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Old 12-05-10, 10:55 AM   #3
Ryland
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Western Wisconsin.
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There are energy star rated shingles out there and even tax credits for using them, they tend to be very light in color, snow has an R value of R-1 per inch so a light colored roof that keeps snow is going to help to insulate your house.
It really depends on your house and the style of roof venting you have, your insulation should be in your attic and your roof should stay vented, if you have a finished attic or an up stars where there is little to no venting between the ceiling and the roof then you might have a hot roof.
With the snow, look at your roof for any areas that are melting already as those areas are going to need extra attention and are also going to be where you will find water damage from ice dams.
If you can afford to, steel roofs are the way I would go, they last 100+ years, they are 100% recyclable, they are quick to install, they take care of ice dam issues in most cases, they reduce snow load by letting it slide off, they also allow you to add ridged foam right under the steel, if you do have a case where you have a hot roof, then for sure use this type of roof.
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