Adequate Attic Insulation

A relatively simple and inexpensive way to make your roof more energy efficient is by ensuring that you have adequate insulation.

Poorly installed attics do not provide a home with the protection required to combat temperature extremes and keep energy costs down. This is especially true for older homes, which normally have less insulation than homes built more recently.

While adding new insulation to a poorly insulated attic will provide some benefit, it is important to know the optimal amount and type of insulation that should be used.

Cooling Roof Coating

Another method for increasing your roof’s energy efficiency is to add a cooling coating or material to the roof.

Anyone who has worn black in the summer sun knows the impact of dark colors on heat retention. The same principle applies to your roof: the darker the roof, the more heat is retained. A qualified roofer can apply a coating to the roof, such as cool-roofing paint, to reduce heat retention.

Coating your roof can reduce heat energy costs and increase UV and waterproofing protection for the roof, aside from other benefits, such as extending the life of your roof.

Replacing aging shingles can also provide increased protection against the sun. With numerous cooling options available and with every house requiring a specific solution, homeowners should schedule a roofing inspection with a roofing contractor before deciding on the best roof-cooling strategy.

Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials

While adding insulation and roof-cooling materials are inexpensive and easy options that can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your roof, sometimes you will be left with roofing replacement  as your only sensible option. When adding a new roof to your home, energy efficiency should be a major factor in your decision.

There are a number of energy efficient roofing materials available to choose from. For example, metal roofing, while initially more expensive than shingle, provides significant savings in energy bills over the lifetime of the roof. Proper installation is critical, so contact a roofing contractor with experience in the particular material you’re using.