As a homeowner, you know that making your home energy efficient is important for the environment and your wallet. One area of your home that you may not have considered in your quest for energy efficiency is your roof. Believe it or not, the type of roof you have can greatly impact how much energy your home uses. This blog post will show you how to ensure your roof is as energy efficient as possible.
Why Is Having An Energy Efficient Roof Important?
There are two main reasons why having an energy-efficient roof is important. The first reason is the environment. The more energy your home uses, the more greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere. By making your home more energy efficient, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to protect the environment.
The second reason why an energy-efficient roof is important is for your wallet. The more energy your home uses, the higher your utility bills will be. By making your home more energy efficient, you can save money on your monthly bills and put that money towards other things.
How Can You Make Sure Your Roof Is Energy Efficient?
You can do a few different things to ensure your roof is as energy efficient as possible. Here’s a list of five ways you can make sure your roof is energy efficient.
1. Choose energy-efficient roofing materials
When it’s time to replace your roof, choose materials that will help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Metal roofs reflect heat away from the house in summer, while asphalt shingles that are light in color can reflect heat away from the house in both summer and winter. For people living in Central Florida, Ocala roofers suggest having a lighter-colored roof can help decrease energy bills. There are also specialty “cool roofs” that are designed to be highly reflective and can help reduce cooling costs by up to 30 percent!
2. Check for air leaks
Air leaks are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to wasted energy in the home. To check for air leaks, use a flashlight to inspect your attic for gaps or cracks in the framing, around vent pipes, chimneys, recessed lighting fixtures, and anywhere else where two building materials meet. Once you’ve identified the leaky areas, seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
3. Add more insulation
If your attic doesn’t have enough insulation, heat from your home will rise and escape through the roof, driving up your energy bills in the process. Adding more insulation is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Be sure to add insulation that’s appropriate for your climate zone and install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Ensure skylights are properly shielded
While skylights can add beauty and architectural interest to your home, they can also be a major source of heat loss if they’re not properly shielded. To reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency, make sure your skylights are insulated and have low-e coatings (which reflect heat). You should also install them in areas of the roof that don’t receive direct sunlight, as this will further help reduce heat gain.
5. Have your roof inspected regularly
Finally, it’s important to have your roof inspected by a professional at least once a year. This will help identify any areas that need to be repaired or replaced and can also prevent small problems from turning into big, expensive ones.
Final Thoughts
Making your roof more energy efficient is a great way to save money on heating and cooling costs while also making your home more comfortable year-round. By sealing air leaks, adding more insulation, and choosing energy-efficient roofing materials, you can make a big difference in how much energy your home uses—and how much money you save each month on utility bills.