When considering upgrades, most homeowners think of things like upscale lighting, granite countertops or backyard entertainment centers. However, there are some roofing upgrades that can also increase your enjoyment of your home. They may not be as eye-catching, but roofing upgrades can make your home more comfortable, lower your energy bills and increase protection for your home’s furnishings. Here are a few to consider the next time you need to replace your roof.
Ideas!
Improve Ventilation
Texas summers can be brutal, and the temperature in your attic can soar. This built-up heat will radiate into your living space, making it less comfortable and increasing your cooling costs. Ridge vents help exhaust hot air from your attic, but they do not mar the aesthetics as they can scarcely be seen from street level. Soffit and gable vents can also help keep your attic, and therefore your home, cooler.
Add an Airtight Chimney Cap
When you are running your heating system rather than using your fireplace, your warm air is going up the chimney. Dampers are not airtight, and neither are metal or masonry chimney caps. Airtight chimney caps can lower your heating bills while still keeping birds and other animals from nesting in your chimney. When you want to use your fireplace, you pull a cable attached to the inside of your fireplace.
Choose Reflective Shingles
Not too many years ago, reflective shingles were pretty much limited to white or pale shades. Many homeowners did not find these shingles appealing, and they disliked being forced to choose between aesthetics and energy savings. Today, however, roofing manufactures are producing energy-efficient reflective shingles in a wide range of colors and styles. Depending on the specifics of your home, you could save as much as 15 percent on your cooling bills.
Upgrade Your Flashing
Bituminous membrane flashing, sometimes called eave flashing, is often used in colder climates to prevent ice dams. However, it is also useful for areas that can be vulnerable to leaks, such as around skylights or over valleys. Watertight flashings such as this can give you an extra layer of protection against water penetration.
Choose Low- or No-Maintenance Gutters
Gutters are an extremely important part of a long-lasting roof. However, gutters must be kept clear of leaves or other debris if they are to perform properly. Clogged gutters allow runoff to back up and overflow, which can damage your foundation, your roof decking and other important components of your home. Hanging off a ladder to clean your gutters, however, may not be your idea of a fun way to spend a day. Seamless, one-piece gutters covered by leaf guards can eliminate or reduce the work required to keep gutters flowing freely.
Contact Alpha Roofing for More Ways to Upgrade Your Roof
Alpha Roofing Industries offers a wide range of services to customers in Austin and the rest of Central Texas. We have more than 35 years of experience in the roofing industry and a solid reputation built on quality work at competitive rates. Whether you need residential roofing, asphalt shingles, want to explore metal roofing systems or need repairs, or cleaning, we can help. We also install siding. Use our online free quote request form or call us at (512) 777-1086.