The Rise of Green Roofing Projects

Your roof is as essential as your property’s foundation, protecting it from the elements, regulating your home’s heat and improving it aesthetically. As such, renovating an aging roof is an important consideration, and, like any form of home improvement, you should be thinking carefully about how to reduce the environmental impact of doing so.

Designing an eco-friendly roof is easier than it might sound and also offers cost-saving advantages as well as environmental ones. By helping to reduce your energy consumption you’ll have lower energy bills, while these types of roofs tend to last longer than conventional ones too. Consequently, you won’t need to spend money on regularly replacing it and will use fewer materials in the long run, further reducing your carbon footprint.

So, what should you consider when designing an eco-friendly roof for your home?

Choose a sustainable material

Almost no roofing material is entirely sustainable, but some are certainly better than others. For example, you definitely want to avoid materials such as tar and gravel as they are non-recyclable and release hazardous fumes. The best choices include:

Wood

Not only can you buy recycled or reclaimed wood shingles in the first place, you can also recycle them again when your roof needs re-renovating in the future. Though, be sure to purchase them from a supplier that sells responsibly sourced timber, such as Building Materials Nationwide Ltd, otherwise you’re kind of defeating the purpose of using wood. Other benefits of the material for roofs include its durability, its superior insulation qualities (more on insulation later) and how great it looks.

Metal

There are a lot of roofing myths that you need to avoid. One of them is that roofing materials can’t be eco-friendly.

While metal roofs take a lot of energy to produce, they are extremely long-lasting and can usually be recycled at the end of their lifespan. They also offer significant protection from the elements as well as provide heat reflection, though this means they should be insulated carefully. The most common types of metal roof materials are steel and aluminum.

Clay tiles

Clay tiles are also extremely long-lasting and are completely recyclable, making them another great roof material. They are particularly common in hot climates due to their ability to reflect heat, and are also resistant to mold, fungus and bacterial growth. Moreover, clay tiles help homeowners cut electricity costs by insulating against both the heat and the cold by creating an air cushion below and above the tile.

Incorporate solar panels

Installing solar panels on your roof enables you to capture the sun’s energy, which has numerous environmental benefits. For instance, they cut your dependence on non-renewable energy sources, help you use less water and reduce air pollution. Solar panels have various non-environmental advantages for homeowners too, including giving you greater control over your electricity, reducing your utility bills and qualifying you for tax breaks. They can also bolster the value of your home by up to 4.1%.

So, when designing your roof, be sure to legislate for solar panels. You’ll want to have a robust and long-lasting roof material like the ones listed above to ensure it can withstand the extra weight of the panels. If you’re designing your roof from scratch, you need to make sure it is facing south (assuming you’re in the northern hemisphere) and that it features minimal accessories like gutters, vents and chimneys. These two steps maximize the amount of sunlight your roof will receive. Two of the biggest solar panels companies around are Sunrun and First Solar, Inc.

Think carefully about insulation and ventilation

You also need to think carefully about the eco-friendly roofing materials that you will use. They are important to make sure that you ensure the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of your roof.

Both insulating and ventilating your roof properly helps to further reduce your energy consumption and make it even more eco-friendly. Let’s look at insulation first, which is a barrier of material within your roof space. This can either be placed between the joists (the horizontal beams that sit above the ceiling) or the rafters (the angled beams that support the roof). However you do it, insulation slows down the transfer of heat between your home and the outside, making it more energy efficient and in turn reducing your bills. You should be sure to use the most eco-friendly insulation material possible to further reduce your carbon footprint. Among the best to consider are stone mineral wool, hemp and cellulose.

Meanwhile, ventilation is the intentional introduction of outdoor air into your home. Installing roof vents has environmental advantages such as protecting your roof (by removing issues like mold and damp) meaning you won’t need to renovate it as quickly and keeping temperatures down in warmer climates. This in turn reduces your air conditioning usage. Like insulation though, it’s important to opt for the most sustainable ventilation option possible, with low-energy types the way forward.

The post Everything You Must Know About Designing an Eco-Friendly Roof appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Asphalt shingles are the most common choice for roofing, but they are not your only option. There are many materials available today that are not only attractive and durable, but also eco-friendly.

Why Go Green With Your Roof?

Eco-friendly roofs are friendly to more than just the environment. Sustainable roofing can lead to a higher property value, which will come in handy if you ever sell your home. But you don’t need to move to feel the advantages of a green roof.

