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Efficiency Equals Savings

Anyone living in Arizona knows that the summers here get extremely hot! In this blog, we will explore energy-efficient roofing options.

Using your Air Conditioning in the summertime adds considerably to your electric bill every month. There are ways of saving money by using energy-efficient building materials.

We will talk specifically about choosing energy-efficient roofing materials for the next time you need to re-roof your house or on your new construction home.

What to look for when exploring efficient roofing options

There are several types of roofing materials or roof types that are commonly used in Arizona. The most common pitched roofs are tile or shingle. For flat roofs: rolled roofing systems and foam.

So what should someone look for when wanting to choose an energy-efficient roofing material? The easiest way is to look for ENERGY STAR® roofing materials.

The Energy Star logo on the roofing materials packaging indicates that the product is certified to be an energy-efficient roofing material. Energy Star determines roof materials’ energy efficiency by their solar reflectance and emittance.

For example, roofing energy-efficient shingles use granules that reduce the amount of heat that is transferred into the material while shingles that aren’t designed to be energy efficient absorb more heat.

The surface temperature difference between energy-efficient roofing materials with special granules and non-energy efficient materials can be up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another important thing to take into consideration on choosing your energy-efficient roofing material is color.

Darker colors tend to absorb the sun’s energy and transmit the heat into the building below while lighter colors tend to reflect the sun more efficiently. So it is important to not only choose the color material that you like but also choose lighter tones.

Turbine Style Shingle Roof Vent

Proper Ventilation

If your roof and attic do not have the proper ventilation then it does not matter what material you use on top of the roof. Improper ventilation will negate the benefits of the energy-efficient roofing material that is used on your roof. In fact, roofing material manufacturers will automatically void material warranties if the roof/attic is not ventilated according to code.

There are many different types of vents that are used depending on the type of roof you have. Here is a roof vent calculator tool if you are wondering how many vents you need.

This photo is used to illustrate what a shingle roof turbine vent looks like. Turbine vents help increase energy efficiency by exhausting hot air from the attic.

Tips to Improve the Energy Efficiency of your Roof

We will review different energy-saving options on the common roof types of Arizona. The roof types we will cover are tile, shingle, and flat roofs. Let’s explore the different energy-efficient roofing materials for each type of roof.

Tile Roofs

Tile roofs are excellent at being energy efficient when it comes to the airflow factor. There is a space between the tiles and the felt that helps promote airflow.

Tile roofs are durable and last a long time. The two main ways to increase the energy efficiency of your tile roof include extra ventilation and installing a reflective foam material on top of your felt. The material that is used commonly in Phoenix is called Radiant Barrier.

This will reflect the heat and prevent it from entering the attic space. While Radiant Barrier is not considered a roofing material, it is very energy efficient! Both of these options will help you save on your monthly electricity bill!

We wrote an article on the best tile underlayment in Arizona, feel free to check it out!

Shingle Roofs

Shingle roofs are very common in Arizona being that they are the most economical roof on the market. Asphalt tends to get really hot in the summer in Arizona.

However, the energy efficiency is lower than tile roofs. The best method of increasing the efficiency of your shingle roof is replacing the old worn-out shingle with the Energy Star rated shingles (which are considered energy-efficient roofing material).

Also, increased ventilation or upgraded ventilation can help as well. Automatic or active vents are a great option and can be programmed to use the fan when the temperature of the attic hits a certain threshold. High-quality vents such as ridge vents also help promote proper ventilation as well.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs in Arizona are comprised of many different materials. The most common being asphalt. Asphalt is not an energy-efficient roofing material.

Coating your roof with Acrylic cool roof coatings is a great way to cool down your flat roof. Acrylic elastomeric roof coatings will seal, extend, and renew your flat roof. They will also drop the surface temperature of the roof up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Acrylic Elastomeric roof coatings have strong reflective qualities and are strongly recommended for restoring your old roof, reducing your energy bills, and transforming your roof into being more energy-efficient.

Of These Efficient Roofing Options, What is the Best Choice Available in Arizona?

Hands-down polyurethane foam roofs are the best roofs for the hot climate of Arizona and the most energy-efficient roof available.

The system consists of two-part: 1-inch thick polyurethane foam and 1 to 2 coats of acrylic elastomeric coatings (we spoke already about how elastomeric coating is energy-efficient roofing material).

Some of our customers at Mikku and Sons have seen their electricity bill drop by 50% after getting a new Foam Roof. Foam can be installed over pre-existing flat roofs. It is a great system that excels in insulating your home and reflecting the sun. Check out our cool roof systems.

Choose Your Materials Wisely

If you’re thinking about putting a new roof on your home, your choice of roofing materials has a direct relationship with how long you can expect your new roof to last.

The longest-lasting products, such as concrete, clay, or slate tiles are extremely durable.  These tiles outperform other manufactured roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles and metal roofing, by a significant margin.

