Roofing in Sacramento: An Introduction
When it comes to roofing, Sacramento homeowners need to keep our scorching summers top-of-mind. The Sacramento metropolitan area has so much going for it: the hustle of Midtown, the oasis of Pocket, the leafy streets of Land Park and (mostly) affordable housing. We even have great weather…in winter, spring and fall. On the other hand, if we have a disadvantage, it may be our summers, when the temperature often hovers around (or above) 100 degrees. Whether you need a roof repair or a complete reroof, summer should drive your decisions. Here’s what you need to know:
Taking the heat into account
One of the best things a new roof can do is increase the energy efficiency of your home. According to Energy.gov, a cool roof can help a home stay nearly 50 degrees cooler than a traditional roof. More, additions such as a whole-house fan can cool your home while using far less energy than an air conditioner. Be sure to discuss energy efficiency alternatives with your roofer—if they have experience roofing in the Sacramento area, they’re sure to have helpful suggestions.
To shingle or not to shingle?
Is it time to reroof? Whether you have a pitched or flat roof, you have choices to make when it comes to roofing materials. Keeping the heat top-of-mind when selecting these materials will help you in the long run. For example, if you have a flat roof, traditional tar and gravel may have the lowest upfront costs. However, the insulating powers of a foam roof might save you money over time. Asphalt shingles are perhaps the most commonly found roof material for pitched roofs. But not all shingles are created equal—to keep your house cool, look for shingles that have been rated by Energy Star to be more energy efficient.
Don’t forget about solar
Adding solar panels to your home can be a terrific investment for Sacramento homeowners, as we have 269 sunny days per year on average! If you’re not ready to go solar now, plan ahead. If you’re doing an entire reroof, talk to your roofer about how to put a solar-ready roof in place. Even if you’re simply repairing a leak, while your roofer is up there, they can get a sense of what you’ll need to do when you are ready to invest in solar.
Find a Sacramento roofer
The guidelines for choosing a reliable roofing company are similar to that of choosing any contractor for your home (see Joy Lanzaro’s article on how to choose a reputable contractor). These guidelines include obtaining multiple bids, checking licenses, reading reviews and talking to references. In addition, make sure your roofer understands Sacramento’s climate, has experience roofing in Sacramento and has concrete suggestions about how to construct an energy-efficient roof.
When it’s time to replace your roof, you’ll have many choices to make. As a Sacramento home or business owner, keeping energy efficiency top-of-mind will not only save you money in the long run, it just might help you keep your cool.
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