Up on the Rooftop
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Up on the Rooftop

The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.

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Up on the Rooftop

How Your Residential Roof Impacts Your HVAC System

Lori Silva

While many people don't associate roofs and HVAC systems, the two are closely related. Read on to discover three aspects of your residential roof that affects your HVAC system.

1. Roof Color Shade

Darker colors absorb heat, while lighter-colored roofs reflect heat. Residential roofs that absorb a lot of heat, especially in the summer, put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. When color is concerned, opt for a metal roof or roof with reflective paint that reflects heat.

The difference between dark and light-colored residential roofs dramatically affects your energy needs. Based on energy.gov, dark roofs can attain temperatures of 150⁰ F. But cool roofs under similar conditions stay more than 50° F cooler.

Contact a local residential roofing contractor for customized advice if you want to install the best roof shade for your climate.

2. Ventilation

Your roof's attic creates a draft to pull fresh air in and stay cool. Adequate attic ventilation ensures your house's interior has the appropriate airflow. The humidity also balances significantly, and fresh air flows into your building without hindrance. This way, your HVAC doesn't strain to achieve the desired temperatures.

Conversely, lack of ventilation may cause heat to sit back in your residential roof's attic and become oppressive. In addition, the trapped heat may raise the temperature of your interior space. So, your HVAC will have to work harder to lower the temperatures to convenient levels.

If concerned about your roof ventilation's efficiency or lack thereof, contact your residential roofing contractor to sort you out.

3. Residential Roof Damage

An operational and HVAC-friendly roof keeps your home at ideal temperatures. Adequate cool air flows inside while warm air flows to the outside space. A well-functional roof doesn't create a temperature imbalance to be corrected by your HVAC.

Yet, over time, degradation and harsh elements cause holes and gaps on your roof. In addition, if you have ducts near your roof, warm air gets through damaged sections and mixes with cold air from your compressor unit. As a result, your interior temperatures remain warmer during summer. Unfortunately, colder air, too, gets inside during winter and makes your HVAC furnace work harder to heat your home.

A residential roofing contractor fixes a damaged roof to restore its functionality, thus saving you on your HVAC costs.

Conclusion

An efficient residential roof simplifies the work of your HVAC system. As a result, you consume less energy and reduce wear and tear on your HVAC. The end is a lower utility bill and increased lifespan of your HVAC system. Therefore, contact a residential roofing contractor to sort out roofing issues to promote the optimal performance of your HVAC unit. For more information, contact a company like Tema Roofing and Siding.


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