Some eco-friendly materials like metal or slate can last upwards of 50 years, double the lifespan of an asphalt roof. Then there’s the benefit of sustainable living. Protecting the environment is a growing concern, and using green roofing materials is one way you can contribute to that cause.

Sustainable roofs have a lot to offer. But what specific materials can you use?

Metal

Metal roofs are some of the longest-lasting ones out there. Though metal roofing can be expensive, you will likely never have to replace it. These roofs are durable enough to withstand rain, snow, hail and wind for years to come.

Because of its slippery nature, metal roofing is ideal for collecting rainwater or preventing snow buildup. One possible downside is that some metals may rust over time. However, many alloys are resistant to corrosion. Even vulnerable metals can resist rusting if appropriately treated.

Clay

People have used clay as a roofing material for centuries. It has a proven track record of weathering the elements. Exceptional strength aside, these roofs are also notable for their beauty.

Not only are earthen tiles durable and aesthetically pleasing, but they are also easy to recycle. If that wasn’t enough, clay is also fireproof, making it pretty close to invincible. There is, however, a cost for all these advantages.

Clay tiles are heavy, and as such, you cannot install them yourself like you can with other materials. You will have to hire a professional roofer to apply them, which means you’ll have to spend more money.

Slate

Slate is a kind of rock made up of clay and volcanic ash. This material offers many of the same benefits as clay tile: It is durable, fireproof and attractive, often coming in sleek, dark colors. Unfortunately, it also shares clay’s downsides.

Slate roofing is heavy and requires strong supports and professional installment. It is also comparatively expensive. Artificial slate is an available, and cheaper, option, but some people can spot the difference in appearance between this and the real thing.

Wood

Wood never goes out of style. It’s natural, it’s attractive and it’s versatile. Wooden shingles and shakes look good on nearly every kind of house and alongside almost any building materials.

Like with metal, there are several different kinds of wood you can use as roofing, although cedar is the most popular. Various woods have different properties, but generally, wood roofing provides excellent insulation from temperatures in both extremes.

One unique aspect of wood is that it will change color as it ages, but this may be desirable, as many people believe it looks better over time. The major drawback of wooden roofing is that it’s flammable. To protect your home, if you go with a wood roof, you’ll want to get it treated with flame-resistant materials.

Recycled Shingles

Recycling is one of the best things you can do to help the environment. While asphalt may not be eco-friendly on its own, you can recycle asphalt shingles to find a second life as paving or even new roofing material.

Just as you can recycle shingles, you can buy ones made of recycled material. Many recycled shingles are either reused asphalt or rubber from old tires. This kind of roofing is durable, getting its strength from its combination of materials, and are one of the most environmentally friendly options.

Recycled shingles can sometimes resemble wood, making them aesthetically pleasing as well.

Choosing the Right Material

There are upsides and downsides to every material, so no one roofing option is better than the rest. To find what works best for you, consider your budget, your home and your environment.

If you live somewhere with more extreme weather, you’ll want something more durable, like metal or slate. If your hometown has a milder climate, you can safely opt for a more vulnerable material like wood.

You should also consider the structure and material of your house. Clay and slate roofs work best with stone or concrete houses, both for their looks and for their strength, which can support the weight of these materials.

Naturally, you have to think about your budget as well. Slate might be easier on the eyes, but it will put more of a strain on your wallet. A roof with increased durability might be expensive, but it also may be worth the price, since it will last longer.

Regardless of what your situation is, there is a material that will work for you. If you find yourself needing a new roof, consider one of the many green options available.

The post What Green Roofing Materials Are Available Today? appeared first on Green Building Insider.

This new roofing trend features green surfaces on top of our asphalt commercial and residential buildings. Green roofs have many advantages in comparison to traditional roofing and could help us lead a better, more affordable, and enjoyable daily routine. So why not explore this phenomenon with us?

What Is a Green Roof?

A green roof is exactly what it says it is: a vegetated landscape on top of your roof! It is made of several layers that are intertwined and create a coordinated system. Green roofs work on the economic, ecological, and social level and can be built for a variety of reasons. Their many benefits have made them a trend among homeowners, as well as business owners. After all, who wouldn’t appreciate having an eco-friendly, cost-saving and long-lasting roofing system?

Green roofs are a great solution if you wish to add value to your home, if you crave a small garden, or perhaps you want to focus on the environment. They automatically improve our mood and make us feel happier and healthier.

