Many of us are becoming increasingly mindful about the environment, and that mindset expands into our homes. We opt for environmentally friendly vehicles, purchase energy-efficient appliances, and have made the effort to exclusively use paper straws.
Now, you’re considering what you can do with the area right above you. And there are a lot of reasons to consider it; green roofs are only improving from a high-efficiency standpoint. They do wonders to provide insulation, lower energy bills, and add overall value to your living space.
Consider working with professionals like roofers contractors from Honest Abe Roofing who will give you the entire 4-1-1 on these eco-friendly innovations.
Exploring Green Roof Options
Cool Roofs
Cool roofs have a higher solar reflectance and higher thermal emittance than standard roofing materials. The roof stays at a lower temperature which can help decrease your electricity usage, lower your energy bills, and are also best for the climate in Fort Wayne.
They are made from reflective materials like specialized shingles, tiles, or even a coat with a built-in material that can reflect light. During the hot summer months, a cool roof stays cooler than a standard roof, makes your home more comfortable, and reduces your home cooling needs.
A cool roof can save money over the lifetime of your home, and homeowners can also buy suitable materials and colors that are energy efficient.
Metal Roofing
Lasting and renewable, metal roofs represent one of the longer-lasting green roofs. They both reflect heat and keep the cool in, and need only rare maintenance.
This makes them ideally installed for homeowners searching for a long-lasting and environmentally friendly roof.
Metal roofs are also very weather-resistant, withstanding heavy snow, strong wind, and rain, making them especially fitting for Fort Wayne. They can easily be applied with reflective coating to increase energy efficiency, and the fact that they can be recycled allows them to be repurposed when their use is up.
Clay Tiles
For those seeking both beauty and sustainability, clay tiles are ideal. Constructed from natural materials, they offer terrific insulation and are designed to last for generations, which means they are an environmentally sound choice.
Clay tiles are best for homes in warm locations since they help homeowners stay cool by creating air circulation within the roof. The unique shape of the tiles enables airflow, naturally reducing the temperature in your living space. They’re also impervious to fire and have a long lifespan.
Consumers who want traditional beauty and environmentally smart features in a roof should choose clay tile.
Solar Roofing
Utilizing the power of the sun through an integrated roofing solution can decrease energy consumption. Although the initial cost is more than standard rooftop supplies, the savings from reduced energy bills and a decline in the use of nonrenewable energy are eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Solar roofing in Fort Wayne can come in several different forms, such as solar panel installation and solar shingles. Mounted on the structure, these devices generate sustainable energy while enhancing the external appearance.
And these machines continually achieve better results because of technology improvements, meaning it is an affordable addition for many homes in Fort Wayne.
Living Roofs
This is the ultimate eco-friendly roofing option. A living roof has a layer of vegetation over a waterproofing system that improves the insulation of a roof. This roof not only helps in filtering the air, and combating the urban heat island effect, but it also improves the life of the roof.
As per a report by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, green roofs can also help in reducing stormwater runoff by absorbing rainwater. This means that there will be less untreated stormwater running off the building roofs into the ground.
The plants on the roof also help in filtering carbon dioxide and pollutants in the air. When this happens, it leads to bringing down the air temperature and thus can significantly improve air quality, which can have implications on human health.
Bringing Your Green Roof Vision to Life
No matter, if you want to save on energy costs, decrease your carbon footprint, or improve your home’s beauty and value, a green roof is a smart addition.
Fort Wayne residents can choose from several different options, which provide a variety of features. However, you will only receive the greatest results when you select a professional roofing company near you.
