Remodeling Tips
for the Green Home
by Gardner/Fox
for the Green Home
by Gardner/Fox
Roofing Materials
A standard black shingle roof reflects a mere 5 percent of the sun’s heat, whereas grey shingles reflect about 20 percent, and white shingles around 25 percent. Black roofs can get 9 degrees hotter than white roofs. Changing roof color alone can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 30 percent!
Metal Metal roofs are durable, fire retardant and practically maintenance free. Research shows that metal roofs absorb 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles. Because it weighs very little, metal roofing can also be installed over existing roofs, eliminating the need to dispose of excess material in a landfill. Steel roofs in particular are made from 60 to 65 percent recyclable material. Home owners switching to metal roofing report savings up to 20 percent on their energy bills.
Cedar Cedar shake roofs are popular for many reasons. When installed properly, they are extremely resistant to wind and hail damage, with twice the insulating value of standard asphalt shingles. The texture, color, and appearance of a cedar shake roof is undeniably appealing, but requires regular maintenance.
Slate Though difficult to install, slate is another highly durable and great-looking roofing material. Environmental cost in terms of transport fuel may be offset by ordering from a local quarry or working with a supplier dealing in just-as-strong salvaged slate. Pennsylvania slate has a 50 year roof-life, Vermont is 100-year.
Synthetic Slate Recycled rubber and plastic products are molded in to a light-weight low-cost version of slate or thick cedar shakes.
Clay Tiles One of the oldest and greenest roofing materials, clay is a durable option with a typical life span 50 to 100 years. Clay tiles offer good looks that mellow beautifully with exposure to the elements. Clay works well with both contemporary and traditional home styles, and can be manufactured to replicate vintage fabrications.
Solar Shingles The next step up from installing large solar panels over existing roofing are solar shingles. They conserve and generate energy for a home. Solar shingles can be integrated with existing roofing materials or cover an entire roof. Although current options can be costly, tax incentive programs help lower the financial impact.
Green Roofs A green roof system is an extension of the existing roof which involves a high quality water proofing and root repellent system, a drainage system, a lightweight growing medium and plants. Green roofs use live plants to manage stormwater runoff and reduce energy costs. Green roof technology extends roof life and is effective for sound insulation, which is essential for buildings located in noise-impacted areas, such as sites near airports, highways, or heavy industry. Significant use of green roofs in large cities can cause a cooling effect, lowering the temperature in city environments.
A standard black shingle roof reflects a mere 5 percent of the sun’s heat, whereas grey shingles reflect about 20 percent, and white shingles around 25 percent. Black roofs can get 9 degrees hotter than white roofs. Changing roof color alone can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 30 percent!
Metal Metal roofs are durable, fire retardant and practically maintenance free. Research shows that metal roofs absorb 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles. Because it weighs very little, metal roofing can also be installed over existing roofs, eliminating the need to dispose of excess material in a landfill. Steel roofs in particular are made from 60 to 65 percent recyclable material. Home owners switching to metal roofing report savings up to 20 percent on their energy bills.
Cedar Cedar shake roofs are popular for many reasons. When installed properly, they are extremely resistant to wind and hail damage, with twice the insulating value of standard asphalt shingles. The texture, color, and appearance of a cedar shake roof is undeniably appealing, but requires regular maintenance.
Slate Though difficult to install, slate is another highly durable and great-looking roofing material. Environmental cost in terms of transport fuel may be offset by ordering from a local quarry or working with a supplier dealing in just-as-strong salvaged slate. Pennsylvania slate has a 50 year roof-life, Vermont is 100-year.
Synthetic Slate Recycled rubber and plastic products are molded in to a light-weight low-cost version of slate or thick cedar shakes.
Clay Tiles One of the oldest and greenest roofing materials, clay is a durable option with a typical life span 50 to 100 years. Clay tiles offer good looks that mellow beautifully with exposure to the elements. Clay works well with both contemporary and traditional home styles, and can be manufactured to replicate vintage fabrications.
Solar Shingles The next step up from installing large solar panels over existing roofing are solar shingles. They conserve and generate energy for a home. Solar shingles can be integrated with existing roofing materials or cover an entire roof. Although current options can be costly, tax incentive programs help lower the financial impact.
Green Roofs A green roof system is an extension of the existing roof which involves a high quality water proofing and root repellent system, a drainage system, a lightweight growing medium and plants. Green roofs use live plants to manage stormwater runoff and reduce energy costs. Green roof technology extends roof life and is effective for sound insulation, which is essential for buildings located in noise-impacted areas, such as sites near airports, highways, or heavy industry. Significant use of green roofs in large cities can cause a cooling effect, lowering the temperature in city environments.
