Old roofs start to lose efficiency over time. They can cause your energy bills to rise and your home to be more uncomfortable during the hottest and coldest times of year. Here are a few ways you can improve your roof's efficiency without having to replace the whole thing.
Add or Replace Insulation
Insulation is a key part of your home's energy efficiency, and this is true when it comes to your roof as well. Attic and roof insulation will wear down over time, get damaged by water, or simply start to fall away from the roof itself if it's old enough. If it hasn't been replaced or maintained for at least five years, it's time to have it inspected and repaired or replaced as necessary. Insulation keeps hot air out during summer and cold out during winter, and this can be worked on without having to touch your outer roof.
Add a Radiant Barrier
A radiant barrier is an often-optional addition to your attic. It works by installing reflective material in your attic to bounce heat back rather than have it absorbed into your home. This is often installed either directly up against the inside roof, or placed horizontally over top insulation. This is primarily aimed at helping reduce heat during summer, but it can also help keep things warmer during winter, too. If you aren't sure if this would work for your home, or if it would fit within your budget, ask your roofer for details.
Get Your Ventilation Inspected
Proper attic ventilation is just about as important as insulation when it comes to your roof's efficiency. If your insulation is blocked or simply inadequate, this can cause noticeable issues. When air can't flow freely through your attic, hot air will be held inside after the outside cools. And vice versa in summer, making both your heater and air conditioner work harder. In some cases ventilation can be improved by repairing or expanding current vents. However, in some cases your specialist might recommend the use of fans as well. If you think this could be a problem with your roof as it is, ask a specialist for an inspection and recommendations.
Paint it Light
Lighter colors reflect more sunlight than darker colors, and the good news is you can change the color of your roof without having to replace any of it. With the exception of terra-cotta roofs, you can also paint just about any material, too. It is important to use roofing paint, so talk to your roofing specialist to make sure you're looking at the right paint. It's also a good idea to take care of any necessary repairs before doing this. Once finished, a lighter-colored roof will do a much better job at reflecting heat away from your roof and saving you money.
After struggling with the appearance and structural integrity of my home, I realized that I had to do something to make a difference. I realized that part of the issue had to be the roof, since the home had been in my family for years and nobody had ever addressed the roof before. I met with a roofing team to talk about the problem, and they were instrumental in helping me to get things sorted out. After a few renovations, things had really improved, and I felt like things were on the up and up. I wanted to start a blog that focused on finding roofing for your home, so check out this blog.