Almost every roof has a predetermined life span and roofing replacement is ideally the only best solution for roofs that has reached its estimated service life span. Although a roof’s life span would depend on some environmental factors such as rain, humidity, climate, location, type of roofing material, roof style and the slopping of the roof. Generally, some homeowners prefer to do roofing replacement with roofs with the same life span. In this way, they won’t be replacing their roof one at a time. The importance of roofing replacement would ensure home owners that they always get a reliable protection against environmental factors that are protected by roofs. A common question by some home owner is when would roofing replacement take place actually? For some, it is not important to wait for your roof to leak or show some indication of wear and tear. Roofing replacement should be done as soon as the roof has reached it ideal life span.

Indications that requires roofing replacement

The indications that the roofs have reached its predetermined life span would vary depending on the type of roofing material. Basically, roofs that are made from stronger materials like metals would last for more than fifty years. On the other hand, roofs made out of asphalt, or wooden shakes or shingles would only last for ten to twenty years in service. The typical roof would ideally last for thirty to fifty years according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. When proper roof maintenance is applied, the need for new roofing replacement would be extended. Roofing maintenance would include a yearly inspection and repainting. Indications that would require roofing replacement would include dents, uncontrollable leaks, severe damage, rust and unfixable cracks. Taking these indications of roofing replacement for granted would lead to catastrophic roof collapse that would endanger the people in the house. That is why, roofing replacement is essential in every roof owner. On the other hand, roofing replacement would require professional care. Roof contractors can be hired to replace a roof that has already served its purpose and requires replacement. In looking for roof contractors, you can visit your local hardware store and they can recommend professional roof contractors who have a wide knowledge regarding home roofs.

Considerations in roofing replacement

Once you have already contacted roof contractors for roofing replacement. Always take into account the type of roof material to be replaced. Make sure to use roofs with the same material and the same life span. Furthermore, always take note on how your rood is installed. Proper overlapping of the roof would ensure tight waterproof ability. Isolating material should also be considered since this would isolate the inside of the house from heat or cold temperature from the outside environment. Although contracting professionals for roofing replacement can be very expensive, it is still worth the pay since doing it yourself can be difficult and might cost more money if don’t do it right. Roofing replacement is just one home maintenance that you need to spend large amount of money for it.

 Being responsible is to be green. Life expects us to be more responsible in everything over this fast growing world. If you are in the path of responsible you can look for green roofing Chicago. Listed below are the questions and answers about green roofing Chicago.

1.  What is mean by green roof?

2. What are the benefits of green roof?

Listed below are benefits of green roof:
- It keeps the house cool during summers
- It keeps the house warmer during winters
- It reduces energy bills
- It is useful for rainwater harvesting
- It acts as natural habitat for insects and birds
-It adds aesthetic value for roofs
- It protects the roof from damages

3. What is green roofing Chicago?

Programs like green roofing Chicago were introduced in the city of Chicago to make their city green and to adopt eco-friendly measure by its citizens. The city awarded the people with incentives and rebates who puts up green roofs in their homes and commercial buildings with many incentives and rebates.
4. What kinds of green roofs are available?

The green roofs are classified in two types based on the selection of the plant, cost of the process and the depth of the overall roof landscaping such as extensive roofs and intensive roofs.
Extensive roofs: In extensive roofs the plants diversity, cost, maintenance and dept are all low.
Intensive roofs: In intensive roofs the plants diversity, cost, maintenance and dept are all high.
Depending on your budget, roof capacity and the time you can spend you can able to select anyone of these types which suits you.
5.  What is the process of installing green roofs

 To install the green roofs you should approach Chicago roofing contractors by two means such as Chicago Roofing Contractors Association or by the reliable online directories and these Chicago Roofing Contractors will help you in installing the green roof which involves the steps like installing a supporting structure, roofing membrane, membrane protection, drainage, growing medium and plants, in that order.

 Only on the flat roofs the green roofs are done, it can also be done in sloping region but the cost for the landscaping is very high. The more the slope the cost also is high. The landscaping weight can be only till the structure can bear.

 While installing a green roof make sure that your contractor uses only the eco-friendly tools such as recycled fiber, fiber cement, recycled metal, clay tiles or slate riles etc. By doing this it looks like a wholesome green project.

6.  What are the steps taken to maintain a green roof?

Just as how you would care for the plants in the garden the roof plants need to be watered and a weeded as per the individual plant’s requirements. The roofing membrane needs to be checked and maintained for proper functioning twice year and you could have the green roofing Chicago contractor to do it for you.

7.  What are the common plants used for green roofing Chicago?

The most commonly used plants in the green roofs around Chicago are
- Catmint
- Stonecrop
- Black-eyed Susan
- Creeping thyme
- Purple coneflower
- Serbian bellflower
- Prairie Dropseed
- Rough Blazingstar
- Loosestrife (winged or purple).

The city’s official site has more information on the projects, providers and also general information on Chicago roofing. You can also check out the several government projects that are green roofing Chicago by putting up more green roofs in public buildings. In this world where we have concrete jungles everywhere, green roofing is something that we can do to add a touch of color on top of the concrete trees that we live or work in.

In this short video “Building Green” host Kevin Contreras visits the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, and learns about the benefits and basics of construction of living roofs from Steve Windhager, Director of the Center. Visit www.buildinggreentv.com or call your station for local PBS listings.
Video Rating: 4 / 5