Earth Day is coming on April 22nd, so this is the ideal time to look at sustainable roofing. With climate change in the news on a daily basis, more consumers want eco-friendly products but aren’t sure where to turn or whom to trust. While many new green roofing options have become available in recent years, you’ll want to partner with a roofing company with decades of green roofing experience. They can help you find the best value with the lowest environmental impact.
If you're a homeowner who prioritizes eco-friendly construction and would like to install a green roof on your home, you have many choices.
Green Roofs
During a remodel, It's incredibly important for homes to maintain their beauty and character. As homes are rehabilitated and brought back to life, green roofing systems can be incorporated while still preserving the history of the home. Your roofing system is one of the most important energy efficient decisions you will make.
For many, this leads them to a cool roof material, usually a white or light gray. Cool roof materials reflect the sun and help maintain a relatively cooler temperature inside the home. This reduced temperature can help lower the use of air conditioning in the hot summer months. In contrast, standard dark roofs can reach 150 degrees in the summer sun and provide added strain to your air conditioning unit. A cool roof may reach maximum temperatures of 100 degrees, according to the EPA.
We are seeing a growing trend towards garden roofs in North Carolina. A garden roof is a layer of vegetation planted over a waterproofing system that is installed on top of a flat or slightly–sloped roof. Not all historic buildings are a good match for a garden roof, but many other homes are a great fit. If you’re considering this option, consult with a green roof specialist to determine if the residence is a good match.
Metal Roofs
There's no roofing material that's more eco-friendly than metal. Durable, long-lasting and lightweight, this all-weather option works in nearly all regions of the country and in all climates. In Durham, where our worst storms can bring weather ranging from snow to rain to high winds, metal is a flexible roofing material that lasts and lasts.
Its reflective properties make it an excellent eco-friendly option, because metal reflects heat back into the atmosphere and keeps heat out of the attic. Metal is also very malleable, and thus can be shaped to mimic a variety of historical roofing materials, so any homeowner in need of specialty roofing materials can find a suitable substitute in metal. Compared to shingles, metal is also more sustainable because it's made from a recyclable material.
Choosing a Green Roofer
Most important when choosing a green roof for your building or home is to hire a contractor with a reputation for excellence. It's always critical to find someone who is trained and experienced working with the materials you're installing. Interview potential roofers to choose the right one for your installation. Questions to ask include:
How long have you been in business?
Business longevity is a sign of a contractor's competence and capability, both in their trade and with their customers. Look for a roofer with an established reputation in the local roofing industry.
How many years have you been working with this material?
Each type of roofing material must be handled and installed differently. Find a contractor who has a long-standing experience with the material for your roof.
Price?
Compare prices for different contractors, but remember that the best contractor for the job is not always the least expensive. Shop around and hire a roofer who fits in your budget.
Do you have references?
Hire a contractor who can supply references that proves their experience and capability with the materials that you would like them to install.
What is the warranty on this material?
Good contractors can supply you with information about the warranty: either the product warranty, material warranty, or both. Warranties indicates that the product manufacturer stands behind their product, and the contractor stands behind their work.
What will you do to minimize waste?
A green contractor will be able to discuss what they intend to do to minimize waste on the job site, to reduce the environmental impact of your roofing project.
What will you do to maximize historic value?
If you own a historic home or a historic building, look for a contractor who can implement a plan to preserve and maximize the historic value of your structure.
Do you follow Design Craft Renew Philosophy?
Design Craft Renew philosophy is a blended process that requires the skill of an engineer and craftsman, and a deep knowledge of sustainable materials. Not all contractors can follow the Design Craft Renew philosophy.
Contact Pickard Roofing Company Inc.
Green roofing material is good for the environment, good for your community and good for your property's value. Hire a roofer who has a reputation for working with homeowners and business owners in Durham to install the latest green roof material on your home or business.
At Pickard Roofing, we think Design. Craft. Renew. We are experienced in all types of roofing systems- and provide the right roofing design and selective craftsmanship for renewing our customer’s assets. We invite sustainable building customers to give us a call for your free evaluation. For over 90 years Pickard Roofing Company has installed countless metal, tile, slate, TPO, EPDM, and all types of shingle roofing in the Triangle. Our services include residential, commercial, custom architectural metal fabrication, and historical renovation.
