Blog Post
3 Ways Your Roof Affects Your Home's Energy Efficiency
- By Admin
- •
- 26 Oct, 2020
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Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements, but did you know it also has an impact on your energy bill? A roof made of the right material, with proper installation and maintenance, can make heating and cooling your home much more affordable. Here are three ways your roof affects your home's energy efficiency.
1. Solar Reflectance
The solar reflectance of any roofing material is denoted by its Solar Reflectance Index rating, or SRI. This metric describes the percentage of heat and energy from the sun that the roof reflects. A roofing material with a high SRI rating will keep your home cool in the summer by reflecting more of the sun's heat. The benefit of this is that you don't have to run your AC as frequently to keep your home cool.
However, the material used to make your roof isn't the only thing that affects solar reflectance. Just like a darker vehicle will hold more heat on a hot day, a roof that is darker in color will absorb more heat rather than reflecting it. When it's time to install a new roof, a light color will keep more of the sun's heat out of your home and reduce the strain on your air conditioner.
2. Insulation and Ventilation
The features on the underside of your roof are just as essential to energy efficiency as the shingles or tiles you use. And, luckily, your roof's insulation is accessible from the attic, so you can visually inspect it for problems, such as gaps that need to be patched. Poor attic and roof insulation allows conditioned air to escape your home, especially heated air in the winter months that naturally rises to the attic.
Roof ventilation is just as important as insulation to create the proper airflow balance under your roof. Without ventilation, too much heat could collect in your attic in the winter months. Air under the roof that is constantly warmer than the outside air during the winter can cause ice dams or walls of ice around the edges of your roof. Ice dams hold water in place and make leaks more likely to develop.
Warm air is more moist than cool air, so the heated air that rises to your attic can cause mold and mildew problems if there isn't enough ventilation. Mold from moist air under your roof can infect the roof from the inside out. For example, mold in the underlayment causes roof rot, increases the occurrence of leaks, and causes your roof to wear more quickly than it should.
3. Eave Design
Much of the heat that your air conditioner works against in the summer months comes from sunlight entering your windows. A roof with enough overhang can counteract this problem by casting shade on all or part of your windows and blocking sunlight. Overhanging eaves add a unique appeal to your home's exterior while reducing your energy needs.
In the northern hemisphere, a south-facing roof overhang is the best choice to block sunlight. Overhangs on the southern face of your home will keep out more heat and light in the summer months, while still allowing warmth and light to enter during the winter. Overhanging eaves make year-round energy efficiency easier to achieve in any home.
Whether you want to install a new roof or perform repairs and maintenance on your existing one, it's a great way to improve your home's energy efficiency. The right roof design with proper insulation and ventilation will assist your HVAC system in meeting the heating and cooling demands of your home.
If you need upgrades or repairs to improve your roof's energy efficiency, call ABCO Roofing Company Inc. so we can find the best solution for your home.
1. Solar Reflectance
The solar reflectance of any roofing material is denoted by its Solar Reflectance Index rating, or SRI. This metric describes the percentage of heat and energy from the sun that the roof reflects. A roofing material with a high SRI rating will keep your home cool in the summer by reflecting more of the sun's heat. The benefit of this is that you don't have to run your AC as frequently to keep your home cool.
However, the material used to make your roof isn't the only thing that affects solar reflectance. Just like a darker vehicle will hold more heat on a hot day, a roof that is darker in color will absorb more heat rather than reflecting it. When it's time to install a new roof, a light color will keep more of the sun's heat out of your home and reduce the strain on your air conditioner.
2. Insulation and Ventilation
The features on the underside of your roof are just as essential to energy efficiency as the shingles or tiles you use. And, luckily, your roof's insulation is accessible from the attic, so you can visually inspect it for problems, such as gaps that need to be patched. Poor attic and roof insulation allows conditioned air to escape your home, especially heated air in the winter months that naturally rises to the attic.
Roof ventilation is just as important as insulation to create the proper airflow balance under your roof. Without ventilation, too much heat could collect in your attic in the winter months. Air under the roof that is constantly warmer than the outside air during the winter can cause ice dams or walls of ice around the edges of your roof. Ice dams hold water in place and make leaks more likely to develop.
Warm air is more moist than cool air, so the heated air that rises to your attic can cause mold and mildew problems if there isn't enough ventilation. Mold from moist air under your roof can infect the roof from the inside out. For example, mold in the underlayment causes roof rot, increases the occurrence of leaks, and causes your roof to wear more quickly than it should.
3. Eave Design
Much of the heat that your air conditioner works against in the summer months comes from sunlight entering your windows. A roof with enough overhang can counteract this problem by casting shade on all or part of your windows and blocking sunlight. Overhanging eaves add a unique appeal to your home's exterior while reducing your energy needs.
In the northern hemisphere, a south-facing roof overhang is the best choice to block sunlight. Overhangs on the southern face of your home will keep out more heat and light in the summer months, while still allowing warmth and light to enter during the winter. Overhanging eaves make year-round energy efficiency easier to achieve in any home.
Whether you want to install a new roof or perform repairs and maintenance on your existing one, it's a great way to improve your home's energy efficiency. The right roof design with proper insulation and ventilation will assist your HVAC system in meeting the heating and cooling demands of your home.
If you need upgrades or repairs to improve your roof's energy efficiency, call ABCO Roofing Company Inc. so we can find the best solution for your home.
Roof shingles keep the house warm and provide a defense against harsh weather. To help you pick the right shingles, learn about the five main types.
Metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and relatively lightweight. Fortunately, caring for a metal roof is relatively simple. Learn more here.
