(503) 492-7663
901 SE Mount Hood Hwy, Gresham, OR 97080
(503) 492-7663

How to Improve Your Roof’s Energy Efficiency

The roof does more than protect your home from the elements. With the right improvements, it can help you save on your energy costs. In today’s post, local roof replacement company Gresham Roofing and Construction discusses how a roof can help you save on your utility bills.

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Roof Insulation

Roofs are constantly exposed to heat from the sun. As solar heat is absorbed by the roofing surface, it can radiate through the attic and into your indoor living spaces. This is what causes a dramatic increase in electricity usage during the summer season — higher indoor cooling requirements mean higher required output from the air conditioning system.

Improving your roof insulation can help reduce the heat that ends up in your indoor living spaces. Barring required roof repair, insulation can be installed on most types of existing roofs. If the attic is used for storage or converted to a living space, then insulation should be installed under the roof deck. In addition to helping make your home cooler, a properly insulated roof can help keep your home warm and your heating bills low during winter by preventing heat from escaping the house.

Roof Ventilation

Warm and humid air naturally rises towards the highest point of the building, which, in buildings with sloped roofing, is the attic. Trapped heat and humidity can radiate back into indoor living areas, which can have the same effect as a poorly insulated attic — it can raise your home’s indoor cooling requirements. It can also cause damage to the roof framing components and allow mold growth. If your existing roof ventilation is insufficient, additional vents can be installed at the ridges. Alternatively, exhaust fans can be installed on the roof.

Roof Color

Dark-colored surfaces absorb more heat, which is why wearing a light-colored shirt under the sun is more comfortable. Choosing asphalt shingles or metal roofing with light colors can help reduce radiant heat absorption and complements roof insulation. If you’d rather not have a light-colored roof — as dark roofing is generally regarded as more aesthetically pleasing — choose roofing products that bear ENERGY STAR® certification, which utilizes reflective coatings.

Gresham Roofing and Construction is your leading provider of roofing services, including a 24-hour emergency roof service. Give us a call at (503) 782-8068 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

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