Energy efficiency should be one of the main concerns you have as a homeowner. In order to make a home more energy efficient, you will have to work with professionals to ensure all parts of your home are working towards the common goal of eliminating energy waste. When trying to stomp energy waste out of your home, the first place to focus on is your roof. Most people fail to realize just how much air can escape through a roof. When trying to make a roof more energy efficient, here are some of the things you will need to think about.
The Color of Roof
If you are picking out a roof, you need to put some extra focus on its color. The darker your roof is, the more sunlight it will absorb. This means that in the hotter months of the year, you will have a hard time keeping the inside of your residence at a comfortable temperature with a darker colored roof. The best way to get the guidance needed when trying to find the right replacement roof is by working with an experienced contractor. If you are only able to get a darker colored roof, you may want to get some cooling coat put on it. While it will cost extra to get this coating applied, it will pay off when you are able to save money on your energy bill.
Is The Roof Too Old?
Having a roof over 20 years old can create a variety of problems. The older your roof gets, the more leaks it will have. These leaks will allow the air created by your HVAC unit to escape. This will put more strain on the HVAC unit and will cause it to overwork. Rather than putting your unit under this type of strain, you will be much better off by getting your old roof replace.
Most of the new roofing materials on the market are far more energy efficient than materials manufactured 20 to 30 years ago. Before deciding on a replacement roof, you will need to do some homework to find out which one has the best efficiency rating. The roofing contractor that you hire should be able to offer you guidance on what type of roof to get for your energy efficiency needs.
Keep a Check on Your Insulation
Without the proper amount of insulation in your attic, you will let almost all of the air your HVAC unit produces out. Checking and altering the insulation that you have in the attic of your home is the only way to prevent this type of energy waste. The money you invest in new insulation will pay off when you are able to keep your home comfortable regardless of how hot or cold it is outside.
Hiring a reputable and experienced roofing contractor will allow you to get all of the help you need when trying to conserve energy in your home.