As a homeowner, you’re constantly looking for ways to lower your energy costs. We don’t blame you. The upkeep of an efficiently run home can get expensive and there are certainly ways to go about saving on costs at the end of the month; through your roofing. We don’t mean neglecting roofing maintenance because your roof seems to be doing its job. We’ll always advise a homeowner to take good care of their home’s roofing structure. There are, however, smart ways to lower your energy costs through the materials that you use in your roofing system. Here’s how quality roofing materials can help save you money!
Shingles
Damaged, tired shingles will not serve your home any good. Weak shingles cannot prevent wind from affecting your home, resulting in higher heating costs during cooler months. Hot winds blowing into your home during warm months will cause you to use more energy to cool your home. If the shingles are outdated, they most likely have low solar reflectance. Increased surface temperatures on your roof will cause your entire home to heat up, and South Florida is no stranger to excessive heat! Newer shingles with adequate solar reflectance will reduce the overall temperature of your home.
This leads us to the color of the materials used for your roof. Naturally, darker colors attract and absorb heat while lighter colors reflect heat. While you’re most likely concerned about the curb appeal of your home, there are options when it comes to re-doing your roof with more energy-efficient materials that look modern too.
Composite/Asphalt roofing has fewer color options when considering energy-efficiency. Concrete/ceramic tiles reflect heat well and create a good airflow due to the way they are installed.
Insulation
Insulation ensures the longevity of your roofing, but it also contributes heavily to the overall comfort of your home. Upgrading the insulation in your attic will play a big role in reducing the amount of energy your home consumes. Insulation controls the temperature in your home. Quality insulation prevents heat from escaping through your attic. The opposite applies. During hotter months, poor insulation will cause your home to readily heat up, and while you’re pumping your AC to counter these effects, you’re wasting energy. Adding insulation to your roofing, or redoing worn out, damaged insulation can be done at any time. You don’t need to wait for a roof overhaul.
Improving Ventilation
Ventilation is necessary to circulate air throughout your attic. Ventilation affects the shingles on your roof during hotter months because excessive heat causes the materials to buckle due to moisture and subsequent attic condensation. This heat can also pass through into your home, heating up the living space. Your AC is over-worked and uses more energy to maintain comfort levels. Ventilation ensures a natural flow of air. At the lowest point of the roof, intake vents pull in the fresh air, while exhaust vents allow hot air to exit through the top of the roof. Although this sounds like it’s countering the purpose of insulation, it maintains a healthy air circulation. A well-ventilated attic will prevent heat from building up, which risks damaging the integrity of your roof.
Quality Roofing In Pompano Beach
It’s easy to forget just how important quality roofing is because you’d rarely come into contact with the state of your roof until you’re forced to. This is a common mistake homeowners’ make. If you’re not currently in a position to do a complete roof replacement, perhaps a re-roofing project is more in your budget. There are no shortcuts when it comes to quality roofing. It is important to hire professional, licensed residential roofers.
Whatever your needs, AABCO Roofing can help you make your home more energy-efficient through regular roofing maintenance, roofing repairs and small, but necessary improvements. Contact us today at 954-426-8500 and count on us to cover you!
