Many homeowners complete roof replacements in Phoenix, AZ, to improve their roof’s visual appeal and increase their home’s resale value. However, there are many more benefits to replacing a roof besides aesthetic reasons. 

This guide will explore ways that a roof can increase your home’s energy efficiency and other considerations to have when replacing your roof for energy efficiency purposes. 

Factors to Consider When Installing A New Energy-efficient Roof 

Whether you’re planning an entire roof replacement or upgrading key roofing features, there are many solutions for boosting your home’s energy efficiency. 

Choosing the Right Roofing Material 

Temperatures in Phoenix, AZ, can reach the triple digits, especially on those hot summer days. But your roof can have a temperature far higher than what your thermometer tells you. 

Using the correct roofing materials can limit how much heat your roof absorbs, reducing the overall air surrounding your home by 50ºF or more. This process results in using your air conditioner less, meaning some homeowners see energy savings of 7% or more. 

Some energy-efficient roofing materials you can choose from for your roof replacement are: 

• Sheet coverings 
• Tiles
• Paints
• Shingles 

Every roofing material comes with its own pros and cons, but shingles are the most popular due to their affordability matched with durability. 

You should also consider the color of your roof. Darker colors absorb heat much quicker than light colors. For areas like Phoenix, it’s better to use lighter colors to reduce those monthly energy bills. 

Installing or Adding More Insulation 

Proper insulation in your attic can significantly help keep heat from entering your home. Insulation’s primary role is to reduce the heat that transfers from outdoor spaces and into your home’s interior. You’ll want to install insulation properly just below your roofing deck. 

More insulation can also extend your roofing system’s longevity. However, there are a few different types of insulation you can choose from: 

Foam Boards

Some insulation types are better than others, and many experts recommend installing solid foam boards made from polystyrene and polyiso. These foam boards offer plenty of benefits, including the following: 

• They’re lightweight.
• Very durable and long-lasting.
• You can often reuse them.
• They boast excellent R-values, significantly reducing energy transfers.

Spray Polyurethane Foam

Another way to insulate your roof is by using spray polyurethane foam. When this spray hardens, it can provide excellent resistance against moisture and heat, making it an ideal solution for covering up cracks. 

Spray polyurethane foam also features low maintenance, and you can easily repair any damaged areas without removing the entire insulation. 

Vinyl Roofing Membranes 

Homeowners may also install single-ply vinyl roofing membranes due to their flexibility and moisture and wind resistance. Their polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material makes them long-lasting and impervious to water. 

They also feature chemical and fire resistance, making them ideal for many industries and commercial businesses. These membranes are also typically light in color, ensuring they better reflect heat. 

Structural Insulated Panels 

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) also use solid foam insulation but are usually squeezed between two oriented strand boards. Together, this combination offers high resistance and insulation. However, you often need to pair them with other insulation materials and a vapor barrier. 

Upgrade Your Attic with a Heat Recovery Ventilator

Some homeowners make the mistake of having no ventilation for their roofs or attics. However, you want proper ventilation so you can properly transfer any hot air inside your home to the outside. 

Directly controlling your attic’s ventilation allows you to better adjust your interior home’s temperatures. By installing an energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) or a heat-recovery ventilator (HRV), you can easily save 9% or more in energy costs. 

These systems also improve your home’s indoor air quality. 

Is a Roof Replacement in Phoenix, AZ, Necessary? 

No homeowner likes to spend money unless necessary, and a roof replacement can be a substantial financial undertaking. However, alongside boosting energy efficiency, replacing your roof can make sense in the following situations:

Your Roof’s Age

A typical shingle roof lasts around 20 years with the proper maintenance. If your roof is already reaching the end of its lifespan, that’s another incentive to replace it.

You Recently Suffered Major Damage

Weather events like severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, high winds, and more cause major damage to your roof. Depending on the scope of the damage, replacing your roof may be the more cost-effective route. 

Repairing Your Roof Instead 

Especially if your roof is still relatively new, a roof repair might be the better solution. One issue homeowners can experience is that their roofing or insulation system has cracks they need to seal. 

Tiny cracks throughout your roofing system or house can result in significant energy losses. However, other concerns like missing or broken shingles can also increase your monthly energy bill. 

Will Homeowners Insurance Cover My Roof Costs? 

Many homeowners wonder if their insurance policy will cover repairing or replacing their roof. Insurance companies are more likely to cover weather damage versus natural wear and tear. 

When considering replacing or repairing your roof, you’ll want a team that can get you the best deal with your insurance company, like our Pinnacle Roofing crew. 

Call Our Team Today 

A roof replacement can slash your monthly energy bills. Consult with the knowledgeable roofing professionals at Pinnacle Roofing to determine if you need a roof replacement or a simple roof repair to increase your home’s energy efficiency. 

Phoenix, AZ, residents should call Pinnacle Roofing today at (623) 792-5497!