3 Ways to Make Your Home’s Roof More Environmentally-Friendly

More homeowners are becoming cognizant of their impacts on the environment. From opting for low-flow toilets and pipes as a way to save water to participating in local recycling programs, these small steps can make a big impact.

One major source of environmental strain is the roof. From the materials to their insulation effectiveness, the roof you choose can help your hurt the environment. Here are three things to consider whether you are repairing your roof or replacing it entirely.

Invest in a roof that lasts for decades.

One of the best things you can do to help the environment is to cut back on waste. When fewer materials need to be created, you can help preserve natural resources and help plants and animals that rely on those resources to live. If you want to invest in an environmentally-friendly roof, get one that will last.

Additionally, investing in a long-lasting roof keeps waste out of landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 569 million tons of construction and demolition (C&D) debris was generated in 2017. The worst offenders were large, bulky demolition materials like concrete, plastics, and asphalt from the roofing. Asphalt shingles are some of the least durable on the market, meaning they need to be removed and replaced frequently.

A quality roof doesn’t necessarily need to be an expensive one. Ted Halstead of the Climate Leadership Council explained how climate solutions need to be affordable for working-class Americans in his TED Talk. Consider looking for metal roofing options or slate roofing alternatives, which look nice but have the durability you crave.

Choose roofing materials that reflect the sun.

The roofing materials you choose can increase or decrease your electricity bills, which can directly impact your carbon footprint. When the sun beats down on your roof in the summer, the rays will either be absorbed or reflected. When they are absorbed, they get hot and tend to warm your house, increasing your air conditioning bills. However, reflective shingles bounce the rays back, reducing your need to cool your home.

There are several modern shingle brands that will reflect the sun’s rays. Along with opting for these shingles, also inspect your home’s insulation – particularly in the attic. You want to lessen the amount of indoor air that escapes while preventing the outdoor air from seeping in. With this, you will feel more comfortable in your home and lessen your environmental impact.

 

Consider buying solar panels or solar shingles.

Once you reduce your energy needs with better insulation, look into switching to clean energy with solar panels. Many solar panels are developed to sit on top of your roof. They collect the sun’s rays and provide energy to your house.

Before you invest in this energy, make sure you get your roof inspected to know if it can handle the weight and size of solar panels. Consider calling Buccos Roofing, a local roofer Pittsburgh, to sign off on the health of your roof.

As an alternative to panels, you may want to get solar shingles that replace the roofing of your home. In 2019, Elon Musk at Tesla debuted solar glass roof tiles that are meant to replace standard tiles on a house. These shingles are certainly an investment. They cost more than traditional panels but can increase your home’s value and significantly reduce (if not eliminate) your electric bills.

As more homes invest in solar energy, panels become easier to find and cheaper. You can lead the way toward clean energy through roof-based panels.

If society is going to reduce the impacts of man-made climate change, then everyone needs to work together. Improving your home’s roof might not seem like much, but if everyone took the steps you did, there could be a hugely beneficial impact.

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Home Roofing – What to Consider

The main function of a house is to protect you and your family, and your roof is a major part of that protection. And that protection needs protection as well. As the roof faces rains, hail, ultraviolet rays, moisture and storms, it needs to be taken care of on regular basis as well. Home Roofing – What to Consider

Before deciding a roof for your house, you must go through the local authority rules and regulations as well. Professional Roofing contractors Canton Michigan can help you understand the rules and regulations if there is anything that is hard to understand. These rules and regulations include specifications about materials, guttering systems etc.

Getting the roof done is a costly procedure. Of course, home owners look for quality, but everyone wants to save some money as well. There are some points to consider before getting a new roof.

Location

If you are going to get a new roof for your house, or you are building a new one, location is the first thing to consider. Check for the materials available in your area, which material suits your location best? Which material will suit your roof type?

Should you go for shingles? Which type of shingles you should go for? Or Clay? There are a lot of options to choose from and you should do it with keeping your house roof in mind. A home owner should check for the properties of the materials and hire a professional roofing company who can deal with any type of material you choose. This will suit you, and your house as well.

Materials

Asphalt shingles: It is the most common type of roof. These shingles combine durability with low cost and are easy to install. Asphalt shingles are suitable for a variety of roof pitches, though they are not the best choice for flat roof surfaces. These are available in two types, fiberglass and organic. Fiberglass shingles are supported by a reinforcing fiberglass structure and coated with hard asphalt. Lighter than organic shingles, the fiberglass shingles are more resistant to fire and provide better results in warm climates.

Organic shingles are based on a mat made of cellulose fiber and require two coats of asphalt. First coat is a softer base for a second hard asphalt finish. Organic shingles stand up well to weather and remain more flexible even under freezing conditions, making them more suitable for colder weather. For flat or nearly-flat roofs, asphalt roll roofing is a better choice than shingles, since it is designed to work on roofs with little or no pitch.

Metal: These shingles are attractive and durable and are a moderately priced alternative to asphalt. Metal is one of the lightest roofing options, and is available in a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and copper. But metal roofs can dent in hailstorms. Copper roofing can last for one hundred years but are higher in price than other metals.

Slate: As considered to be the longest-lived type of roof, slate shingles can last up to one hundred years. The variety of colors and designs make slate shingles a beautiful choice, but you’ll pay for that appeal. Slate shingles can cost as much as four times as other roofing materials.

Tile: Tiles are available in concrete, rubber, and clay. Tile roofing varies in cost depending on the materials. As it is one of the heaviest materials, the weight concerns may rule out this type of roofing for your home. Tile offers durability, lasting around fifty years in some cases.

Whichever type of roof you select, find a contractor who understands the climate and will work with you to ensure that your roof is durable and practical. Weigh the initial costs against the expected life of the roof, and consider intangible benefits such as eye appeal, which can make a significant difference if you choose to sell your home in the future. It’s worth a little more time and money to get a roof that protects your belongings and adds to the value and appeal of your home.

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