The Essential Roofing Q&A
A roof installation can be a major home improvement project because your roof protects your home from moisture damage, however, it’s definitely worth the investment. The roof also makes up a lot of your home’s surface area, which has an impact on energy efficiency and curb appeal. Before you hire roofing contractors, you may want to ask the following questions.
How Do You Decide Which Roof Color is Best?
If you take a drive through a typical residential neighborhood in a suburban area, you may notice that most of the roofs are black. Asphalt roof shingles have long been the standard choice.
While black shingles are the lowest in cost, they absorb a lot of heat from the sun. Lighter colors such as green, tan and gray are attractive and efficient. Some homeowners associations place restrictions on roof tiles and colors, so check the rules before deciding on a hue.
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Which Roof is Best For a Hot Climate?
When you live in a hot place, you need a roof that will reflect most of the energy back into the air. One option is a metal roof. These roofs are coated with materials that are highly reflective. A metal roof could cost $20,000 or more, but it will last for about 50 years.
Clay tiles are another option. This style is often used in desert areas. A clay tile roof lasts for at least 25 years, and costs start at $15,000.
If you want to lower your carbon footprint, consider a “green” or cool roof. This could be a good choice if you have the time to devote to upkeep.
Why is Roof Ventilation Important?
The sun’s heat penetrates through your shingles, into the waterproofing paper, through the plywood and into the attic. Once the attic is hot, a lot of that heat gets into your home’s living spaces. Ventilation allows the heat to escape.
Active ventilation options include attic fans and turbines. Passive ventilation options include box, gable and soffit vents. An electric attic fan costs about $1,000 to $2,000 to install, but it could lower your air conditioning costs and pay for itself after a few years.
