Can A New Roof Really Save On Energy Costs?

While there's no denying that a new roof will help a family conserve energy and save money, many wonder how it works. Roof replacement makes homes more energy efficient, thereby saving money on monthly utilities. 

It's not as easy as installing a new roof, however. Roofing materials vary widely in terms of quality and energy savings, which means that it's important to choose wisely. When building an efficient roof, keep these benefits and facts in mind.

Preventing Heat From Escaping During Winter

By scheduling roof replacement in the fall, your energy spending will decrease. A worn, outdated, and old roof allows heated air to escape, but a new and efficient one will prevent that issue. Though roof replacement may require some budgeting, it will pay dividends in terms of fewer repairs, less maintenance, and lower energy bills.

Reflecting the Sun's Rays

Solar light reflection keeps homes cooler during the hottest parts of summer, but that's not the only benefit. As a roof reflects the sun's rays away from the home, it becomes more efficient. By comparison, a non-reflective roof's shingles absorb heat, transferring it into the areas below. When families choose highly reflective roofing materials, it's possible to decrease the roof's surface temperature by up to 30%.

Today's roofs use materials and technology that reflects the sun's rays away from the home, keeping it cooler during summer. New roofs have higher reflective values than older ones, so they don't absorb as much heat. If the roof stays cooler, your energy bill will remain lower.

Improving Insulation and Saving Money

Many homeowners add insulation to the attic when repairing or replacing the roof. Insulation serves as a barrier, keeping hot air out during summer and trapping it during winter. When replacing the home's roof, ask the contractor about adding more insulation. If it's not quite time for a roof replacement, insulation can be added anytime. Our team offers no-obligation estimates to determine if additional insulation will improve a home's energy efficiency. Upgrade the attic's insulation today and see results right away!

Choosing the Right Shingle Color

Most of us already know that black clothing absorbs heat, but fewer realize that dark shingles do much the same thing. A roof's color should be chosen based on the location and its climate. For example, homes in colder areas may benefit from darker shingles, while those in hot parts of the country should use shingles of a lighter color. When homeowners pay attention to the shingle color used during roof installation, they will save energy and money.

Energy Star Ratings Make a Difference

As the global standard for energy efficiency, Energy Star-rated roofing materials reduce costs and make homes more comfortable. Furthermore, certified materials and manufacturing methods are rigorously tested and held to high standards. With Energy Star roofing, you really can't go wrong. Call us today for more details on Energy Star certified roofing materials.

Tax Credits

If you're looking for ways to boost savings even further, certain roofing materials may make the home's new roof eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $500 or 10% of the cost excluding installation. To qualify for the credit, an asphalt or metal roof must be:

• Energy Star certified
• Have a pigmented coating (for metal roofs)
• Have heat gain-reducing granules (for asphalt shingles)

Solar roofs are eligible for additional savings. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, solar roofs installed through the end of 2022 are eligible for a 26% credit, while those installed by 2023 will receive a credit of 22%. Get in touch with us to discuss tax credits and other savings options.

How Low-Quality Roofs Increase Energy Spending

If the home's roof is damaged, worn, or improperly installed, it's likely leading you to spend more on heating and cooling. Or, it's simply reached the end of its useful life and should be replaced. Multiple factors affect a home's energy efficiency, including the quality of its roof and:

• Missing insulation
• Worn decking
• Inadequate ventilation
• Damaged soffits
• Substandard materials
• Improper installation methods
• Construction that's not code-compliant

A new installation that addresses the existing roof's deficiencies is an excellent starting point when making a home more energy efficient. When considering whether a home needs roof repair or replacement, keep in mind that a roof is more than the sum of its parts. A complete replacement will only provide results if the rest of the home is well ventilated and properly insulated.

The Importance of Energy Efficient Roofing

If materials and installation practices have such a significant effect on a roof's efficiency, why do so many of the area's homes have old, worn-out, and inefficient roofs? For some, roofing isn't a priority; for others, it's a matter of not knowing how a home's roof makes the entire structure more energy efficient. According to industry experts:

• A roof can keep a home up to 60 degrees below the outdoor temperature
• Cooling and heating make up approximately 50% of a family's energy consumption and spending

When these facts are considered, the disadvantages of roof inefficiency become apparent. Contact us today to learn how our roof installation services can help your family save money every month.

How Much Can Homeowners Save With an Efficient Roof?

While it's impossible to predict the level of savings a new roof will bring, it's easy to come up with a rough estimate. According to the Department of Energy, asphalt shingle roofs reduce a family's carbon footprint while increasing energy efficiency by 30%. As the cost of fuel increases, homeowners everywhere are looking for ways to save—and a new roof can help them do just that.

Upgrade Your Roof and Save Money on Heating and Cooling

A home's roof directly affects the structure's lifespan and has a sizable effect on energy consumption and spending. If you're in need of an energy efficiency evaluation or roof replacement, we can help. Request additional information via our online form or call today to schedule a no-obligation estimate.