Roof replacements can be necessary for home maintenance projects when damage or age becomes a safety issue. However, a roof replacement in Northern Virginia can also improve a home’s energy efficiency, leading to long-term savings on utility bills.
A new roof replacement can solve many of the hidden costs of energy inefficiency, including higher bills and faster wear and tear on insulation and appliances. This article examines the top six ways that roof replacements can improve energy performance in homes of any age.
1. Improved Insulation
Depending on the type of insulation used, wear and tear on a roof can cause the thermal barrier to break down, leading to less efficient temperature regulation. When this happens, the HVAC system has to work harder in the summer to maintain cool temperatures and in the winter to maintain heat, leading to higher electricity bills.
Roof replacements include high-quality insulation and underlayment. By renewing the materials, filling insulation gaps, and reinforcing the structure, homeowners can minimize temperature fluctuations year-round. This improved energy efficiency can save homeowners hundreds of dollars each year since their HVAC system no longer has to work as hard to maintain a steady internal temperature.
2. Reduced Heat Absorption
Asphalt shingles are the most conventional roofing material, as they are less expensive up front; however, as the shingles become worn they become less efficient. A roof replacement can reduce the home’s heat absorption with updated energy-efficient materials.
Other materials can also be used in this way. Many modern roofs incorporate metal, coated tiles, or reflective asphalt to lower the surface temperature of the roof, especially during the summer. Solar-reflecting asphalt granules can lower the roof and attic temperature without any additional costs to the homeowner.
This puts less strain on the HVAC system to maintain indoor temperatures, leading to lower electricity usage. Ask your roofing contractor about “cool roofing materials” to learn more about these benefits. Many contractors offer free material upgrades for roof replacements to help customers make their homes more energy-efficient.
3. Lower Risk of Leaks
When old roofing materials become worn, air and water can leak into the structure, causing long-term problems. Once water gets in, the decking and underlayment can become swollen or saggy, leading to structural problems. If the problem persists, mold and wood rot can set in, leading to even more leaks.
These leaks reduce the energy efficiency of the home, but a high-quality roof replacement can restore it by addressing these weak points. A quality installer will conduct an assessment of the roof to identify any areas that require correction before the installation.
4. Better Ventilation and Airflow
In addition to sealing leaks, roof replacements can improve attic ventilation. Low ventilation traps hot air, increasing the cooling costs of the home. In addition, hot air often traps moisture within the structure. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, which accelerates the premature deterioration of the roof.
Roof replacements allow contractors to assess and update ventilation systems with new additions such as ridge and soffit vents. New materials and structural changes help regulate attic temperature and boost energy efficiency year-round.
5. Repairing and Replacing Damaged Materials
In addition to material upgrades, roof replacements can repair damaged flashing, underlayment, shingles, and vents to improve the home’s thermal retention. Worn materials, especially once they pass their material warranties, often allow an increase in heat transfer and energy waste into and out of the home.
By replacing outdated roofing materials, roofers can substitute worn materials for new, better-performing ones that maintain more consistent energy transfers. This applies to more than just the roof. Experienced contractors can replace gutters, siding, and more to seal leaks, add reflective materials, and further improve the energy efficiency of the home.
6. Taking Advantage of Expert Guidance
Experienced local roofers and insurance restoration contractors specialize in improving the energy efficiency of their clients’ homes. They account for the structure, age, material, and architecture of the home when customizing a roofing solution in order to maximize the efficiency of each project.
Many roofing contractors offer free material upgrades during roof replacement jobs because it is beneficial for both them and the client. Material replacements allow contractors to simplify the repair process by replacing old, outdated, or discontinued materials with more efficient modern alternatives from their trusted suppliers.
Get in Touch with Our Northern Virginia Roof Replacement Experts
At Expert Exteriors, our team of contractors inspects the energy efficiency of homes to spot gaps, deteriorated materials, insulation issues, siding and gutter damage, and more. Our goal is to maximize the energy efficiency of our clients’ homes through quick, high-quality roof replacements at a low price. This is why we offer no-cost material upgrades to our clients, even when their insurance policies only cover material restoration.
Contact our team today for expert guidance on your Maryland or Northern Virginia roof replacement project. With new structures and energy-efficient materials, we empower homeowners to take control of their energy bills and increase the value of their homes.
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