Almost 50% of total home energy usage comes from heating and cooling your home. Over time that adds up to a lot of money in utility costs. The roof is one source of unwanted heat transfer in homes. Thankfully, homeowners have several options to increase the roof’s energy efficiency.
The Problem with Inefficient Roofs
When a roof lacks energy efficiency, unwanted air transfer occurs. The air within your home can leak out through the roof making your HVAC system work harder to maintain the internal temperature of your home. Also, a poorly insulated roof allows hot air in the summer and cold air in the winter to transfer into your home impacting the desired temperature.
Not only does an inefficient roof impact your energy bill, but it can also cause heat damage to your roof. A poorly ventilated roof may damage the roof’s shingles. Plus, the roof’s rafters, joists, and support beams expand causing problems with the roof flashings and sealants. This shortens the life of your roof costing thousands in repairs or roof replacement.
The bottom line is that inefficient roofs cause problems for homeowners by costing money, comfort, and protection for your roof. Instead, invest in ways to make your roof more energy-efficient.
Ways to Increase Roof Energy Efficiency
- Improve Ventilation
Poor roof ventilation eventually leads to roof damage. When your roof does not have the right ventilation to properly remove hot air, the temperature in your home increases. This leads to poor energy efficiency in your home. Adding air vents or even an attic fan helps improve ventilation.
- Add Attic Insulation
Often builders do not add the right amount of attic insulation. Even with the right initial insulation, attic insulation compresses over time making it less effective. Air escapes more easily through the roof. Poor attic insulation impacts your home’s energy efficiency. It’s easy to add blown fiberglass insulation to the attic.
- Install Cool Roof Features
There’s a common belief that lighter roof colors absorb less energy and improve energy efficiency. While on the surface this may sound true, the type of roofing materials used has more of an impact. Select cool roof features like reflective paint, tiles, or shingles. These energy-efficient options save money on energy costs and protect your roof from heat damage.
- Install a Replacement Roof
For homes with old roofs, the best way to increase energy efficiency and roof function is by installing a new roof. We understand roof replacement is a big commitment, but it also offers a big impact on your home’s value, curb appeal, and energy efficiency. According to the EPA, using ENERGY STAR® materials for new roof installation reduces energy costs by up to 15%.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Roof’s Energy Efficiency
Investing in energy-efficient upgrades for your roof offers many benefits for homeowners.
- Lower energy costs
- Improved interior temperature control
- Less wear and tear on the HVAC unit
- Reduce potential heat damage to the roof
- Positive environmental impact
SKYYGUARD Roofing Helps Colorado Homeowners Increase Energy Efficiency
Colorado homeowners want energy-efficient roofs. At SKYYGUARD Roofing we offer roof repair, installation, and inspection to help Colorado homes achieve better energy efficiency. Contact SKYYGUARD Roofing for a quote today!
