How Your Roof Affects the Temperature of Your Home

How Your Roof Affects the Temperature of Your Home

by | Jul 10, 2017 | Asphalt Roofing

After withstanding chilly winters and scorching summers, many West Michigan homeowners want to know how to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature without spending too much on energy bills. What if we told you that your roof actually plays a significant role in that process?

Believe it or not, it’s true. Several roofing factors can change the amount of heat absorbed into your home or reflected off of it. We’ll look at five of the most important factors below and what should be included in a roofing estimate. 

5 Factors That Affect Roof Temperature

It might seem impossible to have a house that feels cool and refreshing on a hot August day and warm and cozy during a January snowstorm – but it’s not. With the right roof, you can enjoy comfortable temperatures in your home all year long. Keep reading for five of the most important factors that affect your home’s temperature.  

1. The Color of Your Roof 

You may be wondering, do black roofs make a house hotter? Yes, in fact, black or dark roofs can affect the temperature of your home. Since dark colors absorb heat, the darker the color of your roof, the more it will warm up your house. 

Darker colors absorb more light, trapping more heat in the roof. As a dark roof absorbs heat, the heat flows into your attic and down throughout your home, while lighter color roofs, on the other hand, reflect the heat and cause much of the heat from light rays to bounce off, meaning they hold much less heat than a darker roof.

With all this being said, you might ask yourself, “Then why do I still see so many dark-colored roofs?” The answer relies on practicality. Dark roofs benefit homeowners in many areas of the country, especially in places like Michigan. In cold areas that get a lot of snow, a darker roof will melt the snow before it gets too heavy to damage the roof. 

2. The Material of your roof

Your roofing material has an incredible impact on how much heat is absorbed into or reflected off of your home. Roofing material is a major factor that should be included in a roofing estimate. Take asphalt vs. metal roofing materials, for example: 

  • An asphalt roof reflects an estimated 30% of the light that hits your home, regardless of color.
  • A metal roof is highly reflective, meaning that most light rays are reflected away from your home, keeping it at an even temperature year-round. 

These are just the top two most common types of roofing materials — but every option, from tile to wood shakes, offers a different rate of light and heat absorption. So, if you have a favorite roofing material you’d like to install in your new home, it’s good first to understand how it will perform. That way, you’ll have a roof style you like and a comfortable living experience. 

3. Cool Roof Technology

Another factor to consider when investing in a roof is roofing technology. If you like a particular roofing material’s appearance but aren’t thrilled about its performance and energy efficiency features, we have a solution: cool roofs. 

A cool roof is designed to absorb less heat and reflect more sunlight than a standard roof. Some roofing materials come in “cool roof” options; others can be altered with highly reflective paint or coating to absorb less heat. In most cases, a cool roof will stay at least 50°F cooler than a non-cool roof of the same color and construction — allowing you to get the roofing style you want but at a better energy efficiency rate. 

Although cool roof technologies cost a bit more upfront, you’ll make that money back in no time with energy savings. These roofs will keep your home nice and cool, even on the hottest days of summer. According to the EPA, a cool roof absorbs and transfers less heat from the sun to the building than a more conventional roof. 

4. Roof Insulation

Roof insulation serves as a shield in the battle against extreme temperatures. Maintaining a balanced and comfortable internal climate is critical while ensuring that external weather conditions remain at bay. Quality roof insulation prevents heat from penetrating during scorching summers and acts as a barrier against cold during harsh winters. 

The thickness and type of insulation you choose directly impact the effectiveness of temperature regulation. An inadequately insulated roof can accumulate heat or dissipation, leading to uncomfortable indoor environments and increased energy consumption. 

The thickness, quality, and installation method of insulation are also pivotal in determining its effectiveness. A well-insulated roof ensures a comfortable indoor environment and significantly contributes to energy efficiency, reducing the strain on heating and cooling systems. 

5. Proper Roof Construction & Attic Ventilation 

So, what is the most important roofing factor that affects your home’s temperature? The combination of roof construction and attic ventilation.

Any reputable roofing contractor will tell you that proper roof ventilation is the best way to ensure your home stays cool in the summer. Proper roof construction, using the correct slope and materials, will help with ventilation. This primarily means choosing between a pitched roof vs. a flat roof.    

If your home is well-built, and your attic has the right amount of insulation and ventilation so that excess heat can escape, then the heat coming in from the roof really shouldn’t significantly impact the temperature of the rest of your home. Proper ventilation should provide cooling properties for your roof’s shingles, while insulation keeps any excess heat from reaching your attic.  

INSTALL A HIGH-PERFORMING ROOF WITH WERNER ROOFING

Choosing the right roof for your home is crucial regarding temperature control and regulation. If you’re looking for a local West Michigan roofing company you know you can trust to build a durable, well-performing roof, get in touch with our experts at Werner Roofing. 

