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Do you feel uncomfortable knowing that your home’s roof is exposed to the hot summer sun? The inside of your house might feel great thanks to an air conditioner unit but that sweltering heat of the sun can do some serious damage to the roof. You also need to worry about energy efficiency because a roof that heats up too much will make your AC work harder to compensate for the extra heat absorbed. If you’re looking for a way to maintain the roof of the home cooler and prevent sun damage in the summer, take a look at these ingenious methods.
1. Cover the Roof
Although not suitable for sloped roofs, homeowners who have flat roofs could try covering the area with reflective gravel. This isn’t just a great solution to reduce the impact of sunlight on the roof but can also provide additional benefits such as improved water drainage. Reflective gravel for protecting the roof can be applied in a DIY style without the need for a contractor. It’s recommended to find a good roofing company that can assist you in selecting the best type of gravel that creates a reliable layer against the sun’s heat.
2. Use Reflective Paint
This is another easy method to minimize sun damage on your roof. Reflective paint coatings can be added without the need for a contractor. They’re fairly inexpensive and can be applied directly by painting the roof. The cooling effect is obtained through the help of either white or silver paints imbued with reflective pigments. Depending on the chosen protective layer, you will likely need to replace the paint after around 10 years or so to maintain functionality.
3. Try a Roof Mist Cooling System
Most prevention methods focus on using new roofing materials to enhance the capabilities of your home’s roof in terms of withstanding sunlight damage. However, there are ways to bring down the temperatures of the roof in the summer without additional coatings or materials. It involves the use of an evaporative cooling system based on a spray of water. If you have a big roof or want the best protection possible, it’s recommended to opt for a sophisticated roof mist cooling system. Otherwise, a basic garden hose aimed at the roof can do the job if it’s able to create a water mist effect.
4. Plant a Garden
An excellent solution for flat roofs, planting a garden is a smart way to make better use of the extra space on the roof while also protecting it from intense sunlight. Having a rooftop garden isn’t as protective as other solutions but you can still take advantage of decent coverage. Setting up the garden requires a bit of effort initially as you need to decide on the best types of pots and planter boxes to use. Make sure you check the roof’s weight capacity and figure out a proper way to add a supply of water to take care of the needs of your rooftop plants.
5. Install Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam is a reliable solution for any homeowner interested in improving the resilience of their home’s roof. Installing this type of protective covering requires the services of a contractor but the expense is worth it considering how the foam material absorbs the heat very efficiently and also keeps out moisture. It’s safe to say that you can enjoy the benefits of polyurethane foam for decades if it’s correctly installed by a professional.
6. Add a Reflective Membrane
Similar to the idea of reflective paint coatings or gravel, you can also add a special type of membrane to the roof to improve sunlight resistance. Reflective membranes arrive as sheets that need to be installed properly on the roof with the help of a contractor. They’re recommended for owners of sloped roofs, especially certain designs that don’t allow painting. Keep in mind that a reflective membrane isn’t particularly effective depending on the use of some roofing materials such as shingles or asphalt.
7. Put Up Solar Panels
While this is a more expensive project, installing solar panels represents a smart way to deal with the problem of sun damage to the roof. At the same time, the panels can also harness the sun’s energy and turn it into usable electricity for your home. It’s a win-win situation because you don’t just save money by keeping the roof healthy but you also cut down on energy bill costs. Compared to other methods on this list, this one works best for homeowners with a more sustainable mindset who prefer a long-term solution.
8. Get Roof Inspections Regularly
The roof may seem fine right now at a simple glance but without a professional inspection, you won’t be able to discover issues until it’s too late. The importance of regular roof inspections cannot be underestimated when it comes to preventing sun damage. An expert is needed to check multiple aspects of the structure that play a critical role in terms of the roof’s resilience. Doing repairs before any damage gets too serious is essential to maintain the home’s roof in top shape against the harsh summer sun.
