Comparing Green Solar-reflecting Roofing Materials
When people think of green roofs, they probably imagine putting a garden on their roof or covering their home in solar panels, but there are other options. Because there’s such a strong planet-friendly movement, many companies are drifting toward green roofing options. Not only do they save homeowners significant amounts of money on utility bills, but they also reduce a home’s carbon footprint. Homeowners considering a green roofing option should consult with a Monmouth County roofing contractor to find the best fit for their home.
Tile roofs are green because of their longevity. Clay tile roofs can last for more than 100 years if they’re properly maintained, resulting in less material use and waste. It’s great for warm climates because it naturally deflects heat and prevents the house from absorbing it. The weight and shape of the tiles also seals cool air in the home, so it works double duty to keep a home cool on sweltering days.
Roof pavers are simply paving tiles designed to fit on roofs. They’re quite heavy at 2 inches thick, meaning they do a good job at keeping cool air in the home. The “cool” variety meaning they’re engineered to bounce the heat off instead of absorbing it reflect at least 78 percent of ultraviolet light. They also have the longevity of a tile roof, lasting more than 30 years. The only downside to the pavers is their weight. At 23 pounds per square foot, using these tiles may require that a house be specially fitted to support them.
Built-up roofing sounds complicated, but it’s actually been used in homes for more than a century. Contractors begin with a flat roof and then layer it with asphalt and various materials coated in asphalt. The final layer consists of materials such as white-colored gravel to reflect the heat instead of absorbing it. The layers make it a well-insulated roof, preventing heat from entering in the summer and keeping the warmth inside during the colder months. Depending on the materials used, a roof can easily be made “cool” in accordance with the Cool Roof Rating Council.
If a homeowner wants to retrofit their roof with something green but they don’t want to replace the entire thing, contractors can add an eco-friendly coating to existing roofing materials. The specially made coatings are either applied at the factory or at the house and are made from white material or products containing a reflective pigment. These not only drop the temperature inside the house, but when there are multiple houses with these types of roofs close to each other, it can actually decrease the temperature surrounding the homes as well.
Green roofs can be a hefty investment, but they quickly pay for themselves in reduced utility costs. Whether it’s summer or winter, a well-insulated roof can make a huge impact on a home’s energy usage. Have a question regarding skylight installation or roof repairs? Ask the roofers from Fortified Roofing of Monmouth County NJ.
Term explained by Monmouth County NJ roofers at Fortified Roofing:
Cool Roof Rating Council
Founded in 1998, the Cool Roof Rating Council was created to establish a source for reliable evaluations and reviews of roofing materials that claim to reflect the sun’s rays and reduce thermal emissions.
Monmouth County NJ FAQ for roofers:
Are factory- or field-applied coatings applied to existing roofing materials as effective as other green roofing options?
A company that manufacturers these solar-reflecting coatings has stated that their products reflect at least 72 percent of infrared and ultraviolet light back into the atmosphere. Their top product, however, can reflect up to 92 percent of this damaging light away from homes.
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