With temperatures rising, so are the costs of our air conditioning bills. Even if you don’t live in a region battered by high temperatures, chances are your roof is still experiencing damage from the sun’s harmful rays. Here are a few smart roofing choices for battling high heat and lots of sunshine in the summer:
Solar panels – the most obvious roof product to save you money this summer is solar roof panels. Harnessing the power of the sun’s energy to power your home is not only cost effective, but environmentally friendly. With the installation of a 20 by 20 foot array of solar panels, the average American home can generate enough electricity to power the home for 24 hours. That is a huge reduction in the cost of traditional power and a huge step towards protecting the environment.
Slate/clay tiles – these roof materials are very popular among the southern regions of the United States for their durability under high temperatures. Slate and clay tiles are made from natural materials found in the earth and are, therefore, also environmentally friendly roof products. These tiles prevent the absorption of heat into the home and keep the home much cooler than would a traditional asphalt roof.
White roof coatings – traditionally used for commercial buildings, white roof coatings are becoming more popular among homeowners. This roof system coats the existing roof material with a lightweight, energy efficient material that reflects up to 85% of the sun’s harmful rays. Reflecting the rays means less heat absorption, which means a reduced need for cooling and energy consumption.
