Green building standards and certifications offer the opportunity to build or renovate a home that is more environmentally responsible. These standards and certifications supplement building codes with premium materials that are more durable than their traditional counterparts, and construction techniques that save energy and lower maintenance costs.
This article explores Roofing Killeen TX options that align with green building standards and certifications.
Energy-Efficient Roofing Systems
Energy-efficient roofing systems help homeowners save money on their utility bills and make their homes more environmentally friendly. They may also qualify for rebates and incentives from local utilities and government programs. The type of energy-efficient roof you choose depends on your home and climate, your roofing material, insulation, ventilation, and other components. There are a few common types of energy-efficient roofs: cool roofs, green roofs, and solar roofs.
The basic principle of an energy-efficient roof is to reflect solar radiation rather than absorbing it. This prevents the buildup of heat, which keeps building occupants more comfortable without the need to use air conditioning. A variety of roof materials can be energy efficient, but the most effective are light colors and those with high thermal emissivity levels. Clay or concrete tile roofs are a good example, as their reflective properties reduce the transfer of sunlight into the interior of a building.
Asphalt shingles can be made more energy efficient with the addition of coated granules, which enhance their ability to reflect sunlight and maintain a cooler surface. They are an affordable option for energy-efficient roofing and often achieve a respectable SRI rating, even when used on flat roofs. Metal roofs are another highly energy-efficient option, though they tend to be more expensive and require professional installation.
To increase a roof’s energy efficiency, it is essential to have proper ventilation. This will ensure that hot air does not collect in the attic and create a moisture problem, which can be costly to fix. It is also vital to have adequate insulation, which can reduce the need for cooling and heating.
Energy-efficient roofing systems are a great way to make your home more green, but there are many other ways you can go green. For example, installing solar panels is one of the most environmentally friendly things you can do for your home. You can also try to recycle as much as possible and install energy-efficient appliances. If you want to make your home more energy-efficient, talk to a trusted and experienced roofing contractor. The professionals at Modernize can connect you with local contractors who offer a wide range of green roofing options to suit your needs and budget.
Recycled Roofing Materials
As the demand for sustainable roofing materials continues to grow, so do options for recycling old or damaged roofs. Some of these options include recycled asphalt shingles, recycled plastic shingles and composite shingles, and recycled tire shingles. These materials are all manufactured using secondary raw materials and rely on a less energy-intensive manufacturing process than their counterparts, reducing their carbon footprint.
Metal roofs are a good option for green homeowners because they are long-lasting and durable, with a life span that exceeds 50 years. They also reflect light, which helps cool the building and reduce energy costs. Additionally, a metal roof is fire-resistant and can be used to harvest rainwater.
Tile roofs are another eco-friendly choice because they can be reused or recycled after being removed from a home. Concrete and clay tiles are mineral-based, making them easy to recycle or repurpose once they’re no longer needed on a roof. Recycling these materials prevents them from being sent to landfills, where they could release toxic or carcinogenic hydrocarbon chemicals into the environment.
Recycled tire shingles are an unusual but environmentally friendly roofing material. These shingles are made from recycled rubber and plastics from items like milk bottles, vehicle tires, and even discarded tires. They’re moisture and chemical-resistant, highly malleable, and can be shaped to look very similar to traditional roofing materials like wood or slate. The shingles are also incredibly lightweight, helping to lower the environmental impact of construction and transportation.
Plastic shingle manufacturers are experimenting with the ability to use recycled glass and other non-petroleum materials in their products. This type of roofing has the potential to be extremely durable and long-lasting, but it is yet to be tested extensively. In the meantime, most manufacturers are focusing on improving the durability of their products and reducing their environmental impact.
Whether you have a conventional, metal, wood, or synthetic shingle roof, it’s important to talk with your contractor about how they plan on handling the disposal and recycling of the material once the job is complete. Many roofing contractors simply throw away shingles and other debris, but those who are committed to sustainability will take extra steps to ensure they’re separating and recycling all recyclable materials. This includes source separation, which involves separating the different types of roofing materials at the job site and sending them to separate recycling plants.
Low-Maintenance Roofing Systems
Wood shingles, which are thin wedge-shaped pieces of natural wood like cedar and yellow pine, can be a beautiful roofing option for homes. However, they’re also difficult to install and unsuitable for DIYers. They are also prone to fire hazards, making them a poor choice in areas with seasonal wildfire dangers. However, they can last a long time if properly maintained.
Metal roofs have seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to their durability and low maintenance. They can last decades or even a lifetime, and can significantly reduce cooling costs when properly installed. Zinc roofs, in particular, are an excellent choice for harsh environments and have a lifespan of up to 50 years.
Other types of low-maintenance roofing systems include rolled roofing (asphalt), corrugated panels, clay tiles, and single-ply membrane roofs like EPDM or TPO. Rolled roofing is inexpensive and easy to install, while metal and tile roofs are both durable and energy-efficient. These are great choices for homeowners who want to avoid frequent re-roofing costs.
Modified bitumen is another popular commercial roofing system for warehouses that’s highly durable and watertight. It can be applied in granulated or smooth rolls and is often layered with gravel, slate, and other protective materials for maximum durability. Additionally, modified bitumen can help to reduce warehouse energy costs by reflecting sunlight and reducing interior temperatures. It can be installed on most existing roofs and is also an excellent option for new construction. It’s important to talk with a professional about the best roofing options for your environment and home.
Green Roofs
Green roofs are designed to allow plants and trees to thrive in urban spaces where nature is often pushed to the margins. By using the area above a building as a place for vegetation, green roofs help to improve the quality of the air that is breathed and can reduce energy costs by insulating the space from hot or cold weather. Green roofs can also serve to promote biodiversity by creating habitat and providing a place for birds and insects to breed and feed, especially in cities where the environment is often unfriendly for wildlife.
There are many different types of green roofs, but they all consist of a layer of soil on top of a waterproof membrane and a variety of plant species. The plant species used can be chosen to suit the conditions on the roof so that they can cope with the heat, cold, wind, and rainfall that is likely to occur. In general, plants that are adapted to dry, rocky, or sandy locations will be the most suitable.
The soil and vegetation on a green roof also act as a natural filter for the water that is retained on the surface of the building. This helps to mitigate the impact of stormwater runoff, which can otherwise pollute waterways and cause flooding. Green roofs can also help to reduce the amount of water that is needed for irrigation and to cut down on the need for chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides.
Another function of green roofs is that they can act as an effective sound insulator, shielding a building and its inhabitants from noise pollution from surrounding locations or aircraft flights. This is an especially useful function for buildings that are under flight paths of major international airports.
While the cost of a green roof can be high, the benefits of such a structure can make it well worth the investment. A green roof can increase the lifespan of a roofing system, reduce heating and cooling bills, and provide a beautiful aesthetic. In addition, a green roof can help to achieve LEED credits in several categories, including water efficiency and promoting biodiversity and habitat.