The answer to this question may seem somewhat obvious, but it’s still worth asking. Thanks to technological advancement, our society is becoming increasingly more efficient and sustainable. One way we’re able to decrease energy costs and reduce environmental impacts is by outfitting our homes with new energy-efficient roofs. In other words, having an energy-efficient roof not only helps the environment but also offers the following benefits.
- Saves you money on energy costs
- Increases your home’s value and curb appeal
- Protects the interior of your home
- Reduces the need for maintenance
As you’re deciding to have a new energy-efficient roof installed at your home, read on to learn more about the various types of energy-efficient roofing products.
Energy-Efficient Roofing Material Types
There are many types of energy-efficient roofing materials available today. Some of these products include the following.
- Highly-reflective metal roofing panels
- Certain asphalt shingles
- Ridge Vents
Metal roofs increase a home’s energy efficiency because they’re highly-reflective.
Energy-Star Materials
Materials must meet U.S. Department of Energy standards to be considered energy efficient. One way you can distinguish energy-efficient materials from others is by looking for the Energy-Star logo on the packaging. Metal roofs have proven to be one of the most energy-efficient roofing systems in this industry, and asphalt shingles can be effective as long as darker-colored options are avoided.
Challenges for North Florida Homeowners
We face different challenges here in Gainesville than those who live in the northern states. For example, it may be more energy-efficient in places with cooler climates to have darker, less-reflective roofs to reduce heating costs during the winter months. However, in the North Florida climate, using lightly-colored or highly-reflective roofing materials (like metal) helps reduce cooling costs, especially during the summer months.
Roof Ventilation
We can also add ridge vents to the home, which increases energy efficiency. Hot air builds up in the attic and must have somewhere to go. Ridge vents provide venting for roof systems by allowing upward heat transfer from the attic to the atmosphere, keeping the home cooler during hot days. In most cases, ventilation is encouraged through the use of powered fans or by natural airflow from the wind. By allowing your attic and roof to “breathe,” temperatures inside the home can be maintained more evenly. Proper ventilation also extends the life of a roof.
Getting an Energy-Efficient Roof
Here at McFall Residential Roofing, we are your go-to energy-efficient roofing contractor in Gainesville, FL. Moreover, our other division, McFall Builders, is a certified green home building contractor here in Gainesville. Therefore, we can apply our knowledge of green building best practices across both divisions. If you’re interested in replacing your current roof with a more energy-efficient one, request an estimate or give us a call at (352) 415-9098 today.
