The University of Texas at Arlington tested and compared attic temperatures, using a small structure built within a laboratory to provide a controlled environment, of cedar wood shake and asphalt fiberglass shingles.

Their test revealed the attic temperature of the wood roof structure (both ventilated and non-ventilated attics) to be approximately 28 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the asphaltroofed building.

Today, asphalt shingles are a very popular choice for many homeowners when purchasing a new roof due to their overall lower cost, lifetime manufactures warranty coverage, good walk-ability, attractive appearance and ease of being able to mount photogenic solar panels to their surface.

The only negative feature is the poor insulation qualities. Below are a few cutting-edge roofing techniques that Westshore Roofing offers to help cut your energy costs and make your house greener at the same time.

Aluminum foil covered structural OSB sheathing.

Is a radiant barrier sheathing product for roofs and exterior walls – a combination of two products – heat-reflecting foil laminated to OSB (Oriented Strand Board). The union of the materials results in a radiant barrier sheathing that is unsurpassed in reducing heat

View Video

Benefits:

• Reduces radiant heat transfer through the roof by 97%.
• Reduces attic temperatures by up to 30ºF.
Constructing an Energy efficient roof system
• Increases the efficiency of attic duct work.
• Prolongs life of heating/air conditioning system.
• Increases comfort level significantly.
• Reduces cooling costs.
• Helps hold heat in your home during winter.
• Requires no maintenance. Does not deteriorate over time.
• As solar heat increases, Tech Shield effectiveness goes up.

Attic Ventilation

Ventilating an attic needs to be done on a continual basis. The temperature and dew point of the air inside your attic needs to be as close as possible to the air on the other side of your roof. Wide differences in either of these numbers can In hot climates, elevated attic air temperature and cause your air conditioner to work longer and harder.

Asphalt shingles, roof boards, and insulation can also be damaged by elevated temperatures.

Outside air enters the attic space at the bottom edge of your roof thru the soffit screens.

It is exhausted near the top of your roof thru the ridge vent. These ventilating systems use wind and thermal convection to continually exchange the air in your attic with outside air. On breezy days, wind blowing across the top of your roof creates a partial vacuum which sucks air out of your attic. On days with no wind, hot air, which builds up in your attic, simply floats out of hidden vents located at the top of your roof.

The continuous ridge ventilation systems are virtually invisible. Upper roof ventilation products hide beneath the ridge cap shingles. When installed properly, most of these ventilating systems meet or exceed minimum building code requirements and validate the roof shingle manufactures warranty.

Insulation

According to the US Department of Energy, up to 45% of a home's energy loss is thru the attic.

Properly insulating your home can save you up to 20% on your energy bills year after year.

If your attic floor is insulated but the wood beams (joists) are still visible, you probably don't have enough. We offer commercial grade Loose-fill PINK fiber glass insulation by Owens Corning. Owens Corning Loose-Fill Insulation, also called "blown-in" insulation, is made of virgin PINK fiber glass.

Since fiber glass insulation is non-combustible and non-corrosive by nature, PINK fiber glass loose-fill insulation offers significant advantages over other insulation products including:

- It will not settle or lose its energy-saving abilities over time.

- It does not require the addition of fire-retardant chemicals that can promote corrosion of pipes or wires.

- It will not rot or decay, support fungus or mold growth, or provide sustenance for insects or vermin.

Tax Credit for Insulation

You can get a tax credit of up to $500 or 10% of the cost of insulation you add to your existing home as authorized in Section 25C of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.

ADDITIONAL SAVINGS - Due to the ease and time saved when installing attic insulation while constructing a new roof, Westshore Roofing will discount 25% off our standard price.

Solar reflective asphalt composition roof shingles

Utilizing a new, highly reflective granule technology that bounces back the sun's rays, Cool shingle technology helps keep roofs cooler, resulting in reduced attic temperatures. Cool roofs result in lower carbon dioxide emissions and help reduce the urban and suburban heat island effect, which, in turn, reduces smog.

Cool roofs may save residents an avg. 7-15% of total cooling costs, depending on geography, structure and climate. In warmer climates, cooling-cost savings may be greater year round.

Elevated Roof Battens

Counterbatten systems are used with tile roof installations to elevate the roof tiles above the roof deck surface. By elevating the roof tiles, water is prevented from gathering under and/or around the roof tiles, which protects the roof deck from damage, and the air space created between the roof deck and the roof tiles facilitates ventilation of the roof.

As this hot air dissipates, less heat penetrates below into the attic or interior of your home - reducing the amount of heat transfer by 50%*. In fact, a Tile Energy Efficient Roof can reduce energy consumption by as much as 22%*.

Metal Roofing

Energy Savings with Cool Metal Roofing

Did you know white-painted metal roofing has the highest solar reflectance value of any roofing product available and can save you up to 40% of your annual energy bills?

Among the array of possible upgrades, “cool metal roofing” easily answers this consumer demand offering a solid, attractive roofing solution available in multiple colors, textures, and profiles, for steep-slope and low-slope applications, that can save your household up to 40% of its annual energy costs, depending on your geographical region.

The Benefits of Energy Efficient Metal Roofing

As reported by the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, installation of reflective metal roofing can save your home up to 40% in summer cooling energy costs while highly emissive metal roofs can reduce urban air temperatures by as much as 12 ° F. Combined, these benefits mean less money out of your wallet, less dependence on energy resources and less general air pollution in your neighborhood and across the nation.

The secret to metal roofing's energy savings is in its variety of finishes. As shown above, the basic, unpainted metal roof will reflect much of the solar radiation usually absorbed in your attic and home by an asphalt roof. But, for homes in warmer climates, pre-painted or granular coated metal roofing systems not only reflect solar energy but also cool your home by re-emitting most of what solar radiation is absorbed. Where annual cooling loads dominate, a highly reflective and highly emissive painted or granular-coated metal roof is optimal for reducing energy consumption and can actually re-emit up to 90% of absorbed solar radiation.

Additionally, most metal roofing, including standing seam, is composed of recycled material and can be installed directly onto an existing asphalt roof, reducing landfill waste and promoting quick installation as well as decades of environmentally-sound, maintenancefree strength and beauty.