Now that summer is definitely in full swing here in Southern California, you have noticed that your utility bills have skyrocketed. Your central air or window air conditioning units are probably working double time in this Southern California heat, sending your cooling costs through the roof. The good thing is that by updating the material of your roof, you may be able to save serious $$$ on cooling costs for your entire home for many years to come. Consider updating your roof material to one of these heat-blocking materials.
The best roof materials reflect and release the sun’s rays, and the worst ones store and absorb them. Certain types of materials reflect light and heat up and away from your home, whereas others will hold heat in, and even transfer is downward into your entire home.
Overlays and radiant barriers
Perhaps you may not need to entirely replace your roof material. You can enhance your current roof by having overlays and radiant barriers, which will reflect the sun’s hot rays, away from your home. Cool-roof coatings, elastomeric sealants, foam sprays, and radiant barriers have been found to improve the reflectivity of roofs. This is definitely a good budget-friendly option for anyone who isn’t so sure about totally replacing their roof material.
Slate tile
Have you ever noticed that in Mediterranean and Spanish architecture, the roof material of choice is often slate? That’s because this material is perfect for hot climates. Slate is definitely one of the more expensive roof materials, but its durability, beauty, and low-maintenance features make it worth it to some homeowners. Light-colored and earth-toned slate help in reducing the heat absorbed by homes, since it has natural reflective properties.
Terra cotta and clay tiles
Terra cotta style roofs are a popular option in Spain, Mexico, Italy, and the American Southwest because of their natural reflective properties. Traditional rush or sienna-colored terra cotta tiles keep homes cool because of their shape as well as their composition. During the manufacturing process, terra cotta tiles are baked in ovens, which makes them harder and less porous in terms of holding heat. Terra cotta tiles often come in half-barrel or “S” shapes, which form interlocking arches across a roof. Space beneath the arch of each tile allows for air, water circulation, and runoff, and prevents heat capture to keep the home below cooler during intense heat.
Solar/photovoltaic systems
Solar power is becoming more and more trendy these days, especially here in Southern California. Reflecting heat back up into the air, away from your home, is excellent, but harnessing it for energy is totally awesome. Look into photovoltaic or PV roof shingles, which capture and redirect solar power into electricity. Solar electric panels and shingles are more affordable and attractive now than they’ve ever been, so now is the perfect time to jump on this bandwagon and make your home more eco-friendly.
Not sure what to do?
There are so many ways you can make your home more heat-reflective and save on cooling costs all year-round. Call South Bay Jewelry & Loan at (310) 371-4571 for a free consultation and estimate for some improvements to your roof that you’ll benefit from right away.
