them for reducing utility bills. An important point to note is that while the above options help to keep homes cool in summer, it is up to the homeowner and their roofing installation company to combine these efforts with great insulation, and other methods to prevent heat loss in winter. With the right combination of roofing and insulation, any home can be its efficient best.