Winter is fast approaching and ensuring your home is ready for the cold temperatures ahead is extremely important. While a lot of individuals pay special attention to their energy efficiency during the heat of summer, often the same care is not provided when the weather turns colder even though it should also be a priority. Sealing up doors and windows can help to reduce the cost of heating your home but one of the most important factors associated with the overall energy efficiency of your dwelling is the roof. Yes, the outer protective layer up above, keeping you safe from rain, wind, hail, snow, ice, and cold plays a vital role in not only keeping out the elements but also ensuring that heat stays inside during the winter and cool air circulates all summer long.
The functions of a roof cannot be overstated. While many individuals rarely give a second thought to arguably the most important aspect of their home – until there is some type of issue – preventative care and regular check-ups will not only help to protect you and your family but also avoid any potential major repairs that could occur. By getting out in front of any problems often the repair costs are far less and saving money is always important. Ensure you do the same by preparing for the cold with these tips and ideas for your home this season.
Insulation
Ensuring your home is properly insulated can go a long way in aiding the overall energy efficiency of your property. Insulation helps to slow the rate of heat transfer and its purpose is extremely beneficial in both hot and cold climate homes.
Located in the attic or upper levels of a dwelling above the ceiling, this material keeps warm air from escaping, essentially trapping the heat within a home. In addition, the cooler air filtered through the roof doesn’t find its way down and into the home. As the weather gets colder, keeping your family warm, inside, and protected begins with an adequate level of insulation for your property.
Ventilation
Likewise, proper roof ventilation can also make your home more energy efficient and help to avoid the likelihood of ice dams forming along the eaves of your property. As snow and ice builds up on a roof and then begins to melt, if a roof isn’t properly ventilated then the eaves can tend to refreeze and create a pooling area for the melting snow above. This is dangerous and can lead to leakages if left untreated. A quick professional survey of your home can ensure that you have enough vents allocated for the space underneath and that your roof is prepared for the elements.
In addition to energy efficiency and the ability to withstand ice dam formation, serviceable ventilation procedures help to keep air moving over head and disallow for the build up of moisture or stagnant air. Depending on if your home has a second-story, certain types of rooms, or just an attic space, this can help to eliminate any moisture damage or mold issues.
Material
From metal to shingles and everything in between, the type of materials selected for construction also have an impact on the overall effectiveness of your roof. While there are positives and negatives to every surface selection, a professional recommendation can be made based on your current climate and other outside factors. Choosing the appropriate roofing material for your particular situation can go a long way in helping to reduce your costs of heating and cooling a home.
Color
Coinciding with roofing materials, the color of a roof also plays a pivotal role in energy efficiency. Today, the most energy efficient roofing systems are known as cool roofs which covers a variety of different colors and materials. These materials absorb less of the suns energy and effectively reduce the amount of heat being connected to your home.
A good option in both the winter and summer months, lighter colored roofs typically have this effect and depending on your current situation, there could be an easy fix to transforming your current roof into a cool roof to up the energy efficiency associated with your home.
Thermostat Setting
The thermostat setting also plays an important role in keeping your energy costs and usage regulated. While programmable and energy saving thermostats are suggested to increase your savings, also knowing exactly what type of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit your home operates under is important as the savings could be offset by an inefficient system.
Fans
Ceiling fans and attic fans can also play a role in reducing energy expenses within a home and work hand-in-hand with the HVAC and roofing systems. Operating fans during both the winter and summer months can help to keep proper air flow throughout a property and ensure the upkeep of energy efficiency under roof.
Routine Exams
Finally, routine roof exams can be used to keep your home protected. By quickly noticing any potential deficiencies and taking care of them properly, homeowners can avoid a costly repair bill should a potential break down occur.
Have a professional survey your roof and provide their own tips for increasing your energy efficiency specific to your property today. Doing so will not only keep you warmer as these cold months approach but they can also save the impact on your pocketbook as well.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, quality service has been our priority in Denver and the surrounding area for years as we handle any and all roofing needs. Arvada Roofing and Construction has been completing roof installations, evaluations, and multiple other exterior household projects or associated services for nearly two decades. Their highly trained experts can provide an estimate on any repair, remodel, or now construction project, if needed, as well as any inspection you wish to have completed. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about the effectiveness of your roof or already have an issue, we are here to help. Our certified and extremely knowledgeable staff is available to handle any construction or roofing job and provide a variety of other services such as seamless guttering systems, or any potential damage analysis thought to be caused by severe weather for the purposes of insurance reporting. Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above mentioned projects!