There are many benefits that come with getting a new roof. For instance, a new roof offers better protection and curb appeal for your home. However, one of the better benefits of getting a new roof is financial. That's because a new roof can help to reduce your energy bills and save you a pretty sum in the long run. Let's look at some of the top ways to maximize the energy-saving properties of your new roof.

Consider the Energy Star Rating

There are two main properties to consider when it comes to your roof's energy efficiency. To begin with, emissivity looks at how well the roofing material can emit or release heat energy from the sun. On the other hand, reflectivity looks at how well the roofing material can reflect the sun's rays into the environment.

This is the basis of the Energy Star Label, which has become the standard when it comes to how energy efficient your roof is. The higher the rating, the better your roof will be at reflecting solar radiation and emitting heat into the atmosphere. If your roof has high reflectivity, it means that it's better at reducing your cooling costs by reflecting solar radiation in the summer.

Similarly, high emissivity helps to keep your cooling and heating costs. The heat energy absorbed from the sun is released back into the environment instead of passing into your home. This keeps your home's interior cooler. In contrast, when the weather gets colder, your roof can retain some of the heat, and the roof's superior insulation also helps ensure that your heating system doesn't have to work overtime.

Ensure There's Proper Roof Ventilation

Proper roof ventilation keeps your attic cool and prevents heat from building up during summer. When hot air is trapped in your attic, the lack of airflow will cause indoor temperatures to rise. This forces your air conditioning system to work harder, leading to higher cooling costs. When buying a new roof, it's essential to ensure your roof is properly ventilated to reduce your home's energy consumption.

Opt for the Right Roofing Colors

According to Eesi.org, you can increase your building's ability to reflect light (albedo) by up to 60% by simply using vinyl or other white surface materials. This reduces heat absorption and cools the interior better compared to the 10-20% albedo you get with a traditional asphalt roof.

This goes in line with what you have probably heard about how dark colors absorb heat energy more. So, when deciding on the best shingle color or roofing material color, consider the climate you live in. If the weather is always warm, a light-colored roof will help keep your home cooler by deflecting sunlight. In contrast, darker roofs are more suited for colder climates since they help heat up the interior by absorbing more solar energy.

Consider Cool Roof Options

Cool roofs are a specialty roofing option that has been specifically designed to reduce your energy bills better than standard roofs. They are the best option if you live in a hotter climate. For instance, cool roofs typically come with reflective coatings that increase their ability to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. Compared to standard roofs, cool roofs will help you save more energy and more money by making your air conditioning work less.

Simply Invest In a New Roof

There are many specialty roofing features to consider when opting for an energy-efficient roof. However, sometimes you may not even have to consider the factors listed above to benefit from reduced energy bills. That's because if your existing roof is old, it's probably not doing a good job of keeping your home protected from the elements. With roofs currently on the market, any option you choose will be a step better than the outdated roofing materials and obsolete building technology used on older roofs. Once you install a new roof, you don't have to worry about outdoor temperatures and conditions interfering with your interior's comfort.

There's no question about whether a new roof can save energy or help reduce your cooling costs. In short, you can make your home more energy-efficient and reap significant and long-term savings by investing in a new roof with better insulation, ventilation, and reflective properties. Fortunately, many specialty roofing options are available to help you get the most energy savings out of your roof. If this sounds like a great deal, get in touch with Crown Exterior and Construction. We are always available and willing to help.