Have you ever wondered why it is so hot in your attic verses the rest of your house? The main reason is because your roof is covered with dark roofing material which draws the sun’s rays. Your roof is literally a magnet for solar rays that make your cooling system work harder to keep your home cool during the hot summer months. Dark colored shingles are the main culprit. At least 40% of your monthly utility bill is roughly based on how well your heating and cooling system is able to work. In order to lower you utility bill, you need to find a way to cool your roof.
Cut Your Utility Bills in Half
You can start to cut your utility bill by replacing a worn out roof. When your home absorbs less heat, it helps curb the expense of keeping it cool. Be sure to choose a cool roof design. Cool roof designs include high solar reflectance, and high thermal emittance. These two components allow a roof to reflect infrared and visible ultraviolet wavelengths, and give the ability to radiate non-reflected or absorbed solar energy. Once you have a cool roof installed, you will also enjoy many other benefits that include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Overall this will improve the comfort and health of your family. You can also extend the service life of a roof when you install a cool roof.
Cool Roofs Are Cost Effective
A cool roof design essentially does not cost any more than it would cost to have a comparable roof installed. They are also rated by an index called the Solar Reflectance Index. This index is determined by the ability of a roof to reject solar heat and is measured by an increase in temperature. Contractors that are qualified to install a cool roof are going to be able to advise you concerning the type of cool roof that would fit your home. The contractor will also be able to help you choose roofing materials that are Energy Star approved and eligible for rebates. Even if you choose a roof design that costs more, you will see the benefits of adding a cool roof to your home with the reduction of your utility bills. Some states even offer a tax break for home owners that install cool roofs.
