How Does Roofing Affect Home Energy Efficiency?
There are many ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home, but one you may not have considered is a new roof. If it’s been many years since you received a replacement, the materials and technology your roof uses are likely to be outdated, which means you’re losing far more climate-controlled air through your roof than is necessary. As well as making your home less comfortable, this results in high energy costs.
Here are a few ways improved roofing will immediately cut your energy bills.
Reflect Sunlight
The most efficient roofs reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. This becomes your home’s first line of defence against heat that would otherwise warm up the interior on hot days. The most effective roofs of all have a surface temperature that is 30 percent lower than the standard — or up to 40 degrees Celsius. These roofs are made of shingles and other roofing materials that have an Energy Star label.
Ventilate the Attic
Another way your home can heat up is if the air between the roof and the attic has nowhere to go. Air in this space becomes warmer as temperatures increase throughout the day, and the heat spreads into the rest of your home. The right ventilation will allow hot air to leave and fresh air to enter to maintain the temperature inside your home.
Prevent Cold Winds from Entering
Old roofs tend to be drafty, especially in high winds — but you don’t have this problem with new roofs. This is because technology has advanced over the years and it is now possible to seal roofs from even high-speed winds. New shingles and other materials prevent the cold temperatures from storms from entering your home.
Designed for Your Climate
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to roofs: you’ll benefit most from a roof that is designed for the climate where you live. Whereas homes where the weather tends to be hot should have roofs made with light-coloured materials, homeowners in cold climates see the greatest energy savings when their roofs have dark shingles. In all cases, though, modern materials are the most energy efficient.
It’s crucial to receive your roof replacement from professional roofing contractors. Edmonton homeowners can count on Weatherproof Roofing. We’ll provide you with a new roof in asphalt shingles or cedar shakes to maximize energy efficiency for many years to come. Contact us for a free estimate.