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Many factors play into your home’s energy efficiency. Your roof can be one of the top causes for a spiking energy bill, and it can add up fast. If you are installing a new roof or investing in a roof replacement, then you should consider making sure that your roof is energy efficient.

Roof installation, roof repair, or roof replacement are expensive investments so make sure you will save money in the long run. There are simple methods every homeowner can use to ensure their roof investment has great long-term benefits.

Here are eight tips to help make your roof more energy efficient.

1. Upgrade Insulation

Your energy bill might literally be going through the roof. Insulation plays a key role in keeping the temperature you want inside your home.

Heat rises and cold sinks. When you don’t have sufficient roof insulation, the warm air will leave your home while the cool air leaks into any crevice it can.

Adding an extra layer to your attic will cut your energy bill by upwards of 10% in some cases!

2. Install Energy Efficient Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective roofing option, and they offer a decent lifespan. However, asphalt shingles are not always the most energy-efficient option for your roof.

Metal shingles reflect light rather than absorbing it as asphalt shingles do. Cedar shake roofing is also a great choice for natural insulation from the cold and the heat.

3. Roof Maintenance

Part of keeping your roof energy efficient is to keep it well maintained. It’s best to have your roof inspected after a heavy storm – or at least once a year.

Just one small dent, a few missing shingles, or clogged gutters can have your airtight roof turning into a sieve that basically leaks money. Keeping your roof regularly inspected and properly maintained will have you saving money on all your cooling and heating costs.

4. Proper Attic Ventilation

Adding proper ventilation to your attic helps ensure that it stays at a constant temperature. The summertime can have warm air sitting in your attic, permeating throughout your home.

Ventilation will help by kicking any stagnant air out of the attic, keeping it at a consistent temperature in unison with the rest of your home.

5. Choose Light Colors

The color of your roof can impact the amount of heat that enters your home. Lighter roof colors have been shown to make homes more energy efficient.

Dark roof colors absorb heat, so the lighter the roof shade, the better. A light colored roof will reflect the sun and the heat will not enter your home.

6. Add a Cool Roof Coating

You can add a layer to your finished roof called a cool roof coating, which is designed to lighten your roof and make it more energy efficient. This can be done as a final step to a roof installation or roof replacement.

If you want to choose a dark shade of your roof but still want it to be energy efficient, then a cool roof coating is an option.

7. Use a Radiant Barrier

Reduce heat transfer from the roof to the attic by adding a radiant barrier to your home. A radiant barrier is a coating that makes your home more energy efficient by reflecting the heat away from the attic.

A radiant barrier can be added during a roof replacement or roof installation because the roof’s deck will have to be replaced.

8. Install Solar Shingles

You can increase the energy efficiency of your roof by installing solar shingles. While it is a costly investment, you will save money by decreasing the amount you spend cooling or heating your home.

By installing solar shingles, you will have the most energy efficient roofing material available. However, there are other types of shingles that are more affordable and will achieve a similar goal of making your home more energy efficient.

Trinity Exteriors Can Make Your Roof Energy Efficient

Looking to save money any way you can on your energy bill? Then call on Trinity Exteriors! We offer all types of roof repair and roof replacement on top of window and gutter installation to make your home looking great and running efficiently.

Get a free quote online, or give us a call at 952-920-9520 today!