A vented attic is an important yet highly under-appreciated consideration in roof building. When constructed properly, a vented attic will work in hot, cold, and mixed climates. Unfortunately, inexperienced roofers manage to mess up attic ventilation again and again, and this leads to excessive energy losses, mold, rot, ice dams, and plenty of unnecessary repair expenses.

The way attic ventilation is constructed relies primarily on climate, but its purpose remains the same – to maintain an ideal roof as well as household temperature. In cold climates, ventilation prevents the formation of ice dams and vents out any moisture that transfers to the attic from the living space below. In hot climates, it expels solar-heated air from the attic to reduce the structure's cooling load and reduce the strain on air-conditioning systems. In mixed climates, attic ventilation can serve either role.

Unskilled roofers get this simple approach wrong because they don't follow the rules. Oftentimes, all they do is punch random holes in the ceiling, fill these holes with recessed lights that leak air, and stuff a serpentine array of duct-work in the attic. These holes are a major source of air leakage that causes ice dams in cold climates and humidity problems in hot climates. Hence, for homeowners looking to enjoy energy savings, it's wise to only work with reputable roofers who absolutely know what they're doing. It's essential to determine that a roofer knows proper attic venting before you hire him.

Nowadays, it's not enough that windows are aesthetically pleasing in terms of size and shape. Nor is it simply about being able to secure what's inside from the outside especially in terms of the elements. While both still do matter, the best windows in this day and age are those that are also energy efficient.

Shutters, blinds, curtains, and window frames all contribute to the energy efficiency of a window but the biggest factor that affects it is the window pane. It is the only part of the window that can efficiently control the insulation in a room. A double-paned window, for example, has two glass panels facing each other. The space between the panels are filled with argon, a non-toxic gas, to improve insulation.

In Seattle, double paned windows have become a trend since the 1990s owing to its three functions. One, they block the harmful UV rays better than single paned ones. Two, though they deflect these rays, they allows much sunlight to come in; perfect for Washington cities like Seattle and Tacoma, where the weather is more often cooler. Lastly, double paned windows can efficiently reduce noise, giving homes some peace and quiet, and a sense of privacy,too.

There are several ways in which nature can unleash its wrath, and the relentless drop of water from a dark, rumbling sky is just one manifestation of its anger. As man's protector against the elements, the roof is made not just to weather storms, but also to provide shield from the adverse effects of excessive sunlight. If you find yourself uncomfortable from too much sun, you can have various materials incorporated in your roof to help repel the heat.

Light-colored and earth-toned slate has natural reflective properties that can reduce the heat absorbed by the roof . While you may find slate pricey, the material makes up for its heavy price tag by adding a classic touch to the home and wearing to a nice finish over time. A roof made of clay can also prevent heat retention with its lighter hue; paint treatments created especially for clay roofs can render them weatherproof and grant them reflective capabilities.

Being heavyweights make concrete tiles ideal for roofs exposed to high temperatures as it takes longer for them to heat-up. Concrete tiles don't cost much, so you can keep cool without shelling out a huge amount of cash. If you want to save even more, you can opt to install a photovoltaic roofing system to convert solar power into electricity. This will help minimize your dependence on fossil fuel, which is one of the leading causes of global warming.

It does not always rain in Seattle, as a common misconception suggests; though, the city has its share of copious rains for half the year, and slightly wet winters. In between moist spells, residents of this coastal city can still prepare their homes, especially the roof, for wet weather by following these three tips:

The first tip is to clear the roof of debris like dry leaves and branches that could clog the downspouts and gutters. Clogs will cause the water to back up and puddle, instead of flowing smoothly. Hazards like trees leaning dangerously on the roof could knock it off during an extreme weather disturbance. Get clearance from local authorities and call a cutter to trim leaves and branches

Second, inspect the roof for damage and other structural defects. Water marks on the ceiling and walls could mean leakage from the roof. Check that gutters are in place, and have no rust and holes. Secure and fix them before the rains come.

Third, invite a roofing expert to take a good look at your roof. An ordinary homeowner can only do a visual inspection and miss tell-tale signs of damage. A professional roofer can identify and locate them, do estimates and recommend repairs that would leak-proof your roof in no time.

There may come a time when your roof is only one summer or winter season away from completely breaking down; which is a harbinger of worse things to come. The situation need not go that far, however, if you call in a professional roofing contractor to check if your roof needs a replacement. Here are a number of pointers to consider:

Include in your list at least three contractors with whom your friends and family have had a positive working experience. Most likely, they have the permits and documents from local building authorities to do business in your area. They're also familiar with the climate in your city so they can suggest if a roof repair is good enough or you need a new roof.

Ask for a written estimate from each contractor to help you assess if the expenses are within your budget. Avoid paying the contractor at least 10 percent of the total fees upfront and even then, not in cash. Make sure that all related expenses are part of the final quote. Any additional expenses aside from those in the contract will have to be shouldered by the contractor.

Roof replacement is a better option and a reasonable investment if you have a reliable roofer who can discuss the whole project with you. A skilled and professional contractor will definitely save you a lot of money in the long run, and assure you of a job well done.