In a bid to increase energy efficiency in the home, most people focus more on replacing incandescent bulbs, installing tight windows, solar panels, and storm doors, among other activities.
Sadly, only a few people start from the top by thinking about the roof.
Do you know that one effective way to build a sustainable environment is by using energy-efficient roofs? In fact, the government rewards you for using energy-efficient roofs through federal tax credits… more on that later.
I know you may be familiar with different kinds of roofing materials. But if you are worried about your roof’s efficiency, or have questions such as; what is an energy-efficient roof, and what are the benefits of opting for an energy-efficient roof? Are there many options in terms of color and aesthetics? Is it worth the money and should you get one? Can you convert your existing roof to an energy-efficient one? This post will help you learn more.
Let’s find out in this post.
What is an energy-efficient roof?
This is a kind of roof that is made to reflect rays of the sun and prevent heat from escaping from the house to provide a cool atmosphere. It is made using reflective materials such as reflective paints, reflective sheet coverings, reflective tiles, or shingles. Also, you can find it in different colors and patterns.
7 Amazing Benefits of Energy Efficient Roofs
#1. Energy Efficient roofs help you save money on utility bills
An inevitable consequence of using traditional roofs during summer is excessive heating.
In order to ensure proper ventilation, you’ll need to increase your air conditioning services. And this can go beyond your normal utility budget.
An energy-efficient roof will help you cut down on this kind of cost by reducing the rate at which your roof absorbs toxic rays and heat.
While other people using traditional roofs are going to experience more than 14% increase in their utility bill during the Summer, you’ll be saving some bucks if you are living under an energy-efficient roof.
#2. Extended lifespan for your roof
It’s a pain in the arse having to reshingle your asphalt shingle roof without coated granules in less than 10 years after roofing. This is because the efficiency of asphalt shingles depends greatly on the kind of coating used.
A traditional asphalt shingle roof is incapable of enduring too much heat over a long period of time without wearing out.
But an energy-efficient roof is capable of lasting more than a traditional roof when exposed under the same heat conditions because the special coating present in an energy-efficient roof increases how reflective they are.
In addition, they retain their effervescence due to their ability to reflect the sun’s rays.
Moreover, you won’t need to bother about roof replacement for a long time when you have an energy-efficient roof above your head.
#3. Prevents heat trappings
Traditional roofs are known to trap heat in the upper floors when the sun is high in the Summer.
This is because they don’t have a material known as SPF shingles, commonly found in energy-efficient roofs.
Roofs without the SPF shingles material are not able to regulate the temperature during the hotter period.
That is why it feels too hot to relax on the upper floors during the hot Summer.
Energy-efficient roofs reflect heat and rays and help prevent heat trappings, giving you a more comfortable atmosphere.
#4. Reduces the danger of environmental degradation
An energy-efficient roof is an effective strategy to combat the danger of global warming.
Using an energy-efficient roof will reduce your energy usage in terms of the energy consumed by your ventilation appliances.
An additional perk of using an energy-efficient roof is that you benefit from automatic regulation of your house temperature.
So you don’t have to bother frequently switching your appliances between extreme weather settings as the season changes.
Also, when you are conscious of your energy usage, you help to preserve our planet for the future.
#5. Increases your home value
The best part of using an energy-efficient roof is the value it adds to your home during valuation.
If you can ask a local real estate valuer, you’ll discover that an energy-efficient roof will surely increase your homes’ worth whenever you intend to sell the house.
#6. Save money on roof maintenance
Most energy-efficient roofs are made from asphalt or slate which require little to no maintenance.
They can easily prevent ice dams from staying on the roof.
So you won’t have to be looking for a professional to repair a broken shingle.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t frequently inspect your roof and get a professional roofer to take a look at your roof at least once in a year, or when you are hit by a major storm.
#7. Enjoy Tax Breaks
You are preserving the planet when you use an energy-efficient roof and the government recognizes this noble gesture.
As a result, you are eligible for a Residential Energy Efficiency Property Credit that can help you save up to 30% of your energy bills. But it is worthy to note that not all roof is worthy of the Federal Tax Credits.
Some energy-efficient roofs that are eligible for the federal tax credits are solar roofs, energy-efficient metal, and asphalt roofs.
To qualify for the federal tax credits, your energy-efficient roof must:
- Be Energy Star-certified
- Have cooling granules that reduce heat gain (if asphalt), or
- Have pigmented coatings (if metal)
How to make your roof more efficient?
If you are using a traditional roof that is still functional and you are looking to convert to an energy-efficient roof, there are several options you can choose from. They include:
- Use a cool green roof
- Recover with a new waterproofing surface
- Use a heat reflective sheet
- If you have an old roof, you may likely need a replacement or get a new one installed by a professional roofer.
The truth is that while it is a good intention to want to convert your existing roof to an energy-efficient one, there may not be a significant cost difference with getting a new one.
Conclusion
Roofing is perhaps one of the expensive fittings in building a house. It therefore, requires conscious consideration of factors such as the weather, cost, material, and a host of other conditions.
Aside from the cost, which is crucial to its installation, it is important to get an energy-efficient roof in this era of promoting a sustainable environment.
And if you have not had a roof inspection done in a while, you are most likely spending a lot on your heating and ventilation.
You should contact a professional roofing contractor to help you install an energy-efficient roof so you can enjoy a comfortable life. Energy-efficient roofing can make a major difference in your Texas home.
