Can you hear the bells jingling? The holidays are almost here. But as much fun as the holidays are, the cold weather can also mean higher energy bills. If you’re thinking about gifting yourself a home renovation that you will never regret, consider investing on an energy saving roof. Here are the different ways it can help you cut down costs:
Insulation
Keeping your roof insulated, whether your home was built years ago or in the recent past, is an excellent way to conserve energy. In the absence of sufficient insulation, your home’s temperature is likely to be both unevenly distributed and unstable overall. That creates a situation in which air is allowed to escape from, or in through, the roof. Proper insulation can make the difference between a comfortable, energy-efficient home and one that is painfully intemperate and likely to become a money pit. Source: ScienceTimes
Reflection or absorption
ick your roofing material and color based on your location. Light-colored roofs tend to reflect heat and are good in warmer climates, while dark-colored roofs absorb heat and are better in cooler climates. If you live in a warmer area or have trouble keeping your home cool, but you don’t want to splurge for a whole new roof, you can cover your existing roof with a light-colored coating to lower your cooling costs. Roof coatings can reduce the surface temperature on a roof by 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (28 to 44 degrees Celsius). Source: Home.HowStuffWorks
Ventilation
It may seem counterproductive to go to the trouble of improving attic insulation only to then add vents that admit outside air into the attic, but fresh air plays a vital role in roof health. While insulation serves as a thermal barrier between the living space and the roof, the attic itself can become extremely hot during summer months. Without some sort of ventilation, excessive attic heat can warp roof decking and shorten the useful life of the shingles. It can even pass through the insulation to the rest of the house, forcing your air-conditioning system to work harder.
Intake vents, which draw fresh air into the attic, are placed along the lowest points of the roof, often in the soffit beneath the eaves. When paired with exhaust vents, which are positioned higher on the roof, a natural airflow circulation process occurs. Cool air enters the intake vents, warms, and then rises to the top of the attic, where it exits through the exhaust vents. This natural process keeps extreme heat from building up in the attic. “During a reroofing project, we will inspect the existing ventilation and, if necessary, install additional vents to provide adequate ventilation for that home,” Eldredge says. With proper attic ventilation, the roof will last longer and help keep home cooling costs down. Source: BobVila
A sustainable roof that will last for decades is the perfect Christmas gift for yourself. Call us, and together, we’ll make it happen.
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
