If you’ve recently noticed your energy bills creeping up, or higher energy consumption is something you’ve noticed over a long period of time, it may be time to consider examining your roof to see if it is your primary issue. By consulting with an expert contractor, you can determine whether your roof is up to date or needs to be replaced.
Your roof is key to helping your house maintain its optimal temperature to save you on energy costs. Though new roofs are costly, it’s an investment that pays off in more ways than one, from boosted energy efficiency and curb appeal to saving money on your utility bills.
At Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors, our experts specialize in metal and asphalt roofing materials, each of which has various properties that improve the energy efficiency of your home. Our licensed contractors are here to discuss how a new roof can improve your home’s energy efficiency.
The Right Material Is Everything
It’s no secret that some materials are more efficient than others. At Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors, we carry two primary roofing materials, which are asphalt shingles and metal roofing materials. Both of these materials are proven to be energy efficient in their own way, and we take pride in using them for our customers.
Asphalt Roofing
Asphalt roofing is still the most popular roofing material for residential homes, and there are many reasons for this. For one thing, asphalt shingles are usually very cost effective. They are durable enough to last many years, but they aren’t going to break the bank. This makes them an overall good choice for most homeowners.
The other great thing about asphalt roofing is that when properly installed, asphalt materials are proven to keep the desired air inside and keep unwanted air out, which allows your HVAC system to operate at a normal level and not use extra energy sources, which drives up your home energy costs.
Metal Roofing
On the other hand, metal roofing materials are one of the most energy efficient options in today’s market. Not only are they designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and keep the elements out of your house, but they also go above and beyond in keeping your home at your desired temperature. Basically, metal roofs provide better insulation than other roofing materials, which protects the interior of your home.
Additionally, the metal naturally reflects a great deal of the sunlight that hits your home and prevents it from being absorbed, which makes your cooling system work harder. By doing your research and finding an energy efficient roofing material, you can lower your home’s energy costs.
Color Increases Energy Efficiency
Another factor that can impact how your home’s energy efficiency is the color of your roof. While color doesn’t necessarily make or break how energy efficient your home is, it certainly has an influence. The materials you choose for your new roof are the main factor in how energy efficient your roof is.
However, some darker roofing materials have been shown to absorb more of the sun’s light, which inevitably causes your HVAC system to work harder. This does not hold true for all dark roofing materials, though. Darker materials that are approved by ENERGY STAR can sometimes be more energy efficient than lighter colored materials that were not designed to meet certain standards.
New Insulation Can Also Help
When you install a new roof, you will get the opportunity to invest in new insulation, which can make a major difference in the energy efficiency of your roof. While it is not the primary factor in deciding just how energy efficient your roof can be, it is important to understand what the right insulation can do for your home. Insulation is designed to control whatever air gets through your roofing materials.
Because no roof is invincible, air will inevitably get through, but with the right insulation and proper installation, the insulation will be able to prevent that unwanted air from entering your home and disturbing your desired temperature.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect new roof for your needs, we will be happy to line you up with a great insulation contractor.
Ventilation Is Also Important
It might seem like ventilation is going to hurt energy costs, not help. However, the opposite is actually the case. After adding improved, protective insulation, ventilation vents are added to the roofing system in the attic. But the truth is that fresh air is necessary to keep your roof healthy. This intake of fresh air keeps the attic from getting too hot during summer.
The ventilation should also be installed properly. Intake vents are placed on lower points of the roof. There, fresh air is pulled in and rises to the top, where it exits from the exhaust vents. This helps increase airflow and circulation for year-long temperature regulation.
How Much Energy Does a New Roof Save?
If you’re looking to save on energy bills, metal roofs are likely the way to go. While they might be more expensive than other energy efficient options, you’ll see these upfront costs are worth it in the long run. This is because metal roofs can save you up to 40% on energy costs, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance.
Even an unfinished metal roof can help retain sunlight in the winter, which is ideal for warmer climates. So, while the exact costs will vary depending on the type of new roof you choose and how big your home is, you’ll likely see a decrease in monthly utility bills.
ENERGY STAR Rated Roofs
Most products today are made to exceed energy standards and lower costs for property owners. Many roofing materials and other house products are now designed to meet ENERGY STAR’s ratings. ENERGY STAR has a variety of different products that are proven to reduce energy costs.
Owens Corning, our provider of asphalt shingles, carries a variety of ENERGY STAR rated shingles that we use when our clients request them. These products are proven to reduce energy costs more so than other materials.
Additionally, our metal roofing supplier, Fabral, also uses ENERGY STAR’s standards on several of their products. If you choose these products for your home, we will be more than happy to install them for you.
At Tony’s, we put your needs above all else and will help you find the products from our suppliers that match your budget, your efficiency goals, and everything in between. To learn more about each of our products and how they can help you improve energy efficiency at your home, contact us today.
Contact Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors Today
If you are in the St. Cloud, Minnesota area and looking for a team of licensed contractors to complete your roofing project, contact Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors today. Since we opened for business in 1973, we have been providing state-of-the-art products and services to homeowners across the area.
To learn more or to request a quote, give us a call at 320-252-9086 or message us on our contact page today.