08 Mar Cool Colors, Cooler Roof: All About Keeping Your Roof (and Energy Bill) Light This Summer

As the summer months set in, many homeowners are looking for ways to keep cool and save on their energy bills.

And one of the most effective measures? Installing a light-colored roof.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know — from how a change in color works to the potential benefits such as energy savings and rebates. So without further ado, let’s dive into all things cool roofing!

Riding the Heatwave

If you don’t live in the countryside, chances are you’re at least somewhat exposed to the heat island effect. This is a phenomenon that occurs when urban areas are considerably warmer than their surrounding rural areas.

This phenomenon is caused by the combination of several factors, like the absorbance of more solar radiation and higher ambient temperatures from built structures, emission of heat from vehicle traffic and other machinery, reduced evaporative cooling due to fewer trees and vegetation, and greater amounts of heat released from human activities.

The effects of the urban heat island effect can especially be felt through increased energy costs. “Ambient heat islands can drive peak electricity demand up as summers get warmer and more people turn to air conditioning to keep the heat at bay,” as reported by the U.S. Green Building Council.

And more often than not, the darker the roof color, the more intensely a homeowner will experience this effect.

Keeping A Cool Streak

Thankfully, “cool roofs present another option to reduce the heat island effect,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Cool roofs are a type of roofing system that is designed to reflect more of the sun’s energy, rather than absorb it. In most cases, these roofs are accomplished by replacing existing shingles with a material that is lighter in color.

The idea behind this technology is to reduce the amount of heat that is transferred into a building, ultimately leading to significant energy savings. Cool roofs can help reduce energy bills, improve productivity, and even increase the longevity of a roof.

Specifically, the U.S. Department of Energy explains that cool roofs accomplish this by…

• Decreasing air conditioning needs
• Helping relieve the burden placed on old or inefficient air conditioners
• Qualifying homeowners for rebates from utilities and/or government programs
• And more

The Difference is Universal This Summer

So, are you ready to make your roof more stylish and functional by going lighter… literally? Because Universal Roof & Contractors can help you find ultimate satisfaction!

With 30 years of experience in Jacksonville, Sarasota, and Central Florida, we have a proven track record in repairing, replacing, and upgrading roofs to meet the needs and desires of homeowners all over the state.

Not only do we provide homeowners with a variety of material options for their roofing upgrade, but we also offer the nation’s best warranty and FREE roof inspections!

Reach out to our team or give us a call today at 1-855-ROOF-HELP or visit us online at www.universalroof.com to get started. You’ll find that the difference is truly universal.