4 Indisputable Reasons for Using Energy Efficient Roofing Material

Having to replace your roof is a big investment so you want to make sure you do it right. Today there are a lot of different types of roofing materials out there to choose from. And while cost and durability should definitely be factors in your decision, you should also consider the energy efficiency of the roofing material.

Here are 4 Indisputable reasons for using energy efficient roofing material:

1. Save Energy & Money

Energy efficient roofing material will help keep the house at a more comfortable temperature through all the seasons so you use less air conditioning in the summer and less heat in the winter. And this translates to more money in your pocket because your utility bills won’t be so bad.

2. Roof Will Last Longer

Because your energy efficient roofing material can withstand extreme temperatures better, your roof will last a lot longer for you which means less repairs and less worry about having to replace it again for a very long time.

3. You May Be Eligible for Tax Credits

If you have an Energy Star-rated roof put on your house, you may be eligible for tax credits. Check the rules and regulations in your area before purchasing.

4. Good for the Environment

There really is no denying the effects of climate change so everything little thing we can do to protect the earth and conserve its natural resources. They not only help reduce the energy footprint of your household, they lower peak electricity demand in your area which can help prevent power outages and they lower power plant emissions including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides and mercury.

There are a lot of different type of energy efficient roofing materials. Some include:

• The cool roof which is designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof. They are typically made of highly reflective tiles or shingles or a highly reflective type of paint.
• Clay tiles are great for warmer climates. They tend to shatter easily in colder climes. Clay is biodegradable and can be recycled and reclaimed.
• Metal roofs like steel, copper and aluminum, are also energy-efficient because they have a low heat absorption capacity. Metal roofs can also have reflective colors that can shield the home better from the sun’s hot rays.
• Thermoplastic Olefin/Polyolefin (TPO) roofing is basically made of separate membrane parts welded together. It can withstand all types of weather as well as ozone and is algae-resistant.
• Green roofs are greenery that covers the roof providing shade to keep the roof cool. They also act as an insulator in colder weather too and are better at absorbing rainwater.

There are other ways you can make the outside of your home more eco-friendly. Did you know that 40% of our water use in the summer months is for lawns and garden? According to the EPA, you can save about 1300 gallons of water during this time by setting up rain barrels outside your home. With the more frequent drought crises across the country and the world, it will feel good to do your part to conserve water. An added benefit to using rain barrels is that you will also save money on your water bill.

Luckily this is a very easy action step that you can do at home, at your business or your child’s school. All you need is a plastic or wood container that can hold 30 to 100 gallons. You can purchase a new container or upcycle any large containers you already have at home.

Then install a screen over the top of the barrel and a faucet at the bottom. Before the next storm strategically place the barrel underneath a rain gutter downspout. The screen will catch any debris that might come from the gutters and you can use the faucet to easily use the water you have collected. All the parts you will need can be found at your local hardware store and you can complete this simple DIY project in less than an hour.

The rainwater you collect can be used to water your plants, your composter if you have one, even wash your car and your windows. Just make sure you do not drink it or use it for cooking because it has pollutants in it. Make sure you mark the barrels clearly and put a warning about it not being safe for drinking so that no children or guests to your home think it is safe to drink.

Also keep in mind that if zinc or another chemical has been applied to your roof to help control moss growth or if your roof or gutters are made of copper, you should not feed the rainwater to any fruits or vegetables you are going to eat.

Take Care of Your Gutters Too

Clogged gutters and downspouts can be real problematic when you are trying to use rain barrels. Besides dumping a lot of debris into your barrel, they can also stop the runoff from collecting in the barrel and cause water damage to your home or business.

This is why it is so important to remember to clean out your gutters at least twice a year. You can also purchase different gutter guards and leaf-catchers that can help make maintaining your gutter system a lot easier. But be careful when choosing one because, debris can still settle through them and many of these products are not cheap. If you do decide to get one, make sure it can be easily removed for cleaning.

Another product that can make maintaining your gutter system easier is TheSpoutOff. It is especially helpful if you have small rain gutter outlets because TheSpoutoff outlets are designed with a larger opening allowing for water to still run down even if other parts of the gutter are clogged. Another great plus is that these outlets are easy to keep clean through the removable downspout that allows you to check on the outlets without having to climb a ladder.

The SpoutOff can be retrofitted to your current gutter system or it can be added to a new one, depending upon your needs. The instructions are relatively easy to follow so it is something you can easily install yourself, but any local gutter company can do it for you as well.

For more information, contact The SpoutOff today. They can make all your household chores a lot easier to handle.