The roof is one of the largest fixtures of the home and plays an important role in protecting your family and property from inclement weather. Your roof also helps to insulate your home, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter. An energy-efficient roof can help you save money and energy while keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.
While all roofs may provide some protection from the elements, they do not all provide the same energy-efficient effects. Choosing reliable, durable and energy-efficient roofing can help insulate your house, hold up well against stormy weather and help lower the cost of your energy bills. Learn more about some of the most energy-efficient roofing options currently available.
Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials
Cool roofing materials can help you save on energy bills. Even with proper insulation, heat still penetrates the roofs and can warm up the attic and top floors of a home, resulting in the air conditioning having to work longer or harder. To avoid more expensive energy bills, you may want to consider more energy-efficient roofing shingles.
Note that as a roof ages, it will require repair and upkeep. Cedar roof preservation and cedar roof repairs from Cedar Roof Coatings can extend the lifespan of a cedar roof and maximize its energy-efficient properties. Proper upkeep of a cool roof and cool roofing materials can help save money and maintain the aesthetic appeal. Some of the most energy-efficient roofing options include cedar, metal and tile.
Cedar Roofing
Cedar roofing is one of the most energy-efficient roofing options available. As a bonus, the material is exceptionally beautiful. Cedar is a durable, long-lasting natural option, making it ideal for roofing. Because cedar is so durable, it ages well and looks beautiful throughout its lifespan. Most importantly, cedar roofs are energy-efficient and provide natural insulation.
Cedar shingles are also resistant to strong winds and storms, including heavy rains, hurricanes and other types of severe weather. Because cedar provides natural insulation, it helps hold in the home's heating and cooling, helping to save money on energy bills. Many homeowners also love that cedar shingles are an eco-friendly option. And if you select services from professionals like Cedar Roof Coatings, you can keep your cedar roof well-maintained with repairs, preservation and inspections.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are a long-lasting option that are extremely durable when properly installed. A unique aspect of a metal roof is that it features interlocking panels to offer reliable wind and bad weather resistance. Metal roofs are relatively lightweight compared to a material like tile, reducing overall pressure and stress on the building. Some homeowners may prefer metal roofs because they are fire-resistant. Note that you'll need insulation under a metal roof to help it maintain its energy efficiency.
Tile Roofing
Tile roofing is a unique choice that offers several benefits, including its insulating qualities. Tile roofing is ideal for insulation because air can easily circulate and travel under the tiles, helping to conserve energy during both warm or cool weather. Similar to metal roofing, tile roofing is also highly resistant to fire and damage that may occur due to stormy weather.
Energy Efficiency Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roof
Cool roof technology is an important aspect to consider when choosing energy-efficient roofing and construction. Choosing the best roof color to reflect heat and promote energy efficiency is essential for saving money on your energy bills. Fortunately, there are not many disadvantages of cool roofs, making them an ideal choice if you are redoing a roof. When choosing a roof, consider these energy efficiency factors:
Attic Type
Air circulation, especially within the attic, can dramatically impact the energy efficiency of a home. The attic is one of the places in a home that can get exceptionally hot, causing an air conditioning system to work harder and longer to cool the home. Unvented attics are more likely to trap heat within the attic and can cause the house to become uncomfortably warm. On the other hand, vented attics provide adequate circulation and can help keep a home at a comfortable temperature.
Eaves
Eaves are an important part of the roof that hangs out over the walls and provides shade for the home's exterior. Eaves play an essential role in regulating the sunlight that can enter your home throughout the year. If eaves are correctly designed, they can block out the harsh summer sun while allowing the winter sun to shine into the home, improving energy efficiency.
Roof Material
Choosing the most energy-efficient roof material and color can help you save on your energy bill. Choosing the wrong materials can cause a roof to underperform and can cost you money in energy loss over time. One of the best roofing materials to consider is cedar. Cedar is a natural, environmentally friendly roofing material that provides adequate insulation and protection. Cedar roofs are remarkably durable, efficient and add the perfect aesthetic touch to any home.
Roof Colors
There are numerous roof color choices to choose from, especially if you select a cedar roof. Dark colors absorb heat while light colors reflect heat. When choosing a roof color, keep this in mind, as it plays an important role in maintaining energy efficiency. The right color roof can help you save money on bills and also minimize future maintenance fees.
The ideal color for your roof varies depending on where you live. For example, homes in the northeast may benefit from a darker roof, as this allows the roof to absorb as much sunlight as possible to keep the house warm in winter. If you're unsure which color would suit your home, Cedar Roof Coatings can help with a professional cedar roof color consultation.
Benefits of Roof Maintenance
Roof maintenance from specialized professionals like those at Cedar Roof Coatings can detect and repair minor damages on a roof, preventing more serious damage from occurring. By repairing those issues and ensuring the structural integrity of your roof, professionals can help extend the roof's lifespan and maximize its utility. An added bonus of roof maintenance is that it can also help boost its energy-efficient properties.
Some of the most popular roof maintenance services include:
Roof repairs: Roof repair can correct any damage to a cedar roof caused by animals, insects and algae growth. During a roof repair, a roof maintenance specialist can replace ridge caps, curled or damaged shingles or shakes and replace any vents, flashings or valleys that may be damaged.
Roof preservation: Roof maintenance involves three steps, including washing, repairing and preserving. Roof preservation can treat and prevent the development of fungi, molds and mildews.
Roof estimate and inspection: A roof estimate and inspection can help determine any damage to the roof and what repairs it may need. In some cases, all that is needed is cedar roof maintenance to extend the lifespan of a cedar shake roof.
Contact the Roofing Specialists at Cedar Roof Coatings
Cedar Roof Coatings is a leading cedar roof specialist, offering cedar roof repairs, restoration and preservation. We believe in providing the highest level of customer service while only doing what is required to keep your roof looking beautiful and functioning effectively. Our goal is to help you save money by maintaining and repairing your current roof while providing the beautiful curb appeal that your home deserves.
To learn more about our services or get started with a cedar roof inspection, contact us online today or call 203.847.5740.
