In a report by the United States Department of Energy (DOE), the primary reason for an increase in household power consumption is the use of central air-conditioning. This accounts for approximately 31 percent of the total energy consumed by every household. In fact, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) is the major contributor to increased household utility expenses. National domestic power consumption rises during the summer due to the use of air-conditioning. One common factor that can be associated with this abrupt energy amplification is the absorption of heat by the home during sunny days.

When the roof absorbs radiant heat, that high temperature is transferred to the attic space which in turn causes the room temperature below the attic to increase. It is important for the warmth from the sun to be radiated back into the atmosphere to ultimately lower the room temperature. In short, every homeowner with a household air-conditioning unit should have radiant barriers installed to decrease high temperatures during the summer months. Roof company Houston contractors suggest that every homeowner should have at least some basic knowledge regarding these heat-reflecting obstacles.

Household Temperature Controller

Radiant barriers are types of aluminum foil installed in buildings to prevent the transference of reflective warmth between heat-radiating and heat-absorbing surfaces. This should help every household increase their energy savings during the summer. This material will block the infra-red energy emitted from the hot roof to keep the attic space cooler, therefore reducing the amount of radiant warmth in the rooms below the attic. There are several reflective barriers available on the market, including reflective chips, foil, and paint coatings.

Function

There are two factors that are involved in how radiant barriers function: emissivity and reflectivity. These two factors are the most important properties that make their obstructing capability more effective.

• Emissivity (0-1) ? This is also known as ?emittance?. It is the ability of the radiant barriers to emit thermal energy from hot surfaces.

• Reflectivity (0-9) ? This is also known as ?reflectance?. This is the capacity of the surface to reflect emitted heat from a hot surface.

The two properties of this material are essential in order to reduce energy consumption during the summer. These reflective barriers have low emissivity and high reflectivity.

During the summer, heat is absorbed in the roofing material when the sun strikes the roof. It will move into the attic surface by means of conduction and convection. At this point, the warmth will then be transferred from the attic surfaces to cooler surfaces (air ducts and attic floors) through radiation. If radiant barriers are installed, the increased temperature will be radiated back to the outside of the roof. Without such obstructions, the radiated heat will be absorbed by the interior surfaces which will hold the warmth, resulting in increased temperature levels. Local governments encourage every household to use radiant barriers to decrease energy consumption during hot sunny days.

Installation

The effectiveness and performance of radiant barriers is very dependent on how the material is installed by a certified roof company Houston contractor. Proper installation of these reflective obstacles can reflect heat by 97 percent; this provides homeowners with the opportunity to effectively reduce the electric consumption by the use of central air-conditioning.

Radiant barrier systems are different from roofing insulation which only slows down heat transfer. In contrast, reflective barrier systems not only slow down this transfer; they directly reflect the increased temperatures caused by the sun?s radiation. Roofing insulation does not have the capacity to stop this type of heat; therefore, obstructions must be installed to reflect these high temperatures. As an important part of the entire roofing system, it is essential for every homeowner to learn and gain valuable information about radiant barriers!

When it?s spring in Texas, that usually means we have several chances to experience powerful thunderstorms that can drop damaging hail and spawn tornadoes. Round One occurred on the night of April 3, as large storms struck Denton, Aubrey, Little Elm,aFrisco, Prosper, Celina, McKinney, Plano and several other areas. If you were a victim of hail damage to your home, it?s essential that you get your roof checked as quickly as possible to see if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Storms Parade Across U.S. 380

At least three damaging storms struck along largely the same route, traveling across U.S. 380. Windshields were broken out by the hundreds in Denton as softball-sized hail peppered the city. However, residents of Denton and other areas that were similarly hit had to remain indoors because they were under tornado warnings as well. A twister, according to an article in theaDallas Morning News, touched down in Farmersville. Luckily, the article reported, damage was minor and no injuries had been reported ? although officials said it was to early to speculate how many people, if any, had been hurt.

The Damage Hail Can Cause

Hail is formed when frozen water droplets in a thunderstorm are lifted back into the clouds. As they continue to be buffeted by the turbulence, they get larger and larger until they are heavy enough to fall. Sizes typically range from about the size of a pea to the softball-size stones that fell in the April 3 storm. Typically, the flatter the pitch of a roof, the more damage it is prone to suffer because it will tend to take a direct impact. The more of a pitch a roof has, the better the chances it will only get a glancing blow.

It is extremely important to have your roof inspectedabecause hail damage may not always be readily apparent. If you do have damage and can?t see it, your home will be extremely susceptible to water leaks when it rains. These leaks can cause a great many problems that will be extremely expensive to repair.

More and more people are choosing a metal roof for their home or business. Metal roofs can come in a large variety of colors,acoatings, and looks. Metal roofs are incredibly durable and long lasting when it is properly maintained. While a metal roof requires less maintenance than some of the other roofing materials, it is still important that you take proper care of it. Here are a few simple tips you can follow to take care of your metal roof.

