Out of all the building elements that make up a healthy home, the roof is the most significant. It not only helps you keep your family safe from the harsh Wisconsin weather, but it also maintains your home’s curb appeal.
A good roof can make your house look great, save you money, and make your home worth more. So, if you’re considering replacing your roof, or even just looking for some ways to upgrade it, this is the blog post for you!
We will discuss some of the top roofing upgrades and materials you should consider to make your home durable and aesthetically pleasing.
1. Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials
If your existing roof is older than 20 years, then there is a chance that it may not comply with building codes in terms of energy efficiency. When it is time for a roofing upgrade, consider new, modern materials that can save you money on your bills.
Energy-efficient roofing materials are a good choice if you need to replace your roof. These materials are made to keep heat out of your home and reflect sunlight so your house stays cooler. This means you don’t need to use as much air conditioning, which means lower energy bills!
Here are some energy-efficient roofing options:
👉Metal Roofing Systems
Metal roofs are arguably the strongest among all the roofing systems available. Due to the special coating on their surface, they are also known to reflect sunlight and help the home during intense periods of heat.
Also Read: Metal Roof Installation 101: 5 Things To Know Before You Get A New Metal Roof
👉Cool Roof Shingles
Designed to reflect more sunlight than regular shingles, cool roof shingles help to reflect extreme heat from the roof and help you maintain a cooler interior temperature.
👉Tile Roofs:
Tiles made out of natural materials like clay and stone are naturally good at keeping the heat out of the roof. This makes them a good option as an energy-efficient material for the roof.
While choosing energy-efficient materials, you should always look for materials with a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). The higher the SRI of the product, the higher the chance of it reflecting more sunlight from your roof.
2. Install Skylights and Roof Windows
Want to make your home brighter without turning on lights? Skylights and roof windows are a great choice. They let natural light into your home, making the rooms feel bigger and more open.
👉Skylights
Skylights transform dark interiors by flooding spaces with natural sunlight, potentially reducing energy costs by decreasing artificial lighting needs. Beyond appearance, they can improve ventilation and increase your home’s value. Quality skylights paired with proper insulation and UV protection can also help regulate indoor temperature while creating a connection with the outdoors. Consider professional installation to ensure proper waterproofing and optimal placement for maximum benefit.
👉Roof Windows
Roof windows offer a game-changing solution for attic conversions and loft spaces, turning previously unused areas into bright, livable rooms. Their full-opening capability provides emergency exits, meeting building codes for habitable spaces while offering superior ventilation compared to skylights. When planning a roofing upgrade, incorporating roof windows can maximize your home’s usable space and create dramatic architectural features that enhance both functionality and property value.
3. Install Solar Panels
The capability of turning sunlight into electricity has made solar panels the most sought-after roofing upgrades. Not only are they energy-efficient, but they also help increase the value of your home.
Here is why you should look into installing solar panels:
👉Energy Savings
Solar panels can significantly reduce monthly electricity costs by harnessing free solar energy. Most homeowners see around 30 to 50% decrease in their utility bills, with some even achieving net-zero energy consumption through optimal panel placement and efficient system design.
👉Good for the Environment
Solar power reduces your carbon footprint by generating clean, emission-free electricity. Each residential solar installation prevents approximately 4 to 5 metric tons of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to planting over 100 trees every year.
👉Long-Term Savings
While initial installation costs range from around $15,000-$25,000, solar panels typically pay for themselves within 5-8 years. Federal tax credits, state incentives, and net metering programs can offset up to 30% of installation costs, making the investment more accessible.
4. Use Better Insulation and Ventilation:
Good insulation and ventilation are really important for your roof. They help keep your home at the right temperature and prevent problems like mold.
👉Ridge Vents
Running continuously along your roof’s peak, ridge vents create natural airflow, drawing out hot, stale attic air. This passive ventilation system works year-round, preventing moisture buildup and reducing cooling costs without requiring electricity.
👉Soffit Vents
Installed under the roof’s overhang, soffit vents pull in fresh, cool air to replace rising hot air. This continuous airflow prevents ice dams in winter and reduces attic temperatures in summer, extending your roof’s lifespan.
👉Gable Vents
Located along the attic’s sidewalls, gable vents promote cross-ventilation by allowing air movement from end to end. These traditional vents work best in combination with other ventilation systems to maximize airflow efficiency.
Read about other types of vents here: Types Of Roof Vents Explained
For insulation, you have options like:
👉Fiberglass
Available in batts or loose-fill, fiberglass insulation offers reliable R-value at an affordable price. Fire-resistant and long-lasting, it’s ideal for attics and walls, providing consistent temperature control throughout seasons.
👉Spray Foam
Creating an airtight seal, spray foam expands to fill gaps and crevices, offering superior insulation and air barrier properties. While more expensive initially, it provides the highest R-value per inch and reduces air leaks significantly.
👉Cellulose
Made from recycled newspapers treated with fire retardants, cellulose can be blown into existing walls or attics. It offers excellent sound dampening, superior fire resistance, and pest-deterrent properties while being environmentally sustainable.
5. Green Roofs
Last but not least are green roofs. If you are looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly, green roofs are the perfect choice. As the word suggests, these are the roofs with a layer of green vegetation. However, this option is only best for flat roofing systems.
👉Energy Savings
Green roofs act as natural insulators, reducing cooling costs by up to 25% in summer and maintaining warmth in winter. Their layers of soil and vegetation provide exceptional thermal performance throughout the year.
👉Water Management
Plants and growing mediums capture 60 to 80% of rainfall, reducing stormwater runoff and decreasing pressure on drainage systems. This natural filtration also improves water quality and minimizes local flooding risks.
👉Good for Nature
Green roofs create urban biodiversity hotspots, supporting local pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. They also improve air quality by filtering pollutants.
👉Good For Appearances
Transform your flat roof into a living canvas of seasonal colors and textures. Green roofs enhance a property’s appearance, increase property value, and create unique relaxing spaces outdoors.
Why Should You Care About Your Roof?
Upgrading a roof isn’t just about patching up leaks or swapping out worn-out shingles, it’s a game-changer for your entire home. Beyond keeping you dry, a quality roof makeover can totally transform how your house looks from the street. Plus, you’ll notice the difference on your wallet with lower energy bills. Not only will you feel more comfortable inside, but you’re also doing your bit for the planet.
Hire The Professionals At Prestige Roofing
When it comes to your home’s future, investing in a quality roof replacement is one of the smartest decisions you can make. At Prestige Roofing, we understand that a new roof is more than just a form of protection, it’s an investment in your family’s comfort and your home’s value. Whether you’re looking to boost curb appeal, cut down on energy bills, or create a more sustainable living space, our expert team can help you choose the perfect roofing solution. With decades of experience and a commitment to excellence, we don’t just install roofs, we help build lasting homes that stand the test of time. Give us a call today at (920) 791-0414, and let us help you upgrade your home.