Why You May Want to Reconsider Your Black Roof

Does your home currently have a black roof that was already there when you moved in? Is it almost time to have your roof replaced? This may be the perfect time to reconsider having a black roof on your home. Let’s look at why this is and what changes you should consider.

Black Roof Considerations

There are a number of reasons why a black roof may not be the best choice for your home. For example, black is a color that will absorb more light energy than lighter colors. This can lead to your home heating up more quickly. While this may not be a bad thing in the winter months, the summer sun can lead to some hot interior temperatures. This results in you having to run your air conditioning system more frequently, which raises your utility bills. This can also lead to more wear and tear on your HVAC system, increasing repair costs and shortening the lifespan of your equipment.

Using Different Roofing Materials

There are many different types of roofing materials available. If you’re trying to choose what is best for your home, you want to consider aesthetics as well as function.

Asphalt Roofs

If you’re looking for affordability, asphalt roofs are an excellent option. You just want to make sure that you choose a light color of shingle. This will reduce the amount of heat that your roof absorbs, leading to lower utility bills. Asphalt roofs are designed to last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. Routine maintenance can protect your roof and lengthen its lifespan.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are becoming more popular because of how low maintenance they are. Also, they can last decades, eliminating your need to replace your roof again in your lifetime. Metal roofs reflect the rays from the sun, lowering the temperature in your home.

Promoting Roof Energy Efficiency

For your roof to be energy efficient, it needs to be installed properly. You want to work with a trustworthy and reputable contractor that will help you select and install the ideal roof material. You should then schedule annual inspections for your roof to spot damage or issues early on. If you have missing shingles, gaps and cracks in your roof, or storm damage, this can decrease the efficiency of this structure. Repairs should be made in a timely manner. You should schedule an additional inspection if inclement weather has recently come through your area or you see signs of roof issues from your vantage point on the ground.

Dark-colored roofs can also lead to premature wear and tear. The UV rays from the sun can start to break down the material of your roof much quicker than if you have lighter colors or materials that are not absorbing as much heat.

Ideally, color is what you want to pay close attention to when it comes to affordably boosting the efficiency of your roof. Stick with colors such as white, light gray, tan, etc. You should see a difference in how warm your home gets in the summer months. Working with a professional to come up with the most energy efficient roof option for your home is ideal.