A roof is often one of the most overlooked aspects of home maintenance, but it's also one of the most important. It not only protects your home from the elements but also can impact your energy bills in a big way. The average home in the U.S. loses 30 percent of its heat through the roof. That's a lot of energy you're paying for to make your home comfortable, and it's a lot of money you're missing out on by not making your roof energy efficient.

If you're wondering how to make it more efficient and cut down on your utility bills, we've got you covered with these easy tips!

Seal Your Roof's Leaks

A leaking roof isn't just a problem for your walls and ceiling - it's also a big loss of money. Not only does water damage create an ugly mess, but it increases your energy cost by letting air leak in through the roof. 

Roof leaks can be caused by lots of factors like loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing or recessed vents, chimneys that aren't properly capped, and cracks around skylights and dormers. But whatever the reason is, if there is any chance at all that your roof is leaking, then it's best to plug it up.  Even just one small hole in your roof can add up to hundreds of dollars a year in heating and cooling costs, which is why it’s important to fix leaks as soon as you notice them.  

Replace Old Shingles with New, Energy-Efficient Ones

Most roofs have an average lifespan of around 20 years before they need replacing, so if yours are older than that, you may want to consider having them replaced with newer, more efficient shingles. Energy-efficient shingles can be up to 50 percent more effective at keeping the heat in during the winter and out during the summer compared with their conventional counterparts. 

Cool Roofs are designed to reflect heat on hot days, keep the house cooler on cold days, and are much less prone to ice damage during freezing temperatures than standard asphalt shingles. By reducing the temperature in your home, air conditioning won’t have to work as hard to keep you comfortable, thereby saving you money on energy costs by up to 15%. 

Insulate Your Attic

If you want to make your roof energy-efficient, then it's time to get out of the house and go up into your attic. The attic is where most of the air leaks happen in your home, so if you don't have enough insulation, you could be losing a lot of heat in the winter and cooling in the summer. Make sure you get the right thickness of insulation for your climate, so you won't have to rely on air conditioning as much when temperatures rise outside!

Check Your Roof Ventilation

If there are no vents on your roof or they're blocked by plants or other objects, it can cause moisture buildup in your attic space. This will eventually lead to mold growth and potential structural damage as well as increased cooling costs due to lack of ventilation. Be sure that all vents are clear and free from obstruction so that airflow is maximized throughout your home's interior spaces.

Protect Your Home and Your Wallet by Making Your Roof Energy Efficient 

Your roof is the first line of defense against unpredictable weather conditions, and it pays to make sure that your home has a quality energy-efficient roof. Our expert roofers are here to help you make sure your home has one, so you can save money on energy bills while staying comfortable and safe year-round. We'll provide you with a roof that reduces heating and cooling costs, stays cool in the summer, and keeps warm in the winter, protects your family from wind and rain damage, and adds curb appeal to your home. 

For more information, you can reach Watkins Construction and Roofing at 601-488-3179. We service areas in Jackson, Flowood, Clinton, and Ridgeland, MS.