Buildings all have one thing in common, four walls supported by a roof overhead. Building owners, whether their properties are residential or commercial, are responsible for the installation and maintenance of these components. When considering new residential roofing, commercial roofing, or roofing repair options, something that is efficient and cost effective is top priority. Maybe it’s time to consider a green or solar roof.

A green roof really has very little to do with color, although there are a few different uses for the terminology. Most commonly, green roofs are environmentally friendly roofing systems made from recycled materials. The life cycle of these roofs is much longer than that of traditional roofing systems. They also require much less work by way of maintenance requirements, and the materials used in the roofs can be recycled once they have reached the end of their life spans.

Several different sustainable building materials can be used on a green roof. The key is choosing a durable product that will keep the elements at bay. Some asphalt shingles contain recycled paper, but are not recyclable themselves and require more frequent replacement. Recycled rubber roofing, made from recycled tires, is a relatively new product on the market with a high likelihood for durability.

Steel and aluminum roofs can have recycled content levels as high as 100%, are lightweight and durable, easily recyclable, reduce energy usage by reflecting heat, and are an optimum surface for rainwater collection systems. Slate, clay, and concrete tiles are durable, easy to recycle, and more attractive than some other roofing materials, but along with their more aesthetically pleasing characteristics come at a higher initial cost. The products used in the installation of a roof can also affect its level of sustainability. Cold adhesives reduce odor and the amount of hazardous fumes emitted during application.

Newer hot adhesives have also been introduced with lower emissions ratings. Another recent advancement is the fume-capturing kettle, which true to its name, reduces the amount of fumes released by adhesives. Another option in green roofing can actually provide energy to meet electrical needs. This is done through solar roofing systems.

Solar roof shingles are one such example. These shingles create no air or noise pollution. They can be used as a sole source of energy by charging batteries to use at night or overcast days. Or they can be used in conjunction with standard utilities, removing some of the dependence placed on traditional energy sources and lowering overall environmental impact.

Another solar roofing option is the solar panel. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity in the same manner as solar roof shingles and can be installed onto an existing roof on the portion that gets the most direct sun exposure. Converting to a green or solar roof has many more benefits than disadvantages. It helps save money.

Solar and green roofing has many advantages. It helps save the earth and the environment and improves personal health through lower pollution levels. It stimulates the economy through an increased interested in green technologies. Finally, and most importantly, it just makes sense.

Buildings all have one thing in common, four walls supported by a roof overhead. Building owners, whether their properties are residential or commercial, are responsible for the installation and maintenance of these components. When considering new residential roofing, commercial roofing, or roofing repair options, something that is efficient and cost effective is top priority. Maybe it’s time to consider a green or solar roof.

A green roof really has very little to do with color, although there are a few different uses for the terminology. Most commonly, green roofs are environmentally friendly roofing systems made from recycled materials. The life cycle of these roofs is much longer than that of traditional roofing systems. They also require much less work by way of maintenance requirements, and the materials used in the roofs can be recycled once they have reached the end of their life spans.

Several different sustainable building materials can be used on a green roof. The key is choosing a durable product that will keep the elements at bay. Some asphalt shingles contain recycled paper, but are not recyclable themselves and require more frequent replacement. Recycled rubber roofing, made from recycled tires, is a relatively new product on the market with a high likelihood for durability.

Steel and aluminum roofs can have recycled content levels as high as 100%, are lightweight and durable, easily recyclable, reduce energy usage by reflecting heat, and are an optimum surface for rainwater collection systems. Slate, clay, and concrete tiles are durable, easy to recycle, and more attractive than some other roofing materials, but along with their more aesthetically pleasing characteristics come at a higher initial cost. The products used in the installation of a roof can also affect its level of sustainability. Cold adhesives reduce odor and the amount of hazardous fumes emitted during application.

Newer hot adhesives have also been introduced with lower emissions ratings. Another recent advancement is the fume-capturing kettle, which true to its name, reduces the amount of fumes released by adhesives. Another option in green roofing can actually provide energy to meet electrical needs. This is done through solar roofing systems.

Solar roof shingles are one such example. These shingles create no air or noise pollution. They can be used as a sole source of energy by charging batteries to use at night or overcast days. Or they can be used in conjunction with standard utilities, removing some of the dependence placed on traditional energy sources and lowering overall environmental impact.

Another solar roofing option is the solar panel. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity in the same manner as solar roof shingles and can be installed onto an existing roof on the portion that gets the most direct sun exposure. Converting to a green or solar roof has many more benefits than disadvantages. It helps save money.

Solar and green roofing has many advantages. It helps save the earth and the environment and improves personal health through lower pollution levels. It stimulates the economy through an increased interested in green technologies. Finally, and most importantly, it just makes sense.

Although you might be familiar with roofs made of tin, slate or shingle – what about rubber roofing? Isn’t that only for mental institutions? Nope. Rubber roofing may be suitable for every kind of edifice. You needn’t be concerned that your roof will end up resembling red rubber balls – unless that’s your desire! Slate gray and black are the typical colors for rubber roofing material.

What’s Good About Rubber Roofing?

Well, first rubber roofing is not actually made entirely of rubber. This roofing material is called thermoset EPDM roofing. It consists mostly of rubber polymers, similar to those found in tires. The tire-maker Firestone is actually a leading manufacturer of rubber roof material.

What factors make rubber roofing an attractive choice?

Installation is not as difficult as with individual shingles or corrugated seam construction. Since it takes less time to install, you’ll pay your roofer less to get the job done.

If you want to get the advantages of rubber roofing, you might not have to remove your existing roof. Rubber roofing may be placed on top of an existing roof, if it is structurally sound. But if there are major areas of damage, it is better to remove the old roof.

In Britain, rubber roofing is regarded as a green building material since it biodegrades.

Simple upkeep, Longer lifespan due to the lack of rigidity for rubber roofing. Because it breathes more, it suffers less stress than other types of roofing (asphalt, for example) because it can cope with changes in the weather. Rubber roofing, then, is fine in harsh weather conditions.

This type is ideal for flat roofs, which is the typical configuration of industrial type structures.

Longer lifespan – rubber type roofing can hold up for as long as 5 decades. Firestone EDPM roofing boasts that it is completely resistant to cracking and splitting.

Rubber Roof Trivia

The very first rubber roof is still in use today. It was installed in Wisconsin in 1980.

There is a big hotel in Dubai called the Burj Al Arab Hotel. It is an interesting curved building that looks a little bit like a sailboat on the Dubai coast. What kind of roof does it have? If you guessed rubber roofing – you’d be right!

Britain’s Barclaycard Headquarters features rubber roofing as well. Barclaycard is among the largest banks in the UK.

It may be possible to cover a flat roof with just one 20′x100′ sheet, with minimal need to cut and make adjustments.

Many manufacturers of rubber roofing have high standards for contractors that use them. The contractor has to be certified by the rubber roofing manufacturer in order to sell their roofs..