A home is a place for comfort, safety, and stability. Therefore, when choosing products for a home, it is important to make a well-informed decision. This is especially true when deciding about the roof of a house considering this choice not only impacts families but also the environment. As much as 16% of greenhouse gas emissions in America come from energy in the home. With the emergence and demand for larger homes, this problem is likely to become greater. However, with eco-friendly roofing, it is possible to reduce not only the cost to the environment but also the cost to the consumer.
As a consumer, the cost, durability, aesthetics, and architecture should all be considered. There are even eco-friendly options for roofing. For instance, instead of using new asphalt shingles used on most new homes, recycled asphalt shingles can be used which are made from reclaimed materials. These types of shingles can last as long as 50 years which outlasts many similar types of roofing materials.
Another option for the green conscious consumer is solar roofs. Solar roofing materials can be added to an existing roof or as a replacement roof. Solar roofs works by converting solar energy to provide power for homes. Solar roofing can be installed using panels, shingles, roof tiles, or sheets. Interlocking panels can be used which makes for easier installation. While the upfront cost of installing the solar panels can be costly, the financial returns last for years. The average home with solar panels has a 30% reduction in heating and cooling bills. In addition, the property value of a home increases while also saving the environment through the use of energy efficient roofing.
Beyond the aforementioned roofing options, a consumer can find other ways to go green when building a roof onto a home. Looking for Energy Star rated roofing allows for many alternatives for roofing. Various roofing materials, such as metal roofs, provide more energy efficient ways to cover the roof of your home. There are even green roofs or living roofs which actually have greenery that can be planted on top of the roof.
Once the decision is made to use eco-friendly roofing, picking the right contractor is the next step. When seeking out a contractor, several contractors should be interviewed. If possible, it is a good idea to use a contractor that has been referred by a family member or friend. Contractors should have the proper licenses, workman’s compensation and insurance paperwork, and work permits. The years of experience should be taken into consideration along with price estimations.
Making the right decision about a roof on a home is essential. Choosing the environmentally-friendly material and a contractor must be done with a wealth of information. With wisdom, a home can become not only a safe resting place but also an environment-saving place.
Herbert Norton is a roofing contractor who used the slightly slower winter season to start a website on roofing to help educate his clients. Roofery.com has extensive information on many different types of roofing shingles, such as slate, tile, solar and metal shingles, to help consumers make educated decisions. Recently, Herbert has been researching the "greening" of asphalt shingles, which are not normally eco-friendly.
