Eco friendly roof solutions are designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional roofing material. There are several eco-friendly roof solutions available that can lessen the temperature of your home and promote energy efficiency. In this guide, we will discuss about some of the options:
Cool Roofs
A cool roof efficiently releases any heat that it has received from the sun while simultaneously reflecting a large amount of solar energy. A cool roof remains cool reduces the amount of heat and keeps the building cooler. Buildings with cool roofs use less air conditioning, save energy, and have more comfortable indoor temperatures. Cool roofs also impact surrounding areas by lowering temperatures outside of buildings and thus mitigating the heat island effect. Cool roofs are equally important for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. If cool roofs are implemented across a city, can lower 18% of heat-related mortality associated with the heat island effect.
Green Roofs
Green roofs have several benefits including economic, ecological and societal. A green roof purifies the air, regulates indoor temperature and also saves energy. Green roofs are not only rich in aesthetics but also help in reducing heat islands. Green roofs provide shade, remove heat from the air, and reduce temperatures of the roof surface and surrounding air. Green roofs can reduce building energy use by 0.7% compared to conventional roofs. Green roofs can be installed on a wide range of buildings, from industrial facilities to private residences. Green roofs offer added benefits like absorbing pollutants and carbon dioxide. A green roof installation will protect your roof from UV rays and acidic rain, so prolong its natural life.
Solar Reflective Shingles
A roof is the symbol of protection and safety from the elements and impacts overall exterior look and curb appeal. An asphalt shingle roof delivers energy-saving benefits when cool asphalt shingles are installed. These solar reflective shingles have higher solar reflectance that can help reduce a home’s cooling load on hot, sunny days. By reducing the amount of this heat transfer, solar reflective shingles and solar reflective roofs will keep building interiors cooler, thus lessening the usage and strain on HVAC equipment.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are considered the most eco friendly roofing option across the globe. Metal roof is made from high percentage of recycled material. Home and building owners are considering metal roofs now a days due to the recycled materials content. Due to high reflectivity and thermal emittance, metal roofs are energy efficient because metal roofs reflect sunlight and retain less heat energy than other roofing materials. Metal roofs can last up to 50 years or more and are built to withstand everything from rain and sleet to snow and hail.
Thermally Insulating Materials
Thermally insulation properties help in preventing the transfer of heat from the roof to the interior of the building. In the quest of warmer, economical and more sustainable home, thermally insulating material can make all the difference. For living in wetter climates, thermally insulating material is a great fit because of its natural resistance to moisture.
Solar Roof Tiles
Solar roof tiles are the future of eco homes. Solar roofs can help in the reduction of your electrical bill by the production of clean energy. Solar roofs are more environmentally friendly power generation sources than fossil-fueled power sources. Solar roofs give a clean and contemporary look. Installation of solar tiles on the top of your house’s roof helps you feel cozy and safe. People who want to transform their homes to environmentally and budget-friendly solar power are facilitating many advantages.
Radiant Barrier Roofing
A radiant barrier is a type of insulation that reflects heat from entering your attic. When sunlight heats your home, a radiant barrier reflects the heat back away from the roof and lowers the indoor temperature. Not only it will keep your home cooler, but it will also keep your home at a comfortable temperature by making it more energy efficient. Radiant barrier roofing can help your home use less energy over time, contributing to significant cost-savings on your utility bill. It will also extend the life of your air conditioner and furnace, contributing to ever greater savings.
Attic Ventilation
Having fresh air and controlling humidity make your house a more pleasant place to be and help reduce the concentration of allergens in the air and stop condensation. Living in an environmentally friendly way helps to save money, save energy and save the mother planet as well. Without ventilation, a highly insulated home can have issues with condensation, air quality and even mould. Good ventilation system increases the heating or cooling to compensate for the temperature of air from outside.
When considering eco friendly solutions, you should opt according to your specific climate, local building codes and unique needs of your home or building to determine the most suitable option for cooling and energy efficiency. Consulting with professionals will give you a valuable insight as per your needs and situation.
