The basic principles behind modern roofing haven’t changed much in the last 100 years. The materials and building methods are tried and true, and if it’s made well and properly maintained, the roof of a house can last for decades before it needs to be replaced. Nevertheless, advances in technology have benefited nearly every area of home building, and roofing is no exception.
In this article, we’ll discuss five ways you can modernize your roofing, which can help to reduce your energy costs and lead to a more comfortable, healthier home.
1. Think About Ventilation
When it comes to energy costs, ventilation is a huge part of the overall picture. A home with poor ventilation will trap heat energy during the summertime, forcing you to run your air conditioning for extended periods and causing a dramatic increase in your energy bills. It will also create problems during the winter, as poor ventilation may trap heat outside of your home, leading it to remain cold unless you run your furnace continuously.
Your roof and attic are major elements of the ventilation system of your home. Hot air rises, and if it isn’t effectively ventilated outside of the home through the roof, it will become trapped. This, in turn, will cause the home to become extremely stuffy and hot. You can do a lot to remedy this problem by having vents installed in the peak of your roof as part of a modernizing upgrade, but generally, soffit vents or another form of intake must also be added to the roof overhang for the ventilation to function properly Make sure your contractor is performing a ventilation calculation. While ventilation is extremely important, it’s easy to screw up, and the results can be devastating.
2. Invest in Energy-Efficient Roofing
Another way that you can save money on your energy bill is by investing in energy-efficient roofing materials. Recent years have seen dramatic improvements in these materials, leading to new methods of saving money while also reducing your environmental footprint. Remember that your roof is effectively the locus for all the energy that ends up in your home. While solar energy strikes the outside, heat energy rises upwards toward the inside of your roof as well.
There are several materials that are recommended for improving the overall energy efficiency of your roof. Asphalt has been a popular material for roofing shingles for many, many years, but it’s only recently that it has truly become impressive with regard to its ability to conserve energy in your home. This is because modern roofing asphalt shingles contain newly developed granules of a material that reflects away solar energy and reduces the absorption of heat.
It’s also quite durable so it will last for a very long time with minimal maintenance. As a bonus, most asphalt shingle manufacturers make a series of shingles that will reflect sunlight.
3. Install Some Solar Panels
We’ve mentioned that some modern roofing utilizes advanced material design to reflect away solar energy to lower your energy costs. However, you may also want to consider installing solar panels to absorb that solar energy. Your roof is constantly receiving an onslaught of solar radiation, especially on warm summer days, when there are many hours of sunlight for you to take advantage of.
Consider contacting a solar energy company to have some solar panels installed on your roof. These panels will absorb energy from the sun and convert it into usable electricity, which will, in turn, reduce your need to spend money on energy from other sources. The cost savings are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to benefits.
Utilizing solar energy will also greatly cut down on pollutants in your home. By reducing the need to burn fossil fuels, such as propane and natural gas, you’ll avoid putting carbon monoxide and other toxic chemicals into the air. Depending on your location in the country, you may also be eligible for tax credits and other government-sponsored benefits as a result of installing solar panels. Just beware. You will only want to install panels on a newly replaced roof, as the panel life is similar to that of a roof.
4. Upgrading Your Roof Means Upgrading Your Gutters
One of the most important jobs that your roof has is water drainage. While your home may spend much of the year dealing with sunlight, it is also likely to spend some of it dealing with rain, snow, hail, and other similar weather conditions. If water is allowed to pool on top of a roof, it will eventually eat its way through even the most well-made seals. This, in turn, can lead to leaks, which can then cause catastrophic water damage. Proper drainage can prevent this from happening.
Your gutters are one of the most important parts of the drainage puzzle and, much like other roofing elements, should be upgraded when you decide to modernize your roof. Replace old gutters with new, more advanced ones that can drain water more effectively.
5. Look for a New Roof With an Extended Warranty
Your roof is one of the longest-lasting elements of your home, assuming it has been properly cared for. It can last for decades if proper maintenance is kept up and repairs are made whenever they are needed. Occasionally, shingles will need to be replaced, flashing will need to be patched, and gutters will need to be cleaned. This is in addition to larger problems that can occasionally occur.
Modernizing your roofing means opting for a roof that has a warranty attached to it. This will help you save money on repairs over the years, especially if you opt for a long-term workmanship warranty. To secure the best roof with the best warranty, contact Interstate Roofing and ask for an estimate for a modern roofing replacement today.