Green Roof Materials
- New roofing materials promise green advantages.roofs and sea image by JoLin from Fotolia.com
Some sectors in the building industry are going green. Roofing manufacturers, and those that supply products and materials that are used in roofing, now offer many environmentally friendly choices. Sustainability is an important consideration when choosing green roofing materials. Other important factors to consider include durability, energy consumption, ease of assembly, and whether the products are made from recycled materials. - The structural portions of roof framing benefit from engineered lumber. This lumber is considered to be green because it is made from wood fibers bound together with adhesives. It has great strength compared to its weight, and it will not deform and deflect from warping.
- Recycled newsprint and recycled agricultural fibers are now being used to make the sheathing that serves as the underlayment for roofs. These are considered to be recycled content sheet goods.
- Structural insulated panels (SIPS) are made of an insulating Styrofoam sandwiched between two sheets of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). The panels greatly speed up roof construction, reduce the amount of roof framing needed and they produce tight buildings that are well insulated.
- Recycled steel or aluminum roofing saves energy and reduces waste. These long lasting and durable products reduce replacement costs. The proper installation of metal roofing creates an air space in the building that helps to reduce heat migration.
- For sunny, southerly facing locations, a photovoltaic system provides a nonpolluting, quiet, renewable source of energy. Various roof coverings can now be bought with photocells built into them so the roof surfaces generate electricity when hooked up to a solar power system. Check for government incentives to reduce costs.
- A study by the Florida Solar Energy center found that reflective roof coatings lead to a 23 percent reduction in air conditioning costs. Reflective coatings come in a variety of materials such as elastomeric, aluminized and ceramic so be sure to select the one that is compatible with the surface you are applying it to. Select reflective roof coatings that provide maximum reflectance and durability.
- A radiant barrier helps to block the transfer of heat from heat radiating sources, and surfaces that absorb heat. Homeowners may find a 10 to 20 percent energy saving by using a radiant barrier with a light colored roof. A radiant barrier is a light weight foil, or a foil and insulation combination installed in the attic. The main benefit is that it reduces heat build up in the attic. The three types of radiant barriers that are available are: blanket, draped and laminated.
- Roof tiles that are molded into a composite roof system are made from recycled plastic and natural fiber. They are an attractive alternative to slate, clay or fiberglass. Transportation costs are reduced due to their light weight.
