Cooling your home and maintaining a comfortable temperature when temperatures rise can be a struggle. Many people are quick to blame their old air conditioning unit; however, it could be your roof. Here are a few ways your roof can help reduce heat in your home.
Repairing Your Roof
The first thing your should inspect is your roofing materials. A breakdown in these materials could lead to an increase in your energy consumption. If a roof was properly installed it will have an airtight seal that prevents hot air from entering your home. Roof repairs will also improve your home’s appearance and help with leak prevention.
Roofing Insulation
If your roof does not currently have insulation, Texan Roofing Pros highly suggest you have it installed. This will benefit you in both summer and winter months. Roofing insulation creates an air pocket between two layers of shingles preventing hot air from entering your house during summer months and keeping heat from escaping your home during winter months. In some cases you may even get an energy tax credit or rebate for installing roofing insulation.
Color of Your Roof
Most people choose the color of their roof to complement the colors of their home. However, if you live in a warm climate, you might want to also consider the temperature your home experiences when making this decision. Your roof is one of the first places that overheats due to constantly fighting direct sunlight. The darker the color the more heat it will absorb. A full white roof may not be your choice, or meet your HOA standards, but there are many lighter color roof options that you can choose to help reduce the amount of heat in your home.
Roof Pitch
Less heat will enter your home if you have a steeper roof pitch. Steep-sloped roofs also require less maintenance and tend to last longer. Changing your roof pitch can be a very expensive renovation, but may be worth it in savings in the long run. If you are looking to build a home, this is a consideration that should be discussed with your builder. You can also schedule a consultation with a roofing contractor, such as Texan Roofing Pros, to help you determine what roof pitch is best for your needs.
Roof Coatings
Changing the pitch of your roof or even the color may not currently be a reasonable option for your home. Another option is a cool roof coating. These are liquid sealants applied to the outer surface of your roof that help reflect sunlight and keep the heat out. Thanks to these energy saving measures you should see a decrease in your electric bill. There are a few different types of coatings that help reduce the amount of heat absorbed. Your professionally licensed roofing contract will be able to advise you on the best option for your home.
If you would like to learn more about keeping your roof cool and decreasing your energy bills contact Texan Roofing Pros today! We would love to discuss options on how your roof can help keep your home at a comfortable temperature. We proudly serve the San Antonio, Austin and Rio Grande Valley areas.