These have a good lifespan but aren’t quite as durable.

Other factors to take into account are regional weather conditions, the design of your home, and the amount of routine maintenance the materials will need.

In short, the quality of the roofing materials you invest in plays a critical role in determining the life expectancy of your new roof.

How long do products last?

According to the National Association of Home Builders, most roofing products are designed to last at least several decades under normal weather conditions. Let’s take a closer look at how the longevity of different materials is rated.

Asphalt Shingles

Usually, asphalt shingles last about 20 years; but, higher-quality asphalt shingles can be warrantied for up to 50 years. However, you can expect to pay more for a premium, long-life product.

Architectural Asphalt

These are asphalt shingles that are thicker, which can create an appearance similar to slate, or clay tiles at a lower cost. Architectural asphalt shingles last about 30 years on average.

Wood Shingles And Shakes

Wood roofing has an expected lifetime of about 30 years, but it can last much longer under moderate weather conditions. Not really used much anymore in our extreme summer heat.

Metal

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors projects metal roofing to last between 40 to 80 years. The Metal Roofing Alliance gives a life expectancy of at least 40 to 60 years.

Slate, Concrete And Clay Tiles

Each of these products is rated for a life expectancy of 100 years or more by both the NAHB and NACHI. The underlayment beneath the tiles usually needs to be addressed every 15-20 years, however.

Important Information Regarding Materials

Your Roofing Investment

How long your roof lasts is directly related to the cost of the materials you choose.

Asphalt shingles are among the least expensive residential roofing products. But, the difficulty of installation will greatly increase the cost per square foot.

Architectural shingles, which are twice as thick (and heavy) as asphalt costs almost twice as much as regular asphalt shingles.

Metal roofing materials are a premium home product, and costs run about two to three times that of asphalt shingles. It’s comparable to tile or cedar shakes, but less expensive than slate.

Expect to pay between $5.00 to as much as $15 per square foot. Adding a breathable underlayment is recommended and can increase these figures also.

Simple roofing designs with tile or slate cost about $15-20 per square foot, but more complicated architectural designs and premium slate or tile roofing materials can cost as much as $40-50 per square foot.

Pros And Cons Of Materials

Asphalt shingles are the most extensively used roofing product in the United States says the National Roofing Contractors Association. They are relatively inexpensive, and there is a wide choice of colors, patterns, and styles to choose from.

Architectural asphalt shingles are a recently developed product. It's a material made from engineered polymer composites that look like cedar wood shakes or slate tiles.

The good news is that they’re much less expensive than natural products; the bad news is that they don’t have a long history of performance benchmarks to analyze.

Metal roofing materials, including metal shingles, slates, tiles, and vertical panels, weigh up to 50% less than asphalt shingles and 75 percent lighter than tiles.

The problems they have are the same as the other materials: leaks, punctures or tears, and pooling water.

Wood shakes typically get warped from a lifetime of wetting and drying with the seasons. This can jeopardize the integrity of the roof.

But, they’re still a popular choice in many parts of the country.  Pressure-treated shakes will hold up better, and thick-cut cedar shakes generally last longer than thinner cedar shingles.

The main drawback with slate or tile roofing is its weight. 3/8-inch thick slate or tile can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds per square (a 10-foot by 10-foot area), and each additional 1/8-inch thickness increases the weight by 500 pounds per square.

Before choosing a type of new roof, consider how much you want to invest, what types of roofing products are used in your neighborhood, and how long you expect to be living in your property.

It would also be a good idea to consult with an experienced, professional roofing contractor about which materials are the best fit for your property and area.

Protect Your Property

There are many things to consider when making the decision to do a shingle roof installation on your home.  Your property in the interior of your home depends on having a quality roof overhead.

Anytime the roof’s structure is in trouble, you need to take action right away to fix the issue.

This article will discuss 10 steps you can take to ensure your shingle roofing system is up to par for your peace of mind.

Shingle Roof Installation Tips

Should You Install Over Existing Shingles?

Like many home improvement projects, installing a new roof is expensive.

One way you may think you can save money is with a “roof over” or by re-roofing- this entails placing the brand-new shingles immediately over the age-old ones.

While it might seem advisable and allow you to save money in lower disposal and labor expenditures, the problems will probably outweigh the benefits.

Roof overs may actually reduce the life of brand-new shingles due to heat buildup and issues with moisture.

There are also possible problems with the underlying decking that are not seen and restored. Check your shingle warranty to avoid loss of coverage due to an ill-advised roof over.

Figuring Your Roof Size

For a shingle roof installation, contractors will measure your roof and offer you an estimate based on the number of squares of shingles needed. A square is a material needed to cover 100 square feet, so a roof with 20 squares has 2,000 square feet of surface area that needs to be covered.

