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Call for FREE ESTIMATE Most people are already looking forward to summer, but what they keep forgetting is that the heat can increase energy consumption at home. Using energy efficient appliances can help. However, if you are looking to replace your roof, you could also look into choosing a material that could give you substantial energy savings. The kind of roofing that’s most appropriate for the climate in Palo Alto may reduce your energy bills by helping to regulate indoor air temperature and decrease your air conditioning needs. Here are some tips from a Palo Alto roofer on the roofing type that can help cool down your home in hot weather.
Light Colors Work Best
It is common knowledge that darker colors absorb more light and heat than lighter colors. In places with generally warm and dry climates like California, this also applies to roofing. In ancient times, the Greeks painted their roofs white so as to reflect the heat of the sun. The same approach is still useful today. Ask trusted roofers in Sunnyvale and Palo Alto about installing roofs with lighter colors like gray, off-white, light brown and similar shades.
The Right Roofing Materials
A lighter colored roof can only do so much in keeping the heat out, but combine that with the right kind of roofing material and you can enjoy a cooler home. Roofing materials are often chosen for their appearance and durability, completely leaving out the fact that each material will only work best if it is suited to a specific region’s climate. When choosing a roofing material in California where temperatures can be very high during summer, you should consider how well one can do against the heat.
Slate roofs are exceptionally suited to resisting any type of climate. It performs well under the heat of the sun in warm regions, and has a cooling effect on the house. Another good option is terracotta or clay tiles, which can also withstand very high temperatures. Their natural light color also works against the heat. On the other hand, metal roofs not only have a modern look, they can also reflect about 66% of the sun’s energy. An off-white or pure white color is the best option to add to metal roofing’s reflective properties.
Roofs are your first line of defense against the heat. Make sure to choose quality roofing and have them installed only by trusted companies like Shelton Roofing to get optimum results.
Sources:
The Best Roofing Material for Your Region, Roofing Tutor
10 Best Roofing Materials for Warmer Climates, www.HowStuffWorks.com
Cool Roofs, U.S. Department of Energy