We’ve been in the business for decades and would be happy to install your new roof — no matter your style, performance, or cost preferences. Whether building a new roof or updating an old one, Werner Roofing has you covered. 

Want Your Roof to Last Forever?

Want Your Roof to Last Forever?

by | Feb 28, 2017 | Asphalt Roofing, Metal Roofing, Roof Maintenance, West Michigan Roofing Blog

Roofs are expensive, there’s no getting around it. Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, are concerned about the lifespan of your current roof, or are looking for a new, durable roof, investing in a roof that will keep your family warm and dry for decades to come is always a top priority. While we can’t promise you a roof that will last forever, we can give you a few tips to keep your roof around for as long as possible – which is at least 20 years with an asphalt roof, and at least 40 with a metal roof. The best way to keep your roof in shape through the decades is to take the time to do some regular upkeep. Here are a few things to think about when working to extend the life of your roof:

Insulate Your Attic

One of the best things you can do to ensure your roof hangs around for a while is to keep your attic well-insulated and leak free. Ice dams cause major roof destruction, especially in Michigan, and happen when an attic is poorly insulated. When heat from inside your home escapes through the roof, ice dams form when the snow on your roof melts, and then freezes at the gutter line. Ice dams can wreak havoc on your roof, and come spring, you might notice you have some serious leaks and need either a big repair or a new roof.

So, to keep your roof in tip-top shape, it’s important that your attic has the insulation needed to keep the heat in your house and the cold outside where it belongs. While you’re up there, you’ll also want to check for any leaks or holes in the roof as well. If you find any, be sure to get them repaired immediately. Otherwise, you’re leaving your roof vulnerable to water damage that will destroy the structural integrity of your roof and can lead to serious mold problems.

Inspect Weak Points

While it’s likely that you’re already checking for minor noticeable roof damage on a regular basis, have you also been checking the weak points of your roof? Chimney flashings, skylights, and valleys are the most vulnerable parts of any roof and should be regularly inspected to ensure they’re not leaking. When roofs are hit with alternately hot and freezing temperatures, sometimes this flashing can expand and contract, eventually pulling away from the edges, thus creating leaks and holes that can be detrimental later. These are all issues that are easily fixed with new strips of flashing––if you’re handy you can probably even do it yourself! But if they’re not caught early, they can cause serious problems that shorten the life expectancy of your roof.

Check for Critter Infestations

While you’re completing regular inspections in the attic and on the roof, it’s important to make sure you’re also looking for signs of insect and pest infestations. Since most roof support systems are made of wood, they’re extremely attractive, secluded hiding places for little critters. And if you’re not checking the area regularly, these infestations can get out of hand quicker than you’d like. A lot of insects and animals – like carpenter bees, termites, and even squirrels – can cause major damage by gnawing through the supports in your roof or chewing through electrical wires.

Get a Regular Roofing Professional

If you’re really looking to get the most out of your roof, it’s a good idea to consider signing up with a roofing professional long-term. Many roofing companies offer regular inspection programs––you simply sign up, and they agree to come out and inspect your roof once or twice a year on a regular schedule. This way, you know your roof is always getting the attention it needs, and your roofing professional can let you know as soon as they see something that could be an issue. This means you get small repairs taken care of before they become major issues, saving you money and keeping your roof looking great for many years to come!

Invest in a Metal Roof

Finally, if you’re here because you’re looking for a roof that will last the lifetime of your home, you might consider investing in a metal roof. The average metal roof can last anywhere from 40 to 60 years, and many of them can last much longer than that with proper upkeep. The benefits of a metal roof are many, the only drawback being the slightly higher upfront cost. But if roof durability is your biggest concern, then a metal roof is probably worth the cost for you. Requiring even less maintenance than an asphalt roof, a metal roof is guaranteed to last the lifetime you’re looking for.

Whether you’ve decided to stick with your trusty asphalt roof or switch to a heavier-duty metal roof, we hope these suggestions help your roof last as long as possible. Be sure to check out this blog post for more tips on extending the life of your roof. And if you have any questions about the state of your roof, or would like to request an inspection, be sure to get in touch with the experts at Werner Roofing! We’re a local, West Michigan roofing company, and we’d love to answer any roofing questions you’ve got. Give our office a call at 616-844-5382 or request a free roofing estimate online today!

The Right Roof For Your Michigan Home

The Right Roof For Your Michigan Home

by | Jan 31, 2017 | Asphalt Roofing, Metal Roofing, West Michigan Roofing Blog

Finding the right roof for your West Michigan home isn’t always easy. A new roof is a major investment and a major decision. It’s likely to last you at least the next few decades, so it’s probably important to you that you choose a roof that you like, and that looks great on your home. If you’ve finally decided it’s time for a new roof, you won’t want to rush into your decision. In case you’re feeling overwhelmed with the prospect of making that purchase, we’ve put together this blog to help you narrow down your choices and make that final decision a little easier. First, let’s start with what type of roof you want to buy:

ASPHALT VS. METAL

In Michigan, you have two main options for roofing materials – asphalt and metal. They’re both great choices, but each has its benefits and its downfalls:

Asphalt

Asphalt roofs are one of the most popular choices on the market because of their durability and low cost. When you choose an asphalt roof, you’ll have a great variety of options available to you, as asphalt comes in all kinds of colors and textures to best suit your home. It’s also excellent at keeping in heat in the winter and muffling sound, providing you with a well-insulated, quiet home. The best part: since asphalt roofs are one of the easiest to install, and are made from affordable materials, they’re one of the cheapest roofing options on the market.

