ROOFING
Wise choices cut carbon & costs!
Plan Ahead
Don't wait until you find stains on the ceiling. Have your roofing inspected if you see lifted or missing shingles. (Increasingly severe storms have led manufacturers to shorten warranties on Fiberglas roofing significantly --- making other roofing materials extra up-front costs more economical.)
TIP: Use binoculars to inspect your roofing from the ground; look for shingles lifted by the wind. Ask neighbors if you may view your roof from their windows.
Choose a Roofing Type
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Fiberglas (also called asphalt) shingles, shown in the banner photo at the top of this page, are common atop most Louisville homes. If you choose them, consider more reflective Energy Star rated shingles.
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Metal roofing is becoming more popular, due to its higher durability. Options include standing seam, as well as preformed aluminum sheets and shingles of a range of styles and colors.
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Monolithic roofing makes sense when you want to save an older "tin" roof or to protect shallow, especially windward roofs. It can be any color you want. Monolithic roofing for commercial, "flat" roofs can avoid tear-offs and include roof insulation.
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Membrane or thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing is used on flatter, commercial roofs. Choose white for its high "albedo" (reflective nature.)
TIPS:
If you replace your roofing with Fiberglas shingles, compare the costs of "three-tab" shingles versus thicker, more durable "dimensional" or "architectural" shingles. They generally offer 20% more protection from the elements, yet cost little more, because the labor is the same.
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If you have installed or plan to install foam insulation on the undersides of your roof and inside faces of your gables, tell your roofer you do not want ridge vents. Some roofers believe this approach voids the manufacturer's warranty, but it's just not true. Learn more on venting here.
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You may be eligible for a rebate for installing a cool roof on your home or business. Learn more here.
Choose a Roofing Color
Whichever type of roofing you choose, you'll have color choices. Choose the lightest color you can, since the temperature difference between lighter versus darker roofing colors can be as much as 100 degrees F! And the cooler the roof, the lower your AC bills.
