Many people have never heard of an energy efficient roof. After all, roofing shingles have been the same for many decades now right? One of the most common types of roofing materials used today in Michigan is asphalt shingle roofing. The roofing materials that are installed on most of the homes in Michigan are these shingles. And while the construction of asphalt roofing shingles hasn’t changed much in the past few decades, there have been some changes to the construction and also to the roofing system as a whole. Getting a new roof in Dearborn Michigan with these advancements can mean much more energy efficiency for your home and also lower energy costs.
Can Energy Efficient Roofing in Dearborn Michigan Help You Save Money?
Energy efficient roofs are one of three things or a combination of all three. They are roofs built with a goal of reducing the cost of heating and air conditioning, roofs built with materials endorsed by the Energy Star government label, or roofs designed with specific things like solar cells and rooftop gardens. No matter which way you go you will save money and reduce wasteful energy use, which lowers your carbon footprint. Most roofing installations today are considered roofing systems and the entire system should be installed to reap the benefits of the energy efficiency that can be gained when getting a new roof.
Types Of Energy Efficient Roofing Materials
- All normal types of roofing shingles and tiles have a level of energy efficiency. This includes Asphalt, shake, metal, slate, concrete and tile. The best type of energy efficient materials for your home comes down to hot vs. cold. One of the top roofing systems today is the GAF roofing system.
- If you live in a hot climate you will want a roofing material that reflects or mitigates the absorption of sunlight into your home. This will lower your use of air conditioning and save your energy usage. This includes terracotta, slate, EPDM, solar cells and light-colored metal sheets.
- If you live in a cold environment, you want a roof that absorbs sunlight and traps as much heat in as possible. This includes dark-colored asphalt shingles, cement tiles, solar cells and metal sheets.
Building Methods of Energy Efficient Roofs
- Trying to build a roof that supports energy efficiency doesn’t end with choosing the building material that matches your needs and budget. There are certain building methods and techniques that should be used to receive the full benefits of your endeavor.
- Whether you are attempting to keep your home hot or cold, a well-insulated house is important. Insulation is designed to keep your house dry and sustain the current temperature of the home whether it is warm or cold.
- If you live in a hot climate, it is recommended you take advantage of above sheathing ventilation and radiant barriers.
- If you live in a cold climate, it is recommended you build a simple gable roof and minimize the amount of openings in your roof, like skylights.
How Energy Star Works
- Energy Star is a product endorsement that is backed by the U.S. government. Products with this label are certified to save energy by deflecting enough of the suns ray’s from a rooftop that it could reduce cooling demand by as much as fifteen percent. Following the energy star rating on any of the products you buy from shingles to appliances can help ensure you get the most energy efficient product for your home.
- Products must meet criteria laid down by the EPA to receive this endorsement.
- For a full list of the criteria, go here.
A Whole New World
For the more extreme energy efficient roofs, many people have installed gardens on their rooftop. This purifies the air around the home and aids in temperature control. There is an endless list of materials and methods you can use to make your home energy efficient, but the only way to know which method would be best for you is to speak to an expert who can guide you through the process. If you’re interested in getting a quote for a new energy efficient roof on your Dearborn Michigan home be sure to contact Roofing Dearborn today by calling 313-209-6350.