How the Proper Roofing Can Save You Tons on Your Energy Bills
As we all know, Summer is barreling toward us and bringing with it record-breaking heatwaves. You generally only have two options to combat the hot, sticky weather: 1) You blast the AC and risk the high energy bills or, 2) You suffer through the sweltering day, sweating like there is no tomorrow. However, did you know that the proper roof can actually help keep your house at a comfortable temperature, whether it is hot or cold outside?
Just the Facts, Ma’am
On average, heating and cooling costs make up more than half of what a homeowner will spend on their utility bills. Poor insulation is often the culprit for this problem. If your roof is not insulated correctly or is of shoddy quality, you are essentially throwing money out of your window when you run your AC. A roof will either deflect the sun’s rays or absorb them and then overheat your house. This all has to do with the solar-reflectance of the roofing materials. Solar-reflectance can reduce a roof’s heat-absorption rate by approximately 30%.
Solar-Reflecting Roofs
There are different types of solar-reflecting roofs and each one has its own pros and cons. Here are the four most common types:
Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt shingles are the cheapest when it comes to solar-reflecting roofing materials. They are pre-coated in a substance that reflects the sun’s rays and keeps a house cool. Asphalt shingles are the most common material used on roofs in the United States and are highly resistant to the elements.
Wooden Shingles: Wooden shingles are two times as energy-efficient as asphalt shingles. They cost a little bit more, yet they provide excellent protection and are highly wind-resistant. Wooden roofs are also aesthetically pleasing and add a certain rustic feel to your house.
Metal: Metal roofs provide the best protection and can reduce energy costs by approximately 40% in the summer and 15% in the winter. Metal roofs are designed to be great solar reflectors and poor thermal emitters, making them ideal for keeping heat out of the house. While the most expensive of the bunch, metal roofs offer the best protection and the longest lifespan of any roofing type (~50-100 years).
Architectural Shingles: Architectural shingles are made of the same material as asphalt shingles, but they are much more pleasing to the eye. They are solar-reflecting and as resistant to damage as traditional asphalt shingles as well. Architectural shingles are also designed in such a way that they provide an aesthetically pleasing dimensional look to a roof.
Some Closing Thoughts
Not only will an energy-efficient roof help reduce your energy bills, it will also make it more resistant to the damaging effects of the sun, adding to the lifespan of your roof. If you would like to know more about how a new roof can save you money in the long-run and add value to your house, feel free to give us a call. No matter your roofing issue, The Roof Clinic has you covered.
P.S.
You may also want to consider putting the sun’s rays to work for you by adding solar panels to your roof as well. Check out our Solar Prep Guide before you do, though.