While asphalt is an excellent roofing option, it’s important to note that there are a few downfalls. An asphalt roof will last you about 12-20 years, which is good, but not the same as a 50-year metal roof. Additionally, asphalt roofs are more prone to lost and broken shingles in the event of high winds.

Metal

Another popular roofing option, metal is one of the most durable materials on the market. It stands up against virtually every weather condition and will last you anywhere from 40 to 70 years. Metal is also very energy efficient. It’s one of the best materials out there for keeping your home cool in the summer, and it also works to keep in heat during the winter. An added bonus? Metal is ultra-lightweight compared to other materials, which means that if you need to reroof, you can place a new metal roof right over an old asphalt roof. The light construction means that the additional roof won’t damage your home’s structure, and you’ll save money by not having to strip the old one.

Like asphalt roofing, metal roofing also has some drawbacks. The biggest is the cost of a metal roof. You’re likely to pay a hefty upfront cost when you opt for a metal roof. In the end, the cost is almost always worth it, since metal roofs are so durable, but it can be a steep price when you’re putting it on. Additionally, metal roofs don’t always have the same style options as asphalt. When you choose a metal roof, you’ll likely be able to choose from just solid colors, instead of the varieties offered by asphalt options.

Energy Efficient Roofing?

When you install a new roof, you also have the option to choose one that’s energy efficient. Both asphalt and metal roofing come in energy efficient options, usually called “cool roofs.” This type of roof works to keep heat in during the winter, and heat out during the summer. While most standard roofing options – metal and asphalt – are pretty good at keeping your home toasty in the winter, the issue comes during the summer. Standard roofs are more apt to absorb heat from the sun’s rays, transferring that into your home, and forcing your air conditioning unit to work harder. This costs energy, and it can be inconvenient as your home continues to heat up, rather than cool down.

Cool roofs, alternatively, feature a special coating that works to reflect the sun’s rays, bouncing that heat off rather than absorbing it. While cool roofs do tend to cost more upfront, you’ll typically save money in the long run by increasing your energy efficiency and potentially extending the life of your roof.

Choosing A Color

Finally, we’ve come to the last, and perhaps most important decision of choosing a new roof. The color. You’ll want a color that’s beautiful and that goes with your home, but doesn’t stand out too much either. Here are a few tips to consider when you’re trying to figure out the right roof color:

  • Consider the style of your home
    The last thing you want to do is mess up the architectural integrity of your home’s design. For instance, if you have a classic white farmhouse, it will probably make sense for you to go with a darker roof color. If you designed your home with a specific style in mind, you’ll want to stick with that when you choose your roof color.
  • Think about unchangeable elements of your home
    If your home has some bold design elements, like a chimney, stone façade, or even a brick exterior, these colors are the ones that will dictate the color of your roof. You’ll want to choose a roof that complements these, so they stand out the way you originally intended. By contrasting with some of those major elements, you’ll end up with a lot of competing colors, ruining your overall design. In this situation, it’s best to go with a complementary color.
  • Consider the illusion
    Remember that darker colors tend to make your home seem smaller, while lighter colors will do the opposite.
  • Don’t forget your neighbors
    If you live in a subdivision, or if your neighbors are close by, you’ll want to ensure that your new roof doesn’t clash with their homes. If you have a neighborhood association, they may have stipulations on which colors you can choose from, which will affect your end choice. Even if you don’t have any rules to follow, you don’t want your home to look just like your neighbors, but you don’t want it to clash either. The way your home looks next to your neighbor’s can have a major effect on the overall aesthetic of your community.
  • If no other rules apply, remember the color wheel
    Your best bet is to choose a color that either contrasts, complements, or matches the overall color of your home. Contrast a light home with a dark roof for an eye-popping combination. For a more subtle look, complement a sage green house with a warm brown roof. And if neither of those options seem right, you can always match the color of your roof to the color of your home for a unified look.

In the end, the right roof for your West Michigan home is the roof you think will look the best and stand up to the elements for years to come. If you’re still struggling with all of the options out there, or if you just have a few questions before you make your final decision, make sure to give the experts at Werner Roofing a call. We’re one of West Michigan’s foremost roofers, installing both asphalt and standing seam metal roofs, and we’re here to answer any questions you might have. Give our office a call at 616-844-5382, or request your free roofing estimate online today!