Benefits of Green Roofing

Reducing Temperature

Having a layer of vegetation on top of your home can help reduce your home’s temperature during summer months. Plants absorb 50 percent of sunlight and reflect additional 30 percent, helping you reduce the need for air conditioning.

Green roofing affects the entire community’s temperature as well. As a matter of fact, it can reduce the overall temperature of a locality up to 3°C.

Bringing A Positive Change in Biodiversity

Every year we witness tragic reports on biodiversity on our planet. What if you can change that? Green roofs have been proven to have a significant impact on biodiversity in cities. They represent a new habitat for birds and butterflies in places that are dominated by asphalt and concrete.

Extending the Life of Your Roof

A vegetated layer will protect your roof from external conditions – intense sun rays, winds, and extreme temperature fluctuations. As a result, you can expect your roof to stay in good shape for a longer time, even up to 50 years!

Adding Value to Your Home

Added value is a well-expected result of having a green roof. Natural and pleasing aesthetic appearance combined with strong energy efficient properties is likely to be a magnet for buyers in case you decide to sell your home.

What Does Green Roof Installation Look Like?

Green roof installation usually requires professional skill, especially if the roof is planned to cover a big surface. But after the roofing work is done and it’s time to plant the greenery, that’s where you come in! Before discussing which plants thrive best on a living roof, let’s understand some basics about green roof installation:

The technical part of green roof installation is no DIY project so you’ll definitely need to hire professional green roof installers.

Once they inspect your roof and confirm it can handle a growing garden, they will first lay down a waterproof membrane on the roof that will protect your interior. On top of it, they’ll put a fabric that will contain the soil and thus keep the plants vital and fresh.

Finally, they will place a draining membrane that will play an essential role in keeping your plants healthy and will provide additional protection to your home.

Picking the Right Plants for Your Living Roof

Finally, here is a list of plants that can withstand the challenging conditions on the roof. They naturally live in habitats exposed to elevated temperatures, harsh winds, and high light:

Succulents

Succulents are thick plants that are perceived as water storage plants. They are profoundly low maintenance and come in a variety of colors.

If you are looking for a plant of smooth texture, then sedum might be it. It was the first plant ever used in green roofing. It comes in many colors and allows you to get creative with the aesthetics of your roof.

As well as sedum, sempervivum comes in different colors and doesn’t lose its looks in the winter. It will keep your roof looking polished all year round.

Grasses

There are many kinds of grass you can use on your green roof but keep in mind they will require specific maintenance. Two commonly used types of grass for green roofing are thrift (Armeria maritima) and smooth black sedge (Carex nigra). Thrift is an ideal grass for properties, and black sedge requires less soil.

If you don’t appreciate the idea of higher maintenance, you can consider getting roll-out grass that also provides a high-quality vegetation layer.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers are what many people construct their green roof for in the first place. They create a beautiful green habitat for wildlife and look compelling.

A lot of homeowners pick Alpine aster (Aster Alpinus) because of their durability and bold purple color (they’re also a real magnet for butterflies!). Aromatic yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) is a great choice for large roof gardens as they can withstand foot traffic pretty good.

You could also go for a pregrown mixture mat that can be rolled out just as grass can be.

Herbs

When it comes to herbs, you can get creative!

Herbs that are meant to grow in a dry area have a vast potential for developing on your green roof. For instance, thymes is only a few inches tall, it is desirable in the kitchen and has a specific, sweet aroma to it. And if you are a fan of pizza (and who’s not???), then you will adore the possibility of growing oregano on your roof garden. It grows about 5 inches and is easy to grow.

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is also pretty resistant to foot traffic and smells incredible!

Vegetables

If you wish to grow food on your roof, then ensure deeper soil on your roofing. Growing food means transferring to an intensive type of green roof that demands more care. You need to pay extra attention to the irrigation system which should be correctly installed.

Some of the green-roof-appropriate-veggies include potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, lettuces, onions, peppers, squash, and many others! Isn’t it perfect to have your own fresh food right there on your rooftop?

Green roofs bring countless benefits: not only for you, but for the environment and your community as well. While you spend quality time gardening and being outside, your roof will provide additional insulation, save energy, and contribute to purifying the air.

Author: Matthew James

Short bio:

Matt James is a freelance writer specialized in home improvement, smart technology, architecture & design. He has a love of outdoors and spending time with his dog Cooper. You can reach him on Facebook and Instagram.

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