Make Sure Its Ventilated

One element that contributes to the long life of your roof is the right amount of ventilation. Ascertaining your roof system has the necessary ventilation can modulate the attic temperatures in the summer and reduce moisture being developed in winter.

Request your contractor supply you with the kind of venting that is included with the roofing project to make sure your roof lasts through its warranty period.

The Wood Under the Shingles

Part of professional roof repair is not only removing all the old shingles but making any needed repairs to the underlying wood substructure.

Your contractor should address this and allow for these kinds of repairs if needed in your agreement.

Placing brand-new shingles over faulty wood is never advisable and will reduce the life of the brand-new roofing materials.

Protective Cover Under the Shingles

Shingles should never be affixed directly to raw lumber on the roof. Protective coverings made of felt or other materials offer additional heat and water shields needed to fully protect your dwelling. This is especially important in areas with heavy rains or icy temperatures.

Likewise ensure the contractor includes all the additional substances needed for a proper roof replacement like fasteners, flashing, and drip boundaries are a part of the estimate.

Make Sure It’s Inspected

A properly functioning roof system will protect your home and possessions for many years. Be sure you discuss what this assessment consists of and how your contractor will ensure that your brand-new roof is finished to your satisfaction.

Some roofing contractors will provide independent inspections and certifications for your complete peace of mind.

Don’t Forget About Wind Resistance

In evaluating the quality of the roofing materials and their installation, the warranty and performance relevant to the wind is a major factor in evaluating which product to purchase.

This is especially important in areas where monsoon storms, microbursts, or other severe weather patterns can cause severe wind damage.

Wind speed warranties can be as low as 60 miles per hour and can cover up to 130 miles per hour. Properly installed, acquiring shingles with higher wind warranties can be the difference between a brand-new roof and complete protection should you experience severe weather.

Thoroughly Research Your Contractor

Is your contractor licensed and bonded? Does your contractor have proper insurance? What warranties do they offer for materials and labor?

Do they secure the proper permits and follow all local, regional codes and regulations? How reliable are they? What work have they performed previously in your geographic area?

Your Warranty and Service After the Sale

One of the most important parts of any residence improvement project is the service you get after the project is complete.

Does your contractor offer a standard warranty? What does that include for products, labor, and parts? For what length of the period does the warranty have?

Is there an extended warranty available? What does that include and for how long? What does it cost? How do you request service calls? Is there a cost for service calls? Will the company be there over the next 10 years if you need them?

It’s Not Always About Price

The natural inclination is to find the lowest cost. While cost should always be a factor, the most important part of the decision should be appreciable value and your return on investment.

Will the contractor give you a fair estimate and one that handles the cost of quality products and professional installation?

Does the estimate encompass all facets of your roof replacement including ventilation, protective coverings, fasteners, permits, and inspections, flashing as well as removal and dumping of the old roofing substance and delivery of brand-new materials?

Does the estimate encompass all labor, project management, and coordination? Are there allowances for unforeseen expenditures such as repair or replacing the underlying wood structures? Peace of mind, quality substances, and complete project specs are as important and will provide you with a roof that lasts a lifetime.

It’s A Big Investment

A new roof is a big investment that typically can cost thousands of dollars. The materials you use will be a small portion of your investment.

Most of it will go toward the skilled labor involved. That means choosing an experienced roof installation contractor is the best route to protect your investment and ensure a proper job.

Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, roofing is a business that requires little more than a pickup, a ladder, and some basic tools start, so you have to be careful and diligent in choosing the right roofer for your project.

If you can get recommendations from a neighbor, friend, or someone you are familiar with, it's probably the best route to proceed.

Gather the names of at least two potential companies. Make sure each one has been in business for a minimum of five years.  Roofing corporations who do bad work generally won’t be in a business that long and are usually unlicensed.

Things You Can Do To Make Sure You
Choose The Right Roof Installation Contractor

Check Availability

Check the availability of your roofer. There’s no reason to waste time if they’re booked up for months. Make sure to get calls and addresses of past customers, and eliminate any contractor that is hesitant to provide them.

Inspect Previous Work

Do a drive-by inspection of a few of their recent projects. If it's a shingle roof, visually make sure that the spaces between individual shingle tabs, known as water gaps, line up laser-straight as they alternate shingle rows.

Make sure the shingles are trimmed in a clean path along the valleys where they overlap the flashing. On the ends of the roof, shingles should also be neatly trimmed so they align with the leading edge of the roof. Ragged paths mean poor work.

Likewise look for neat, tar-free flashing at the roof valleys and at the eaves.

Ask Past Customers Questions

If the roofs look like they stand up to scrutiny, call their past customers and ask them these questions:

Look For A Professional Appearance

When a roofing company comes by to estimate your job and work up a price quote, notice their look. If they aren’t clean enough to sit at your dinner table, do you really want them working on your property?

