Energy Efficiency & Your Roof: How You Can Lower Your Energy Bill with Your Roof

In recent years, having an energy-efficient home is becoming more and more popular. Not only does it help protect the environment, but it also can reduce your energy bills. What you may not know is that energy efficiency and your roof go hand in hand. Discover all the different ways you can improve your roof to make an energy-efficient home!

10 Ways You Can Create an Energy-Efficient Roof

If you’re looking to save money on your energy bill through your roof, there are many different options available. Whether you do one energy-saving upgrade, all of them, or some combination, these ten tips are sure to help the energy efficiency of your home.

1. The Color of Your Roof & Energy Efficiency

One of the easiest ways to increase the efficiency of your roof is by simply changing the color. In Florida, the UV rays of the sun are particularly strong, causing the dreaded summer heat we all know. If your roof is black or another dark color, your roof is actually absorbing these UV rays and causing your home to heat up, causing your HVAC to work overtime.

However, if you switch to a lighter color, such as white or beige, and use a UV paint coating, you could cool your roof down as much as 50 degrees. While a lighter color on its own will help reduce UV ray absorption, we’d recommend you also get a specialized UV reflective coating for the best results.

2. Find Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials

Like the color of your roof, the material of your roof can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. There are several materials that boast energy efficiency; however, metal is the most popular among them for its aesthetics, cost, and longevity.

If you don’t like the idea of metal, there are other materials to choose from for increased energy efficiency. For instance, in Florida, tile roofs are a popular style and don’t trap excess heat. To get an idea of what’s possible and the pros and cons of each choice, talk to your roofer about different roofing materials.

3. Consider Roof Alternatives

Sometimes, energy efficiency is outside of the box! One option some people are turning to is green roofs. This unique option essentially means you have a garden or vegetation on your roof. Not only does this add a natural look to your home, but research has shown that it could reduce the need for AC by 75%. While this option is not for everyone and won’t work on all roofs, it’s definitely something to consider if you have a flat roof on your home or like the idea of a garden on your roof.

4. Install Insulation & Ventilation

Florida roofs often have two problems: they trap the heat in or let the cool air of your AC out. This not only causes your house to feel warmer, but it could also make your HVAC work harder than normal to just cool down your home. The way to fix this issue is through installing insulation and ventilation.

Insulation will keep the cool air in, while ventilation allows the excess heat to escape from your roof. During an inspection, your roofer should be able to tell you if these systems need to be added to your roof or repaired if they already exist.

5. Research if Solar Panels for Your Roof Is Right for You

With all the sun Florida gets, solar panels are a great option for an energy-efficient home. These solar panels can fit right on your roof and allow you to enjoy the benefits of renewable energy. In fact, Florida offers homeowners who qualify rebates and incentives to install solar panels on their roofs, making the initial upfront cost easier on your budget,

6. Invest in Regular Maintenance

Like any other part of your home, your roof wears down over time and may require maintenance. This is especially true during and after hurricane season, when strong winds and heavy rain may have caused unseen damage to your roof.

You may not notice your insulation or ventilation is damaged or even know if you have a small leak—all of which can decrease your home energy efficiency. By investing in regular maintenance and inspections, you can ensure your roof is in good shape and not causing your energy bill to rise.

7. Replace Your Old Roof

Even if you keep up a regular maintenance schedule for your roof, your roof will eventually need to be replaced. The Florida climate is not kind to roofs, so you may need a roof replacement anywhere from 15–20 years after installing a new one. If you have an older roof, replacing it can significantly reduce your energy costs because a new roof incorporates modern insulation, ventilation, and best practices.

8. Add a Skylight

A practical feature to help you reduce energy costs is a skylight on your roof. A skylight allows the sunlight to brighten your home, reducing the need for turning on your lights during the day. Not only can you enjoy a lower energy bill, but it’s also a great way to add some natural light to your home!

9. Build an Awning

To help protect your windows from excess heat, you can extend your roof and create an awning. Awnings help provide shade over your home and windows, reducing the amount of heat streaming into your home. In fact, research shows that by building an awning over your windows, you can reduce heat by 77%! If you have a patio, this is also a great option to provide some shade while you relax on your patio furniture.

10. Call a Roofer When Your Energy Bill Suddenly Rises

Whenever you see a high energy bill, you may be inclined to call your HVAC technician. But we’d recommend also adding a roofer to your list of calls! Your roof and HVAC work in tandem to keep your home comfortable all year long. So, if your bill is higher than normal, it could indicate a problem with your roof. Your roofer can inspect your roof thoroughly to determine if it’s the problem and, if so, create a plan to fix it.

Reduce Your Energy Costs with a Retex Roof

Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or want to enjoy energy savings, your team at Retex Roofing + Interiors helps you experience an energy-efficient roof! Our roofing services cover everything from repair to new installation. We’re also happy to help provide personalized recommendations for your roof to increase energy efficiency. Call us today and receive a free estimate for your next roofing project!