Whether you perform periodic roof inspections yourself or employ an expert to advise you with regards to roofing problems, learn two roofing terms.
Harsh weather elements, flying objects, and dust can cause your roof to develop problems over time. Learn some signs that mean you need roof repair.
Roofs come in various designs or types. Read our blog to learn more about the most common design styles, and contact us today for roofing services.
Learn to recognize when your trees pose a risk to your roof and act accordingly. See four tips that will help you prevent tree damage to your roof.
Home maintenance can be overwhelming. From landscaping and replacing dirty filters to repairing plumbing leaks, it's easy to see the challenges homeowners face. While most of these tasks are priorities, focusing on your home's roof is also important. Not only is the roof a key part of your home's structure, it also protects your family and belongings from the elements.
Unfortunately, you probably do not fully understand the importance of your roof and the maintenance that is required. By debunking these common roofing myths, you will learn the truth about your roof's durability, construction and maintenance.
Unfortunately, you probably do not fully understand the importance of your roof and the maintenance that is required. By debunking these common roofing myths, you will learn the truth about your roof's durability, construction and maintenance.
Cedar shake roofs are popular with homeowners because they offer clear benefits. Cedar shake roofs are known for their beauty, durability, and resistance to damage from everything whether it's from insects to the elements.
While cedar shake roofs are also relatively low maintenance, it is still a good idea to follow these maintenance tips to keep your roof looking and functioning its best.
1. Have Your Roof Inspected Annually
The best way to protect and maintain your roof is to have it inspected once a year. You can start by inspecting it yourself, both from the ground and by climbing up on a ladder. Look for shingles that are curled, missing, cracked, or otherwise damaged by any wind storms you have experienced.
If you notice any issues, then have your roof inspected by professionals. Professional roofers can spot repair any issues and prevent further damage, which protects the life span of your cedar shake roof. By inspecting your roof regularly, you will notice issues early, before they become more serious.
2. Have a New Gutter System Installed
High-quality gutters and downspouts are key to protecting your roof. When having a new cedar roof installed, it makes sense to have a new gutter system installed at the same time.
High-quality gutters and downspouts in good repair will redirect rainwater, dead leaves, and snowmelt away from your roof, siding, and foundation. This will prevent unnecessary water damage, mold, mildew, and rot. It will also help you save money because you will avoid costly repairs down the road.
3. Have Your Trees Trimmed Regularly
If your trees are left untrimmed and overgrown, then you have an increased risk of your roof being damaged by branches. Dead branches that aren't removed are likely to fall off and inflict damage on your new roof. During storms, an overgrown tree that's precariously close to your roof is a recipe for disaster.
In addition, if your trees aren't trimmed regularly, the branches that are closest to your roof offer easy access to pests including squirrels and raccoons. These pests may damage your roof and try to get into your attic, where they can truly wreak havoc. Keeping your trees trimmed prevents a lot of unnecessary issues and keeps your trees healthier as well.
4. Keep Your Cedar Roof Free of Debris
Once or twice a year especially after heavy storms it's wise to remove dead leaves, branches, and other debris from your cedar roof. If these materials are allowed to accumulate, then they will add too much moisture to your cedar shingles, which can potentially lead to mold, rot, or growth of fungus. Piles of dead leaves and branches also make it harder for rain and snow to melt off of your roof.
If you are not comfortable climbing up on your roof to clean it yourself, then it's a good idea to have the professionals tackle this maintenance task for you. This also allows you to combine your annual inspection with a roof cleaning for maximum impact.
If your roof needs a more thorough cleaning, then you should definitely leave this task to the experts. Attempting to clean your cedar roof yourself with a pressure washer can lead to damaged shingles. Professional roofers know the right settings to use to get a clean roof without causing any damage.
Following these preventative maintenance tips will ensure your new cedar shake roof remains beautiful and in good repair for many years to come. When it's time to have a new roof installed or your current roof repaired, contact us at ABCO Roofing Company Inc.
A failing roof is no joke. Not only is it unsightly and your roofline does comprise a large portion of your house's facade but it can lead to long-term damage. Water leakage can warp the underlying structures of the roof and top floor of your house. What's more, drafts in the roof mean your house's envelope isn't airtight, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.
Take a walk around the perimeter of your house, and view the roof from different angles. Also inspect the rooms directly below the roof. While some minor issues can be spot-repaired, the following signs signify you should replace your roof in its entirety.
Take a walk around the perimeter of your house, and view the roof from different angles. Also inspect the rooms directly below the roof. While some minor issues can be spot-repaired, the following signs signify you should replace your roof in its entirety.
ABCO Roofing Company Inc. serves Middle Tennessee residences and business for roofing, siding, and gutter installation, maintenance, and repair.
Commercial roofing requires different considerations to be taken than residential roofing. Usually commercial roofing will be applied to a building or structure that is taller and bigger than a residence, which will require special ladders, a bucket truck, or some manner of lift system for materials to reach the roof.
The material used for roofing of commercial structures is not the same as homes. Residences use mainly asphalt shingles, but can also use slate, tile, or cedar shakes. However, commercial roofing utilizes metal roofing, thermoplastic, EPDM, or modified bitumen. The most prevalent type is EPDM roofing, which is a single layer of rubber roofing material found to be highly resistant to weather, damage, and abrasion. EPDM affixes to the roof by fasteners or by gluing the layer to the room.
Often, we are called out to repair a section of roofing for a business and find many other areas that need attention. In those cases, we suggested employing a coated roof system, which coats the existing roof system, substantially extending the life of the roof. Call us for an estimate and assessment today!