Energy Efficiency and Your Roof

If you’re a homeowner who is interested in saving money, you’re probably paying close attention to your energy bills. By having an energy-efficient home, you can do just this while also helping the environment. And while your home can have all the energy-efficient appliances, not having the proper window, siding, attic insulation, and roofing can actually take a lot of that away.

With the proper attic insulation, you can save 15-20 percent on your energy bill every year.

Learn more about how your attic could make or break your energy efficiency below. 

This Can Cost You $$$$

One of the main functions of your roof is to keep heat within your home. If you have an old or damaged roof, this hot air could be escaping, making your HVAC system work harder to maintain the desired temperature within your home. The harder these systems have to work, the more energy you’re using, and with increased energy comes higher costs. 

Heat ends up escaping the home through the process of convection, conduction, and radiation. One of the best ways to ensure that your roof is not losing heat is with proper insulation. Without this, heat will escape, leaving you to continue heating your home by increasing your use of your thermostat. Take a look at some of the insulation options: 

1. Cellulose Fiber – Not only is this material the most affordable, but it’s also very energy efficient and what’s more, is that it’s made entirely from recycled materials. Additionally, this fiber is treated with a fire retardant material should a fire occur. 
2. Foam – Another great option for insulating your roof, foam can come in two forms. The first is a foam board that has to be fitted to the space and the second is a liquid that is sprayed into the loft or attic area. As the liquid expands, it fits the space and makes a The liquid slowly expands, filling the spaces with hard foam and ensuring an air-tight seal.
3. Fiberglass – This material is yet another effective way to maintain energy efficiency within your roof. Conveniently, it comes in various shapes and sizes in rolled sheets but can also come in square sections. Another way to use fiberglass is by mixing it with adhesives and then directly sprayed into the area  

As energy costs soar, the need to conserve heat during the winter months becomes more and more necessary. With quality roofing, you can do just that. 

Consider a Roof Inspection

Being able to recognize that you may need a roof may not be totally clear to you. But knowing that the average lifespan of a roof is between 25 and 50 years can help you determine the shape of your roof, however, the quality of the materials makes a big difference here. 

If you notice that your roof does not have snow on it where there should be, you could be losing heat. If you see condensation, missing or damaged shingles, there are gaps between your ceiling and roof, or if you don’t have the proper insulation in your attic, you could be losing money, meaning it could be time to consider some roof repairs.

Don’t lose any more money this winter due to an old and inefficient roof. Call Windy City Contractors to get started with a free estimate for your roof repairs or inspection, or click here to inquire.