Steve Napora © 2009
BobVilaContractors.com
While southern homes don't require as much energy to heat in the winter, they can require a substantial mount of energy to keep cool the rest of the year. Those of you who live in sunny and warm locations like San Diego, CA and Houston, TX can save money on your utility bills by upgrading your roof to a more energy efficient alternative. According to the Energy Information Association (EIA), central air-conditioners account for the single greatest use of electricity in the average household. Here are some tips on upgrading to energy efficient roofing in a warm climate:
Choose a Light Roof Color
Certain colors of roofing material absorb more heat than others, so they get much warmer. This can be an advantage in a cold climate. But in a hot or sunny climate, it is better to go with light-colored roofing material, which is much more reflective. A light-colored roof usually doesn't cost any more than a dark-colored roof of similar material, and choosing the lighter alternative will keep your house cooler.
Insulate
A well-insulated roof can keep your house cooler on warm days. Plus, there are many green products on the market that you may have not considered. Fiberglass is a good insulator, but other options include recycled plant fibers, recycled denim and sheep's wool. Whatever material you choose, increasing the insulation under your roof will bring your energy costs down.
Go with Natural Materials
Standard asphalt shingles are resilient and cost less than other materials, but they are among the least insulating forms of roofing on the market. Wood shingles provide much more insulation than asphalt, and there are now companies manufacturing wood shingles in a more eco friendly way. Clay tiles have been in use for thousands of years in hot climates because they have both high reflective and insulative values. Although these natural materials may cost more than other roofing products, they are often more durable and wind up costing less in the long run.
Use Recycled Material
If you want to really go green, there are now roofing products on the market made from recycled materials. These products are often made from recycled rubber or plastic, but they are engineered to look like much more expensive alternatives like slate, wood, or clay. Recycled roofing materials are designed to be highly resilient and environmentally friendly and can give your house a high-end look without the high-end price.
Plant a Roof Garden
An emerging trend is to opt for what's called a green roof. This involves creating a layer of growing, living greenery on top of the roof structure. These types of roofs offer many advantages like decreasing storm water run-off, reducing the heat island effect in urban areas, and creating a sound barrier to external noise. Green roofs not only unique and environmentally friendly, but they can also be a beautiful addition to your home.
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