Make sure to detail the entire assortment of your expectations. Know who will be doing the work and who the main foreman will be. Always get everything in writing.

Proof of Insurance

If you like them, then it’s time to ask if they carry workman’s compensation coverage and at the least$ 1 million of liability insurance.

Get the name and contact information of the roofer’s insurance agent and ask the agent for their proof-of-insurance certifications.

After you’ve seen these documents, then it's time to talk about an estimate, which they should be doing for free.

Warranty

Make sure you get a warranty that takes care of leaks, flashing loss or failure, and any other labor-related issues.

A one-year warranty is a minimum you should get, but two or three years is what you should really demand. These same specifications need to be in the contract, which should also include what type of quality materials they will be using.

Make sure you ask for the highest-rated, longest-lasting shingles or tiles you can afford to pay for.

Manufacturers generally warrant their products for 20 to 30 years.

Some can be voided if shingles are put on over existing ones, so tearing off the existing layer of shingles might be required, which would be an additional expense. Asphalt shingle roofs should last 13 to 15 years on average, so a 20-year warranty is what you would want.

Tiles should last 30 to 40 years. Make sure to get the proper paperwork and proof of purchase required, in case you have to pursue any problems that arise in the future.

Tile Roofs are a Quality Choice

A tile roof adds a rich and elegant look to any residence, while giving it a durable, fire-safe protective layer that is also resistant to bugs and rot. It won’t grow mold, stain or lose any of its color as years go by. For these reasons, a tile roof installation is a great choice for your roof.

Tiles are generally made of concrete or ceramic clay, and come in a broad range of traditional and modern designs. Concrete tile is generally warranted for at least 50 years, while ceramic clay can be warranted for 75 years or more.

Average Costs for a Tile Roof Installation

What to Include

Other Costs

Do Your Homework

A New Roof Can Be An Expensive Investment

When it comes to determining if you need a new roof, there is a lot to think about and consider. Often homeowners are unsure if a new roof is necessary or if the existing roof just needs some minor repairs.

The best way to know is to have a local roofing contractor come to the house for a free consultation.  They will evaluate the home’s roofing materials as well as the structural soundness.

Replacing a roof with a new roof can be an expensive investment. A roofing contractor will advise you about the roof's condition and the best steps to take going forward.

Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Roofing

A New Roof Will Be Costly

When determining if you need a new roof, the most obvious factor is that a new roof will be expensive. When a new roof is needed it’s important to make sure everyone in the household knows what is going on. It will alter your life while the work is being done, which is typically about a week.

A new roof is best installed when life is not chaotic and nothing pertinent for the family is happening. The stress that comes along with paying for a new roof and living in the home while the roof is installed is exhausting.

Having a baby, starting a new job, kids studying are all good reasons to delay a new roof install. Installing a new roof will be loud, and you should be prepared for early mornings.

The best time for roofers to remove shingling and old roofing is in the morning when temperatures have not peeked.

Choose Your Materials Wisely

Another thing to think about when beginning a new roof installation is the material that you will use for your roof. Shingles and tiles are the most common choice for homes here in the Southwest however; depending on your home’s style, flat or foam roofing can be considered.

When considering materials to use it is best to do a benefits analysis to decide if the extra money for a tile roof is worth it in the long run over shingling. If you plan on staying in your home for a long time a tile roof will stand the test of time, and you will not need to worry about the hassle of a new roof in twenty years.

Find A Reliable Roofer

When choosing a contractor for your new roof, the best way to find reliable roofers is to check their reviews online as well as ask neighbors, friends, and family for referrals.

If you find a roofer online it is important that you are able to contact their referrals to ensure they are satisfied with the job that was done on their home. It is the appropriate time to ask about the time frame of the job as well as the cost in comparison to the original quote.

Homeowners should also consider asking about the mess, the cleanup, and the professional nature of the crew. These are important things to inquire about before you hire a roofing contractor to install your new roof.

A roofing contractor can seem incredibly professional when selling you on a new roof but finding out what they are like in the heat of a roof replacement is what you need to know.

Asking their referrals and checking their reviews and testimonials is a sure-fire way to know ahead of time what you are getting into.

Get A Signed Contract

The last thing to do before any work is done replacing or repairing a roof is to have a signed contract. A contract between the roofer and the homeowner should include labor and material costs, an estimate on competition time, and a copy of the roofer's insurance.

It is important that the roofer covers insurance coverage for the employees. This responsibility is not that of the homeowners and is not theirs to be liable for should an accident occur.

All reputable roofing companies will have no problem supplying you with proof that they are fully insured.

When determining if you need a new roof, trusting the people working on your home is a number one priority. Hiring a company for a big job such as a new roof is not something to consider lightly.

The home’s roof is structurally important to the house and therefore care should be taken when work is done on it.

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