Contrary to popular belief, architecture, design, and costs are secondary factors when choosing the right roofing material, says a roofer from Palo Alto. Indeed, roofers in Menlo Park agree that there are more important things to consider if you want to install an energy-efficient and environment-friendly roof on your building.

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Instead of fretting over style, homeowners must be aware that there are numerous factors in which a professional roofer considers when they suggest the most suitable roofing material for their homes. While some might be tempted to do their roofing or reroofing by themselves, hiring professional roofers has the advantage of making your money’s worth by choosing a material that can help reduce your utility bills up to 39%.

Top factors roofers consider when choosing a material

The one major factor most roofers consider when choosing the correct roofing material is the house’s location and its surrounding climate. Despite having several roofing materials available in the market, not all can suitably be used in any climate, particularly in California where the climate can range from hot, humid or dry, to cold, subarctic weather, depending on the area’s location and elevation.

The right roofing material for the diverse California weather should have the proper solar reflectance and thermal emission values to ensure that it will reflect the sun’s rays and emit any radiation, instead of absorbing and storing it in as in the case of traditional roofing materials. However, it should also be resistant to algae and mold growth, which is considered normal in tropic, humid weather. Furthermore, the roof must be durable and sturdy enough to combat the harsh elements like snow and hail.

Aside from choosing the correct roofing material, insulation is also a big factor when installing roofs. In Palo Alto, CA, municipal code dictates to use an insulation with thermal resistance of at least ¾ inch air space added to the roof deck (assuming you have an attic), or sealed and insulated according to the rules set by the California Energy Commission (CEC).

Insulation is important as it helps keep away the heat of the sun during the warm weather while keeping the cool temperature in during the cold weather. As it is, correct roofing materials with proper insulation can reduce your energy costs as much as 60% by assisting your HVAC system to run more efficiently.

Sources:

CPA Residential Cool Roof

cityofpaloalto.org

What type of roof should I choose in a hot climate?

greenhomeguide.com