If your home is hard to cool, the roof may be part of the problem. So may air leaks, attic insulation or the cooling system. Start by finding where the heat is coming from before paying for an upgrade.
A roof change can help some homes. It will not produce the same savings in every house. Your roof, climate and existing insulation all matter.
Check the attic and air leaks
Ask a qualified home energy professional to check the insulation and air leaks. A gap between the house and attic can let cooled air escape. Insulation helps slow heat flow.
The right fix may involve more than the roof covering. Keep insulation away from required air paths and follow the rules for your attic design.
Compare reflective roof products
Some shingles, metal finishes and low-slope roof systems reflect more sunlight than others. Look at the tested rating of the exact product and color. The word “metal” alone does not tell you how much heat a roof reflects.
The US Department of Energy’s cool roof guide explains product choices and the factors that affect savings. Ask for an estimate based on your home, rather than a fixed percent taken from a general article.
Be careful with roof paint and coatings
A coating must suit the roof material and its condition. Some low-slope roofs can use a coating system after proper inspection and preparation. A roof with trapped moisture or damaged parts may need repairs first.
Do not treat house paint as a roof product. Do not coat asphalt shingles unless the shingle maker approves that exact use. A coating can affect how the roof works and what the warranty covers.
Check ventilation as part of the roof system
Some attics use vents; others have a different design. Adding vents or a powered fan without checking that design may create new problems.
Ask what air enters, where it leaves and whether any path is blocked. A roofer or home energy professional can help assess the setup. More vents are not always the right answer.
Plan solar panels around roof condition
Solar panels generate power. They are not a substitute for repairing a worn roof. Have the roof checked before a solar project and ask how the mounts will be sealed.
Discuss the cost of removing panels if the roof needs work later. Base any energy estimate on the proposed solar system and your home’s use. Do not assume shade from panels provides a fixed cooling benefit.
Skip the routine roof misting
Spraying a roof uses water and adds equipment to maintain. It also leaves the cause of a hot home unresolved. Have the roof and attic checked before trying it as a cooling fix.
Get advice for your roof
Cox Brothers Roofing can check the condition of your roof and explain available roof materials. Request an inspection or call (361) 277-0014. For whole-home energy concerns, ask a qualified energy professional to assess the house as well.
