Looking to raise the roof? Whether that means you’re celebrating or upgrading your roof, there are many eco-friendly options out there to consider. At Home Improvement Leads, we’re dedicated to finding green alternatives for home upgrades and repairs. Here are a few of our favourite roofing solutions to help you conserve energy and reduce your utility bills.
Chill Out
Cool roofs are great for warmer climates. They are designed to enhance solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Basically, cool roofs reflect heat so that it doesn’t seep into the roof and ultimately, your home.This roof can even cool itself down by emitting thermal radiation. All of this means you’ll use your A/C less since your home will stay cooler. In fact, the Cool Roof Rating Council suggests cool roofs can save you 7-15% of total cooling costs each year. The only thing to keep in mind is that cool roofs can increase heating costs during colder seasons, but in warm and tropical climates, this spike is significantly canceled out by warm-weather savings.
Shine Bright
Solar energy is sweeping the nation as a cost-effective way to conserve energy and go green. With the popularity of solar-powered products rising, technology is advancing. Now, you can easily incorporate solar energy into your life, big ways and small. Opt for a solar roof to cut back on energy consumption and reduce your monthly utility bills.. The best part about using solar energy is that the sun is free and unlimited. You’ll never run out of “fuel.” Solar roofs can charge even on overcast days, and they can power your home with solar electricity. A roof that works for you? Yes, please! The days of ugly, obvious solar panels are over. You can now choose from sleek solar roof manufacturers, like Tesla, which pride themselves in making energy-efficient options beautiful. Tesla offers solar roofs that are designed to look like Tuscan tile, slate glass, texture glass, and smooth glass. Your neighbors won’t know the difference; but your wallet will!
Reduce and Reuse
Sustainable roofing is an affordable option that uses repurposed materials and renewable resources. Some examples of sustainable roofing are metal, asphalt shingles, ceramic tiles, cedar shakes, wood, polymer and photovoltaic panel systems, as recommended by Elemental Green. The best part about sustainable roofing is that it can be recycled after it’s worn out. You can also opt for a smaller-scale solution and protect your roof with elastomeric coating. According to Marton Roofing Industries, this small step can lower your building’s energy consumption by up to 40%. It can even restore and protect your roof, resulting in long-term savings.
Bring it to Life
Living roofs are a unique and fresh way to conserve energy. You can actually use your roof to grow herbs, plants, vegetables and more. A rooftop garden adds a lot of curb appeal to your home, but it also provides temperature control. Plants can reduce the amount of heat a building absorbs, which reduces A/C consumption, much like a cool roof. Plus, you can grow your own vegetable garden and go green in more ways than one! New Scientist reports on a study by the University of Cardiff, which states that “green roofs and walls can cool local temperatures by between 3.6°C and 11.3°C, depending on the city.” This makes green roofs a great solution for warmer climates.
Made of Metal
Metal roofing may not seem very energy-efficient, but it is actually a responsible solution. Steel and aluminum are great choices for roofing, as they reflect sunlight and excess warmth during those long summer months. Additionally, metal roofs are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, which means less frequent repairs and replacements.
Spray without Seams
Polyurethane foam is often used as a roofing solution on commercial buildings, but it is possible to use on residential and even sloped roofs. The foam is sprayed onto the roof, and then covered with an elastomeric coating, which offers protection from the sun. According to My Energy Solution, polyurethane foam roofing is incredible energy-efficient, and it stabilizes your home at a cozy temperature, year-round. This solution is literally seamless, which means you’re less likely to have to deal with leaks. It’s a cost-efficient treatment, perhaps the most inexpensive of all green options.
Seize the Slope
If you have a low-sloped roof, you can apply cool coating or single-ply membrane to reduce cooling demands. This coating paints onto various materials, like asphalt, gravel, metal, and more. If you don’t want to replace your roof, this is a great way to go green without the financial commitment. Steep-sloped roofs are often found on residential homes, and you can opt for clay, slate or concrete tile roofs to cool it off. And add some color! Those pigments can reflect solar energy. While clay tile is more susceptible to hail damage, it’s still a good solution in areas with moderate to mild weather conditions. Otherwise, opt for slate, which is stronger and requires little maintenance. Slate is a resource that you can purchase reclaimed, and even recycle when you replace it.
Be a Star
There are quit e a few options for energy-efficient roofing, so as a general rule of thumb, search for an Energy Star rating. Pay attention to the solar reflective index (SRI) especially. These materials will help reflect heat and reduce the roof’s surface temperature by up to 10 degrees celsius. Energy Star also claims qualified products can reduce your home’s cooling demand by 10 to 15 percent. Cha-ching! Choosing energy-efficient roofing materials can be a smart move for your finances, as well as the environment. It’s a win-win! By Dani Nicole
