The US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has been trying to come up with roof materials and plans which help to save energy. Since it is the only part of the building which remains exposed to sun, it tends to absorb a lot of energy thereby increasing cooling costs.

Environmental Benefits Of Green Roofs

Apart from a marked decrease in cooling costs, green roofing technology has helped reduce heat loss and energy consumption during winter months also. They help bring down storm water run-off and filter pollutants especially carbon dioxide out of the air.

They also help increase the life span of the roof and also contribute to LEED points for the building. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification provides independent, third-party verification for your building project and determines if the building is indeed environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work at.

Green Roofs – Save Money and the Environment

Generally, it consists of a vegetative layer grown on rooftops. These roofs provide shade and help reduce heat and temperature of the surface and surrounding air. Depending on the load capabilities and the structure of your building, many include a variety of grasses, flowers or trees of different heights. In these systems, plants and soil replace the conventional roof coverings and the same layer of plants and soil protects the water proofing membrane.

Installing a green roof is a complex task and it is best to consult a landscape architect and an independent roofing contractor to analyze the effectiveness for your home or office.

The US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has been trying to come up with roof materials and plans which help to save energy. Since it is the only part of the building which remains exposed to sun, it tends to absorb a lot of energy thereby increasing cooling costs.

Environmental Benefits Of Green Roofs

Apart from a marked decrease in cooling costs, green roofing technology has helped reduce heat loss and energy consumption during winter months also. They help bring down storm water run-off and filter pollutants especially carbon dioxide out of the air.

They also help increase the life span of the roof and also contribute to LEED points for the building. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification provides independent, third-party verification for your building project and determines if the building is indeed environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work at.

Green Roofs – Save Money and the Environment

Generally, it consists of a vegetative layer grown on rooftops. These roofs provide shade and help reduce heat and temperature of the surface and surrounding air. Depending on the load capabilities and the structure of your building, many include a variety of grasses, flowers or trees of different heights. In these systems, plants and soil replace the conventional roof coverings and the same layer of plants and soil protects the water proofing membrane.

Installing a green roof is a complex task and it is best to consult a landscape architect and an independent roofing contractor to analyze the effectiveness for your home or office.

A roof is one of the most important portions of a home’s structure, protecting the building and its contents from all the effects of weather. Roofs are valuable assets for homes and thus it is imperative that they are built in the perfect way so that they can enhance the overall strength of a building. There are many roofing materials that you can use to protect your property from the weather elements such as rain, snow, wind and so on but the part of the world where your building is situated actually influences your preferences of choosing a particular roofing material.

Different roofing materials come with their advantages and disadvantages according to their particular properties. Some of the most common roofing materials include – rubber, metal, slate, concrete, and the most popular asphalt shingles that are not only easy to install but also come with fire retarding properties for the maximum protection of you and your house. Being a practical choice for many homeowners, Asphalt shingles accounts for more than eighty percent of all new and replacement roofing applications. As they come with 20 – 40 years international manufacturing warranty,   asphalt shingles in true means are the materials that upgrade your house to enhance its re-sale value.

Asphalt shingles come in two varieties based on the type of reinforcement mat used i.e. organic and fiberglass (a.k.a. glass fiber). Where at one side fiberglass shingles are more fire and moisture resistant than organic shingles, the organic shingles offers high tear strength, good wind resistance and are perfect to be installed in colder temperatures. Both types of shingles are judged by warranty and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test standards. Basically any type of asphalt shingle material performance depends on the quality, quantity and compatibility of asphalt fillers, reinforcements and surface granules.

While choosing a roof materials for your home, it is important that you choose the material that not only enhances the beauty of your home but also gives you a relief from your increasing electricity bill. And when you choose asphalt shingles as roofing material for your home you can rest assure that it’ll greatly reduce the heating and cooling expenses of your home energy bill. Asphalt shingles have myriads of qualities to make them a premium choice for residential roof material.

Last but not the least, only selecting a quality material for your roof is not enough to ensure protection against weather elements, it is equally necessary that the material should be fitted correctly on roofs to eliminate the fuss of repairing them again and again. Taking the help from professionals is a good idea in case you don’t have any prior experience about roof fitting.

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More Asphalt Roofing Shingles Articles

Are you looking into replacing your roof? If you go with a regular asphalt shingle roof, you will be doing the same thing in a decade or so. Also, asphalt roofs may leach chemicals into rainwater, which are then carried in the storm run-off and into the creeks and streams. There are several eco-conscious roofing options available these days. Here are some of them.

1. Metal

The metals used in roof construction are usually made from some combination of steel, copper, tin, and aluminum. Metal roofing made from recycled metals is also available. Metal roofs last a very long time – up to 50 years. When it does need to be replaced, you can recycle it.

In the summer, metal roofing reflects the sunlight rather than absorbing it, keeping your home cooler. As long as your attic is insulated, metal roofs do fine in cold weather too. And because metal roofing can be installed right over your existing roof, it saves effort and reduces waste. You won’t have an entire asphalt roof to dispose of.

2. Living Roofs

Also known as “green roofs,” this innovative roofing material absorbs water and provides a home for wildlife. Some homeowners even have productive gardens on their roofs. A membrane, or waterproof layer, is placed between your house and the soil on top. Often, slabs of sod are laid down to create the roof initially.

These roofs certainly reduce storm run-off, and are very efficient insulators. They can also be installed over your existing roof, as long as your home or building is deemed strong enough to hold up the weight of both roofs.

Living roofs help keep the building cool in summer and warm in winter.

3. Sustainable Wood Shingles

In the old days, wood shingles were made from old-growth trees. However, sustainably-grown cedar shingles are now available. Cedar is resistant to insects, which is one of the reasons why people choose cedar mulch for their gardens. When your cedar roof does wear out eventually, you can recycle it into this very mulch.

4. Concrete

Before you envision your home buckling under the extraordinary weight of concrete, consider fiber-reinforced concrete. The fibers mixed into the concrete are made from glass or metal. This light, aerated, tough material makes an eco-friendly roofing option. It insulates well, conserving energy, and it lasts a long time, reducing waste.

5. Rubber

Believe it or not, rubber has made its way into the realm of eco-friendly roofing. It comes in a variety of textures and styles, and can be made to look like traditional roofing materials such as slate, wood or tile. Its weight is about the same as asphalt shingles, and it can be made from recycled rubber. It is very durable, springing back from impacts that would ruin a traditional roof, such as large hail and tree branches. And it is highly water-resistant.

6. Clay or Ceramic Tiles

While subject to breakage of the individual tiles, these roofs are nontoxic and durable. The occasional broken tile can be replaced. Ceramic tiles are fire-proof. However, it takes a great deal of energy to bake and harden these tiles.

As you can see, there are quite a few options available for eco-friendly roofing materials. Hopefully, you will be able to find one that fits your needs.