5 Clever Tips to Help Keep Your Roof Cool This Summer

Summers are growing hotter and dryer, thanks to the continued emission of greenhouse gases worldwide. Scientists predict that, as long as no significant changes are made, the global temperature will continue to rise, melting ice caps and causing deadly heat waves.

More people are now relying on air conditioning to survive the summer heat. Even places that don't usually have cooling systems at home are currently looking for window units or portable air conditioners.

The summer sun can be brutal, but there are ways to reduce the amount of heat that's radiating from the exterior of your house, especially from the roof. Heat can come into the house through the windows, walls, doors, and roof.

Here are some tips to help keep the roof cool this summer.

Install Solar Panels

Installing solar panels helps the environment by reducing the household's consumption of electricity coming from the grid, which is one of the major causes of global greenhouse gas emissions. It works by generating power from the most bountiful and reliable source: the sun.

However, solar panels, especially when installed on the roof, can also lower your energy consumption in general. A study has proven that these devices create shade and insulate the top, reducing the amount of heat that enters the home.

A cooler roof will reduce the heat indoors. You might not need to use your air conditioner as much, saving you money on your monthly energy bill.

Solar power is no longer as expensive as people think. There are many residential solar companies that offer photovoltaic panels to homeowners for a lower, much more affordable cost.

Get a Roof Coating

Adding a roof coating is another way to reflect the sun's rays and keep your house cool. A white roof reflects more sunlight than darker roofs and can lower the surface temperature of your roof by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

This means that less heat will enter your home through the roof, and you'll be able to save on your energy bill. Cool roofs can also improve the air quality and increase the lifespan of your roof.

There are many types of roof coatings that you can choose from, including commercial roof coatings, and they come at different prices. Make sure to do your research before purchasing one.

Grow a Green Roof

Green roofs, also known as living roofs, are covered with vegetation and a growing medium. Not only do they help keep the building cooler, but they also have numerous environmental benefits.

The plants that grow on green roofs act as a natural rain filter, which reduces runoff and stormwater pollution. Green roofs also help reduce the "heat island" effect in cities, where the concentration of heat produced by human activity can be hotter than in surrounding areas.

Green roofs also provide insulation for buildings, helping to keep them cooler in summer and warmer in winter. They can last 10-15 years longer than traditional roofing materials and reduce energy costs by up to 40 percent.

Surround Yourself with Trees

Trees provide shade and can keep your home up to 10 degrees cooler. They also help to clean the air by trapping pollutants and releasing oxygen.

The trees around your house can act as a buffer from the extreme heat and help keep the roof and walls cool. Plant deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in the winter to maximize shade in the summer.

Make sure to place them close to the house, at least within 30 feet (9.14 meters). Having too many trees too close to the home can cause blocked gutters and roof rot.

Choose a Heat-Resistant Flooring

If you're looking to remodel your home this summer, consider choosing a heat-resistant flooring material. Tile, concrete, and stone are all great options that will help keep your house cool.

Dark-colored flooring absorbs sunlight and emits heat, while light-colored flooring reflects it. Choose materials that will reflect the sun's rays and keep the heat out.

The flooring is just as important when trying to cool your home because it's one of the surfaces that absorbs the most heat. Heat also tends to travel up, so the roof and walls are important to keep calm. 

There you have it! Five easy ways to keep your roof cool this summer and help reduce your energy bill. Try out a few of these tips and see which ones work best for you and your home. And don't forget to enjoy the summer sun while it lasts!

Here are some other articles related to your search:

• How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Metal Roof

• Eco-Friendly Options To Consider For Your House's Roof

• The Top 7 Reasons To Repair Or Replace Your Roof