Cool Down with Cool Roofing

There are many great options available now to help keep your energy bills down, both in the summer when that AC wants to stay on 24/7 and in the winter when you'll want to keep the heat in.

Lighter Roofs Are Becoming Very Popular

If you're installing a composition roof  one of the most cost effective ways to get a cool roof is to choose an Owens Corning Shasta White shingle. This color is Energy Star rated with no extra cost.

Of course, not every house calls for a light grey roof. There are also great radiant reflective underlayment which can go under any roof and if you're resheathing (You likely will be if you're replacing a shake roof) there is radiant barrier sheathing. Both of these options do wonders for keeping your attic from being a heat sink. And Owens Corning offers their Duration Cool Roofs which come in four very attractive colors and offer the same reflectivity and Energy Star rating.

The Raised Batten System

For tile roofs there are both cool colors and an ingenious raised batten system.

By venting the metal at the bottom edge of your roof, raising the battens that the tile sits on thereby allowing airflow underneath and then installing a vented ridge at the top, tile is able to let heat escape and stay cooler while also putting a space between hot tile and the felt (tar paper) covered wood deck of your roof.

That ridge vent is a great addition to any comp roof as well, as are additional O'Hagin vents.

I do hear from homeowners who are concerned that venting their attic in the summer will be letting heat escape in the winter. This is where insulation comes in. Vent the attic, and insulate the house. A well ventilated attic lets the heat out and provided a barrier between the sun and your home. A sufficiently thick layer of insulation between your home and your attic will keep the heat in.

Be sure to visit us at www.ZimRoof.com for more information and to request a free estimate.