DIY reflective roof coating can keep your home cool during summer

Home Maintenance

Homeowners concerned about high utility bills this summer may want to conduct a do-it-yourself roofing project that may be able to provide them with some considerable home savings.

Many homeowners' roofs have dark - usually black - tiling. This darkness can cause a house to become much hotter, according to Networx, which says if you have a low-slope roof with this type of tiling, you may want to add some reflective roof coating.

The source states reflective roof coatings have cement particles or polymers and white pigments that reflect sunlight and abate roof damage which can occur from excessive temperatures.

While you could find a contractor who is experienced with roofing to add the coating for you, Networx says many stores sell DIY coating kits that provide new homeowners with the know-how to do the project themselves.

Despite the energy and home savings this reflective coating can provide homeowners, Networx states you may need to check for a few factors prior to adding it to your roof. In particular, the source recommends checking to see if your roof lies mostly in shade or if your attic is well-insulated.

If your roof is mostly in shad and your attic keeps heat and cool air in well, you may not see substantial energy savings. But, if your roof is constantly exposed to sunlight and your attic doesn't insulate well, the coating is likely appropriate for you.

When applying the reflective coating, which runs about $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot, Networx says you should lay it on your roof - when dry - thickly. After applying it a few times, the project is complete, and your roof should protect your home better from heat for about 10 years.

Citing statistics from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Networx states reflective coatings have cut energy costs for some homeowners during summer between 25 and 67 percent.

Networx says many reflective roof coating products on the market are Energy Star-approved, so look for the label if you want to use coating that's environmentally friendly.

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