From Guest Blogger Lillian Connors: Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Roof

The roof is your home’s first line of defense against severe weather conditions, such as extreme heats, rain or snow. Its condition can affect your whole house and really add up to heating and cooling costs if it’s not done properly. By making your roof energy efficient, you’ll be able to heat or cool your house easier and, therefore, save up on bills. The type of roof you need depends on many factors, such as the climate you live in and the type of house you have, but here are some of the most cost-effective solutions out there.
Insulation is the key

It goes without saying that there’s no energy efficiency without proper insulation. If you want to insulate your roof, the first thing you should go for is your attic. Besides, experts claim that this is the first thing that should be insulated in a new house, so don’t take it for granted. By insulating your attic, you can save up to $600 a year on heating and cooling bills, so the calculation is clear. Even if you already have insulation, the thickness of it might not be good enough.

The material you’ll choose depends on the climate you live in and the type of house you have. Some of the most popular options are cellulose, fibreglass, cotton bathing, and home foam. There is something called R-value and it refers to how much heat your insulation is keeping from getting into your house. Experts suggest your R-value should be at least 30, so make sure you find your measure. Don’t forget to leave some space between the roofing material and insulation to prevent mildew and mould.

Cooling down the roof

The term ‘cool roofs’ refers to the roofs that are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. It’s proven to reduce your heating and air conditioning bills. The percentage of your savings will depend on many factors, but you can get an approximate calculation and make your choice. Besides, it can improve the comfort of the spaces that are not air conditioned, such as garage and covered patio. It’s also good for decreasing roof temperature, so it can prolong its lifespan.

Cooling the roof can be done by simply repainting it with the highly reflective type of paint or covering it with reflective tiles and shingles. You can make your existing roof cool or re-roof – experts suggest doing the latter if your roof is in poor condition or at the end of its life. You should be careful, though, especially if you live in warm, moist area – some cool roof surfaces can be more susceptible to mould and algae growth due to condensation but you can prevent it with special chemicals and by using proper design.

Re-roofing for best results

Sometimes, the most cost-efficient solution is to place a new roof but with sustainability in your mind. This is especially true if your roof is in poor condition – replacing it might be the best investment in the long run since reparations can really break the bank.

You’ll want a solution that is both durable and energy efficient, and there are several good options out there, such as metal roofs, asphalt shingles, and even recycled rubber and plastic roofing materials that resemble wood shakes. For instance, experts at Sydney Wide Metal Roofing can replace your old roof with a metal one, which will deliver meaningful energy savings in the future since it’s fire resistant, lightweight, and can last as long as the house does.

Also, you can add a self-reflective coat to make it a cool roof. Some experts suggest installing sheathing with radiant barrier, i.e. a laminated sheet of aluminium that will reflect heat and keep your house cool.

There are many ways to reduce your home’s energy bills and emission but switching to energy efficient roof is one the best ways to do it. Insulate, cool it down, or re-roof – whatever you choose, one thing is for sure – you’ll be warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, and, what’s even more important – you’ll get the most of your energy dollars.