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Conserve Power With Energy Efficient Roofing

Almost 50 percent of an average household’s energy usage goes toward keeping the indoor environment at a comfortable temperature. In cold weather, much of the heat generated by the furnace rises to the attic, where it escapes through the roof. On warm days, most traditional types of roofing absorb the heat of the sun and transfer it into the home, where the air conditioning system must work even harder to keep things cool.

When evaluating the energy efficiency of roofing, your Marlton roofing consultant can help with professional advice tailored to your situation. In general, consider two primary factors. The first, thermal emittance, expresses the amount of absorbed solar heat a particular product emits. A higher level of thermal emittance means that the roof radiates more heat back into the atmosphere. Composition or asphalt shingles have a thermal emittance factor of up to 80 percent, making them fairly efficient in terms of radiance.

The second factor to consider when evaluating a product for energy efficiency is its solar reflective index. This expresses the ability of the roofing material to reflect back solar energy rather than absorb it. Lighter colored shingles have a greater reflective index than darker shingles of the same type.

Roofing manufacturers have specifically developed reflective roofing with high solar indices to keep homes cooler. These come in a spectrum of colors rather than just lighter hues. Many of these products are certified by Energy Star as energy efficient, which translates into significant energy savings for homeowners.

Certified roofing decreases the heat transfer from roof to building because it reduces the surface temperature of the roof by as much as 100 degrees.

Have a question regarding roofing, shingles or gutters? Please ask Fortified Roofing of Marlton NJ today!.

Energy Star certified roofing can lower the need for interior cooling by 10 to 15 percent during peak demand periods. Homeowners realize a savings in electric bills that offsets the higher cost of Energy Star roofing products. However, since reflective materials do not address heat loss from your home, if you live in a cold climate, you may not realize a return on your investment.

Asphalt shingles with specially developed granule coatings are known as cool roofs. They reflect solar heat up to four times more efficiently than standard shingles. Because cool roofs are relatively impervious to heat damage, they tend to last longer than standard roofs, and since they reduce the need for running an air conditioner in your home, cool roofs reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so they are environmentally friendly as well.

Metal roofing, especially in white and other light colors, is naturally reflective. Clay tile roofing enhances airflow with its corrugated surfaces, reducing the temperature of the roof and thus restricting thermal transfer into the structure. Specially developed coatings are also available to make existing roofing more reflective, keeping surface temperatures down.

You can take additional measures to make your roof more energy efficient too. A well-insulated attic works in conjunction with reflective roofing to keep solar heat out of your living spaces, and attic insulation retains heat during cold weather. For the best performance, match your type and quantity of insulation to your climate and structural needs. Have a question regarding roofing, gutters or new skylights? Please ask Fortified Roofing of Marlton NJ today!

Term of the day, courtesy of Fortified Roofing, Marlton NJ:

Greenhouse gas emissions

Carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane and fluorinated gases are the components of greenhouse gases. The greatest source of these environmentally destructive emissions in the U.S. is fossil fuel consumption from heating and cooling systems.

Marlton roofing FAQ of the day:

Does the government offer tax credits for cool roofing?

Federal tax credits for Energy Star-certified cool roofing expired at the end of 2011. However, in warmer climates, the monthly savings on your power bill due to your cooler roof add up significantly. Also, your reflective roofing will probably last longer than a standard roof, and you may not need to replace it during the period that you own your home.

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