Every summer, one of the main objectives is to keep homes cool and comfortable without spending a fortune. As temperatures soar, so do utility bills; trying to achieve maximum energy efficiency is an important goal for every household. Contacting a professional roofer to discuss ways to better insulate an attic as well as other cooling methods is imperative, particularly if it is an older home. Most of such structures do not have the most recent advances in thermal energy – which is one of the best ways to keep a home from working against any cooling efforts.
Large Surface
When attempting to increase energy efficiency, the first area to address is the roof as it is the largest surface in direct contact with the sun’s rays and plays a huge role in the cooling efficiency of any structure. If it is not working proactively toward keeping a home cool, modifications should be made that can create a much more comfortable living environment and reduce wear-and-tear on air conditioning units.
Heat-Trapping Layers
Ironically, what happens is while acting as the most important protection a building has, in some climates a roof can protect too much. Many typical roofs are dark in color or lined with black waterproofing and/or thermal protection which is good in cooler climates. The sun’s heat is absorbed by the darker layers and works to naturally heat the underlying area. In year-round hot climates or areas where the summers are significantly hot in spite of cold winters, this works against energy efficiency by heating areas that would better serve the household by being cooler.
Heat Prevention
The main way to get a cooler roof is to have one installed that can reflect the sun’s rays or otherwise prevent heat from getting through the roof to the underlying area. The definition of a cool roof actually has nothing to do with the insulation used in the attic or overhead space. It reflects roofs that have been physically changed to act differently and increase heat resistance. Using specific materials so the actual protective covering over a building is cooler is the objective in creating a more comfortable environment.
Reduced Heat Absorption
By using both lighter colored and more reflective materials, the amount of heat absorption can be greatly reduced and the UV rejection is greatly increased. Using such material under shingles and top layers absorbs less warmth, retains less heat, and releases heat faster. Combined with greater reflection, it can make a huge difference in what is actually allowed to pass through the roofing layers and into the attic space where it is then retained by attic insulation.
Energy Efficient Products
Pairing good quality and high performance attic insulation on the inside with a highly reflective and low absorption exterior can make a noticeable difference in the inside temperature of a building. There is an increasing number of products available as the effort to go green continues to increase. Cooler construction methods contribute to more efficient energy use which should be considered when a new roof is installed. Any initial costly investment can be recovered within a few years in the form of lower utility bills.
A knowledgeable and reputable roofing contractor can help reduce such costs and turn a home into an energy efficient structure with a “cool” roof!
Call Schulte Roofing When Searching For a Good College Station Roofer!
Are you looking for a College Station roofer who knows about energy efficient roofs? Call Schulte Roofing at 800-367-7663 – they know about ‘cool roof’ materials and can help all College Station area customers with any roofing needs!