With spring here, many people are beginning to consider if it’s time to get a new roof. Before you pick a color, first you need to find the right material. The Spokane climate includes all four seasons. With temperatures reaching near 100 during the summer months and as low as 10 during the winter, having an energy-efficient home will save you money all-year-round. You can increase the energy efficiency of your home in many ways. Here you will learn about the different options available for your roof.
Installing the proper roof for your home is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. During the summer months, the sun beats on your roof for most of the day. This increases the warmth of your house from the top down. During the winter months, as the heat of your home rises, it will easily leave through a poorly insulated roof. Proper roofing materials mitigate heat transfer through the roof during these seasons. Be sure to select energy-efficient material appropriate for your climate. By doing so, you can save up to 30% of your energy costs.
Energy-Efficient Roofing Material
Three things you need to consider when selecting what to put on your roof for energy efficiency: climate, roofing materials and insulation. A green roof is the most environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient option for any climate. These are designed to grow plants on the entire roof of your house; however, it may not be the best resale option in your area. Clay roofs are the next most energy-efficient for summer months, but they are less energy-efficient than other roofs during cold temperatures.
The best options for the Inland Northwest include: solar, metal, slate, concrete tile, and asphalt. When selecting energy-efficient roofing material, look for the Energy Star badge. These materials can improve efficiency up to 100 degrees. Every style of roof includes some options that are Energy Star compliant.
Solar
Solar is one of the most environment-friendly options available. Not only will you create energy for your home and potentially others, but you will improve the efficiency of your home through the solar panel’s reflective properties during the summer and insulating benefits during the winter. Most homeowners avoid this option; however, it costs more to install than other roofing options.
Metal
Metal roofing has the best heat-reflection values for the summertime. It also comes in a variety of colors. Not only this, but it helps melt the snow in the winter. This reduces damage potential that snow buildup often causes. A metal roof on its own insulates poorly during winter months. Ensure proper installation to reap energy efficiency during the winter.
Slate
The density of virtually-indestructible slate makes them great insulators. They keep the cool in during the summer and the heat in during the winter.
Concrete Tile
Tile roofing made from concrete materials contain the energy efficiency in the material itself. They also reflect the sunlight and heat better than an asphalt roof.
Composite or Asphalt
Asphalt roofing is not the most energy-efficient during the summer. However, it is more energy-efficient during the winter than other roofs. This makes it a great option for the Spokane area. Asphalt roofing holds up well during the winter storms. It is also one of the most affordable roofing materials. To get Energy Star ratings, you must choose lighter colored asphalt shingles.
Energy-Efficient Roof Savings
Many local utilities offer a rebate for installing energy-efficient roofing. Some roofing projects qualify for a Federal Tax Credit up to 30%. Even if your roofing choice does not qualify for any of these incentives, you will see a return on your energy bills which will quickly add up throughout the years.
Insulation
To improve your home’s energy efficiency, you must also install proper insulation. Certain roof types lend themselves to an insulating layer. This helps improve the insulating properties of the roofing materials itself. Also, proper insulation in the attic greatly improves your home’s energy efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends an R-value of 38-49 in your attic. This is true in any climate in which you live.
Location
You must seriously consider your home’s location when deciding on the right roofing material for you. We spend more months heating our homes than cooling them in Spokane. You need to select a roof that will help reduce the heat transfer to your house during the summer but keep the heat in during the winter. Selecting the wrong material can actually do more harm than good. For example, while a highly reflective roof may keep your house cool during the summer months, it also helps keep your house cool during the winter months. Selecting the proper material for your roof is our specialty. If you want to lower your utility costs, by increasing your home’s efficiency, call us. We know the roofing options that work best in the Inland Northwest. At Specialty Home Products, we will help you choose the right energy-efficient roof for your home. We also do work on commercial properties. Contact Specialty Home Products today for your in-home consultation.