We are lucky to enjoy Hawaii’s sunny weather year-round, or at least most days. As summer approaches, consider a few ways to light your home for free with sunlight or cool down your home and shelter it from the sun’s heat.
When it comes to your roof, there are three ways to address heat: coatings, shingles and solar attic fans.
Coatings
Solar roof coating can be applied to most flat roofs. Much like wearing light-colored clothes in the summer, the white coating reflects the heat away from your roof and reduces the transfer of heat to your home’s interior. Rubber-based roof coatings also help seal your roof and reduce the chance of leaks and water damage. Roof coatings may also reduce air conditioning usage, lowering energy expenses. Additionally, coating provides protection from intense surface temperature that may harm your roof over time.
Solar roof coating FAQ
How long do roof coatings last? They typically last for 3-7 years, depending on whether they are acrylic or silicone.
Is solar coating the same as solar paint? No, solar paints are made of a high concentration of aluminum pigment while solar coatings are acrylic elastomeric (like rubber).
Can I apply roof coatings to asphalt shingles? It is not advised; consider solar roof shingles instead when replacing your roof.
UV-coated shingles
We all know to apply sunscreen to protect us from harmful ultraviolet rays. You might not know it, but the same UV rays are harmful to roof shingles too. Prolonged sun exposure will dry out shingles and cause them to warp and crack. Compromised shingles open the door to water damage when it rains.
According to Roofing Elements Magazine, “Granules on shingles are the first line of defense against UV rays. Shingles covered with stronger granules, with a lower rate of separation from the surface, aid in resisting long-term exposure of asphalt to harmful sunlight.”
Ask a Murakami Roofing professional estimator for more information and if UV-coated shingles are right for your home.
Solar attic fans
A solar attic fan ventilates and clears out trapped solar heat in your attic. Think of going up to your attic. It’s usually dark, damp and humid with some possible mold and mildew lurking somewhere.
You can install a solar attic fan when replacing your roof, or on an existing roof. Plus, the fans are powered by their own solar panel to generate energy, so there is no electricity bill.
Solar attic fan FAQ
Does a solar attic fan work at night? No, but it acts as a passive air vent to provide ventilation.
Let light in
Solar tubes and skylights are great options to let light into your home. Some homes don’t have a lot of windows, so installing solar tubes or skylights really helps brighten dark areas. Plus, they can be installed when you replace your roof or added to an existing roof. They also help lower energy bills by providing light during the day.
Ask Murakami Roofing
You’ll find that your professional roofing estimator has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to ways your roof can help lower the costs of homeownership. Don’t be shy, ask them about ways to protect your home in the eyes of homeowner insurance companies, too.
Consider adding hurricane clips, roof ties or fire-resistant shingles, and ask professionals for their thoughts on rain gutter design, repair and more.
MURAKAMI ROOFING LLC
Contact
808-348-8270
Address
45-558 Kamehameha Hwy.
Ste. C-18, Kaneohe
Email
info@murakamiroofing.com
Web
murakamiroofing.com
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