4 Home Environmental Quality Factors That Your New Roof Installation Should Address
Posted on: 7 October 2022
If you are constructing a new house, the aesthetic of your roof shouldn't be the sole factor that influences your roofing installation decision. As part of the building envelope, your new roofing system will play a significant role in protecting the entire structure against external elements. Consequently, it should meet the performance and functional requirements of the building.
Here are some indoor environmental quality concerns to consider before starting your roof installation project.
1. Dampness
One of the primary functions of a roof is to prevent water from getting inside a home when it rains. Roof leaks can cause significant water damage to the home, resulting in expensive repairs. They also create the moist conditions that mold, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms require to grow.
While microbial growth is ubiquitous outside, it can pose serious human health risks and concerns when it occurs indoors. Building a watertight roof is essential for preventing damage to the materials used to construct your home, as well as ensuring the health and safety of your family.
2. Heat
Some solar heat gain can be beneficial to your home if you live in a cold climate, but too much of it will make your home's interior environment uncomfortable in hot weather. While residential insulation is essential for minimizing unwanted gain in your home, a good roofing system can go a long way in reducing the home's overall cooling load.
Consider the annual range of temperature experienced in your region when choosing your roofing material and roof color. If you live in a cold climate zone, a roofing material with high thermal mass and a dark finish can be an excellent choice for absorbing heat when the sun is out.
3. Ventilation
Air leakage through the roof can frustrate your efforts to save energy at home. If air leaks exist in your roof, they will allow conditioned air to escape from the building, causing your HVAC equipment to run harder and longer than it should to keep you comfortable year-round. The strain on the equipment will lead to a spike in your home's heating and cooling bills.
A quality roofing installation should help conditioned air locked inside and prevent unconditioned air from infiltrating the building.
4. Noise
Some roofing materials, like metal, make more noise than others, like asphalt, slate, and tile, when impacted by rain or hail. If you want to minimize roof noise, consider installing a roof-covering material that can absorb the noise better.
When it comes to roof installation, there is no such thing as the best roof for everyone. Your roofing needs are unique and different from others, so careful consideration is necessary to choose a roof type that will be a good fit for you.
Contact a roof installation contractor to discuss your residential roofing project and get your quote.
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