Your Options for Energy-Efficient Roofing
By Dani Nicole
Looking to upgrade your roofing to the next level—green? Energy-efficient roofing solutions are rapidly sweeping the nation, due to the positive effects they can have on the environment and your budget. If you’re ready to invest in a smarter roofing solution, follow these tips from Home Improvement Leads.
Cool Off
Cool roofing is just as neat as it sounds. Great for warmer climates, cool roofing uses advanced technology to reflect thermal energy, rather than absorb it. Traditional asphalt roofing can soak up UV rays and absorb heat into your home—something you definitely don’t want when temperatures are in triple digits.
You can achieve cool roofing by installing an entirely new roof or upgrading the one you have. A cool coating is available as a thick paint that reflects UV rays. This eco-friendly option will reduce the demand for A/C and consequently lower your utility bills.
Live on the Sunny Side
If you really want to reduce utility bills, install solar panels on your roof. Solar panels use the sun’s natural and abundant energy as an infinitely renewable resource. That means your roof can work for you and power your home. Soaking up those UV rays means that your home will stay cooler when you need it most.
Power up your home with solar energy, and in some states, you can sell extra energy back to the grid. This profit, plus the potential for tax credits are rebates, should negate your initial investment after just a few years.
Reflect Wisely
Reflective metal roofing takes any downside of metal and spins it positively. This durable roofing option can hold up during storms. It’s often made from recycled materials, which gives it an eco-friendly boost in our books. An unpainted reflective metal roof will bounce back thermal energy to keep your home cool. Go for this option if you live in a moderately warm climate.
For climates with harsh summers, make sure to get a pre-painted or coated reflective metal roof. This option not only reflects thermal energy but also works to cool off your home by re-emitting the energy it absorbs. According to Metal Roofing, reflective metal roofing can be installed on existing asphalt roofs, and this green option may lead to discounted home insurance rates.
Living Roof
If you’re a fan of farmer’s markets, organic veggies, and gardening, you simply have to check into living roofs. This technique allows you to create an open and enjoyable rooftop area, full of plants or even a vegetable garden. This life-breathing option insulates your home, reducing your A/C and heating usage. It also allows your home to manage rainwater more efficiently.
No matter what you choose, a green roofing option is sure to put money back in your wallet and help protect the environment we love. How can you beat that?