1. Trim Tree Branches

One of the most common causes of metal roof damage comes from tree branches that can ding and scratch your roof. If you have tall trees around your property, keep the branches pruned and trimmed away from your roof. If you live in a climate where you routinely get severe storms, keeping heavy branches away from your roof is just good practice. However, with a metal roof, it can keep the metal looking pristine for longer.

2. Keep Your Roof Clear

Along with trimming tree branches, you will want to clear your roof of leaves, pine needles, sticks and other debris routinely. Organic matter on your roof can help hold moisture to your metal roof. The moisture can slowly degrade the coating and cause rusting and discoloration.

3. Clean Your Gutters

Keeping your gutters clean can help guide rain, snow, and moisture away from your roof. Make sure to schedule in regular gutter cleaning to prevent any backups of water that can cause roof damage.

4. Periodic Inspection

At least once a year, perform a general inspection of your roof. Check for any areas that looked damaged and scope out possible leaks. If you are not able to get on top of your roof, hire a professional roofing company to perform an inspection. Catching those problem areas while they are small can help prevent a costly repair.

Types of roofing in Colorado

Colorado is famous for its beautiful landscape and modern lifestyle. However, it is also well-known for having an extreme weather condition. Every year, blizzards and hail storms are a constant visitor to this magnificent place. If you are planning to build a house around the area, you must understand the different types of material for roofing in Colorado. Each has its own special features and advantages so carefully examine them one by one before making a choice.

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Asphalt shingles

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Is probably the most famous type of roofing material in the US. About 80% of residential communities in the states are using asphalt shingles for their homes. These are proven to withstand the test of natural disasters. It is highly resistant to wind, hail stones, heavy rainfall and even fire. These are also tested in terms of its ability to resist tear and other key performance indicators. The best part? Asphalt shingles are aesthetically beautiful. You can choose between standard and designer texture. The surface of standard shingles are light textured while designer shingles have highly textured surface.

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Clay or concrete tiles

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This Spanish-inspired roofing system is one of the most durable material that you can pick. Coloradans are not a fan of tiles, but this is a great idea if you want your house to have a unique look in the neighborhood or community where you are living. There are a variety of colors to choose from. But not all homeowners can opt for this type of roofing material. Tiles are heavy. Ask your engineer if the foundation of your house has the capacity to support a heavy roofing system.

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Slate

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Another material that is not so popular for roofing in Colorado. On the contrary, slate is famous in cities such as New York, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. These are generally more expensive because of its indestructible nature. Another thing about slate is that you will need a professional roofer with special skills and long years of experience. This is not easy to install and inexperienced roofers may not be able to install this material properly.

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Metal

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Longevity of life cycle is the primary reason why you should pick metal. Apart from that, this also has a lightweight property, stronger resistance to violent weathers, and best of all, these are aesthetically pretty. If you want to use metal as your primary material for roofing in Colorado, consider buying a customized metal that is fire-proof.

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In the construction of a building, whether commercial or residential, the outward appearance means absolutely nothing without quality workmanship. In today?s commercial market, consumers are looking for expert roofing contractors who have a long-standing reputation for professionalism and quality roof construction, ones who leave their customers happy and satisfied once the job has been completed.

How can this result be achieved? Following are some important considerations to review when looking for a great contractor who can achieve a long-lasting, high-quality roof, a process that starts with choosing the right roofing company.

• Recognize Importance ? Whether this is a commercial or residential construction project, a roofer is one of the most important people to be chosen. Hiring the right contractor is crucial, as the proper materials must be chosen and put together in a way that will optimize the service life of the entire building while protecting all of its occupants.

• Pre-Qualify ? This step is imperative in order to find the right installation professional to provide exceptional workmanship; the importance of this step cannot be overstated. Without pre-qualification, the results may be poor craftsmanship, extensive labor cost, and worst of all, a leaking roof. Included in a pre-qualification process should be written bids (get at least three), licenses, warranties, recommendations, a local office, and insurance coverage.

• Contractor Bond ? Some areas of the country require any type of building company or contractor to be bonded to protect consumers in the event the outcome of the project is sub-standard or fails to meet the terms and conditions of the written contract.

• Proper Materials ? Besides choosing the right contractor for the job, it is also important to use the proper material for the project. Although this is not an easy task especially when lacking proper experience, a good builder can ensure that the correct material is used for the type of building and the location.

• Field Specialization ? Just like medical practitioners, businesses in the construction industry have a wide array of specializations. In order to ensure the best quality work for a particular job, a company should specialize in the installation of roofing since it requires a different level of skills including thorough knowledge of proper techniques and procedures. Additionally, such experts will have the proper knowledge of building codes, coatings, material specifications, safe work practices, and the right tools for the project.

Quality roof construction is the outcome of excellent service. The net result of a quality-built structure that will endure the elements and be worry-free can be delivered by hiring a licensed, insured, locally-based, and well-recommended roofing specialist. A high level of professionalism and exceptional customer service is a must to achieve the quality construction of a roof!

Are you looking for a roofer Houston to construct a high-quality residential or commercial roof? Schulte Roofing of Navasota provides service to the greater Houston area and is available to handle all customers roofing needs!