For Hawaii homeowners, keeping their home cool is of the utmost importance. From A/C to ceiling fans, there are many ways to help keep the heat out of your home. Building materials and insulation can all affect cooling efficiency and even roofing materials. As one of Hawaii’s best roofing contractors, Tory’s Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. understands the unique needs of Hawaii’s homeowners and offers the following tips to keep your home cool.

3 Easy Roofing Tips to Keep Your Home Cool

1. Coatings

Any traditional roof can be converted into a “cool roof” with specialty coatings. There are two kinds of coatings: cementitious and elastomeric. Cementitious contain concrete or ceramic particles, and elastomeric have additional polymers, making the material less brittle and more adhesive. Both are best used on low-sloped roofs in good condition. The material is sprayed, rolled, or brushed on to create a bright white surface reflecting light and heat off the roof.

2. Specialty Roofing

Many traditional roofs can be manufactured to increase their cooling factor. These typically involve adding a specialty coating at the factory, which increases the material’s ability to reflect sunlight. Cool asphalt shingles contain more light-reflective particles than standard shingles, and shingles made of wood or metal can be coated to help them reflect light. Metal roofs are naturally reflective, but because they hold in heat, a special coating needs to be applied to help with heat release. Tiles are also a great roofing choice for their natural ability to reflect light.

3. Attic Venting

If you use air conditioning, proper insulation helps keep the air conditioning inside your living spaces, but don’t overlook attic venting. Attic ventilation is key to an energy-efficient home. Without vents, hot air gets trapped between the ceiling and the roof. Ventilation allows that super-heated air to escape, protecting shingles and removing moisture. For the heat and humidity of Hawaii, many homeowners opt for an attic fan to help hot air escape faster and to pull the cooler outside air into the attic.

Your roofing can either help your home stay cool or trap the heat inside. If you are looking for more energy-efficient roofing, contact Tory’s Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. Call the professionals at (808) 456-5990, and visit the website for more information regarding the services available.