There are many things to consider beforehand, if you’re looking into replacing or repairing your roof. One of them being how you can make your roof more energy efficient, which benefits both the environment and your budget. It can also help extend the lifespan of your roof so that you get the most out of your investment.

1. Install Insulation

The best time to address your roof’s energy efficiency is during a reroofing, but there are also improvements that can be made that are less expensive and time consuming than completely replacing your shingles. One of these is to upgrade your attic’s insulation. 

Proper insulation contributes to both the lifespan and energy efficiency of your roof. Insulation creates a barrier between the often extreme temperatures in an attic and the temperature-controlled portion of your home, saving you money on heating and cooling.

2. Add Proper Ventilation

Why should you increase insulation in your attic only to then add more ventilation? Well, fresh, outside air plays an important role in roof health. Insulation serves as a barrier between the attic and the rest of your home, but it’s important to make sure that your attic itself isn’t getting too hot, which can damage the roof decking and shingles. 

Intake and exhaust vents should be installed in the roof to encourage airflow and keep your attic from becoming excessively hot during the warmer seasons. This will keep your roof safe and help lower cooling costs.

3. Choose the Right Shingles

Just like the black asphalt on a road, dark colored shingles can become blisteringly hot in the sun. This transfers heat through the roof and into the attic below. It’s best to opt for lighter colored shingles that will reflect sunlight rather than absorb it. Not only will such shingles keep your cooling bills low, they will last longer than darker shingles.

4. Add a Radiant Barrier

A radiant barrier is another way to decrease heat transfer from shingles to the attic. This is a coating which goes under your shingles and further reduces heat absorption. This will have to be installed during a reroofing project, as it actually goes underneath the shingles and decking. Combined with the other tips on this list, a radiant barrier can significantly decrease your energy bills and environmental impact. 

A combination of some or all of the techniques listed here can be a great way to keep your home at a comfortable temperature while increasing energy efficiency and reducing your environmental footprint! To get your roof situated, contact us.