If you've been looking at options to improve your home's energy efficiency and make it more environmentally friendly, one of the best times to do is to replace your roof. While your home's roof is removed, you can improve the condition of the home from the top. Here are a few tips to help you improve the efficiency of the roofing structure while reducing your environmental footprint.
Limit Roofing Material Waste
Most roofing materials are recyclable. By opting to recycle your existing shingles and materials, you'll reduce the amount of waste that accumulates in the landfills. Talk with your roofing contractor about the options available to you for recycling your existing roofing material during the replacement.
Conduct a Thorough Energy Audit
In order to address any potential insulation and construction weaknesses that can threaten the integrity of the roofing, you should call your home energy provider and ask about a home energy audit. During the process, the technician will assess each area of your home, including the attic and roof.
The goal of the audit is to tell you where the vulnerabilities are. By having this done while your roof is removed, it provides an ideal opportunity for an evaluation of the attic barrier, the soffit vents and the overall condition of the secondary roofing layer. This is the best chance you'll have to address the potential issues before you cover them up with fresh roofing.
Optimize the Ventilation in Your Attic
Your attic should be able to maintain a consistent temperature that is balanced between the exterior temperature and your home's climate control system. While you're repairing your roof, take the opportunity to make sure that your vents are sufficient and clear.
These vents are essential because they prevent the buildup of humidity and heat in the attic. This will not only help to keep your home more comfortable, but it will also reduce the risk of moisture damage that can ultimately destroy the inside of your roof.
Consider Going Solar-Ready
When installing a new roof, you may be thinking about going solar. If the solar conversion isn't in the budget just yet, you should take the opportunity to at least choose roofing that will accommodate the solar panels. This will save you the cost of a whole new roof if you decide to convert to solar after the roofing installation.
Make sure that your roof is installed so that there are no plumbing lines near your southern exposure roofing. In addition, you'll want to add some additional leak barrier membrane under the roofing. In the area where you plan to install the panels later, you'll also want to add some additional reinforcement and support in the form of additional support beams.
Keep these four tips in mind when you are ready to replace your home's roof. By putting these steps into practice, you'll be able to improve your home's current efficiency and set the stage for more growth and improvements later.
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