Ways To Make Your Roof Environmentally Friendly
Your roof is an integral part of your home; in addition to protecting you from the elements--wind, sun, and rain---it provides you with needed shelter and even some insulation that helps to cool your home.
If you are concerned about making your home eco-friendlier, perhaps you could start with your roof. With increased disposal costs of non-recyclable materials, contractors and homeowners alike are looking for additional ways to green up their rooflines and reduce overall repair, installation, and disposal costs. If you are in the market for roof replacement or repair, here are some ways that you can help to make your roof environmentally friendly:
Install water barrels at collection points along your roofline
Placement of water barrels near downspouts and places where runoff occurs is environmentally responsible; it allows you to use collected rainwater to water your lawn, perform outside cleaning tasks, or even makes a cool place to play for children on a hot day. Using water from a water barrel also lowers overall costs of water utilities. Keep your barrels covered with a screen to avoid debris from piling up and enjoy the benefits of this extra gift from Mother Nature.
Make sure your roof is adequately insulated and ventilated
Proper ventilation and insulation of a roof ensure that you’ll accrue lower heating and cooling costs for your home. This reduction in the need for power and fossil fuels to heat and cool makes your home more environmentally efficient.
Install daylighting
Windows, skylights, and solar reflective tubes are a great way to bring vibrant natural light indoors, reducing the need to use electric lights indoors. Studies have shown that the use of natural light in living and working spaces has a positive impact on our mental, emotional, and even physical health. Consider adding some of these features into your next repair or replacement and see and feel the difference natural daylighting can make.
Trim off excess greenery around your roofline
Keeping away overlying branches, excess greenery growing in your gutters and even moss from growing on your roof are all great ways to reduce wear and tear on your roof, and allows for proper ventilation. Poor circulation along a ridgeline can cause hot spots to occur; your roof experiences accelerated aging when put through this additional stress. Trim away branches and greenery to keep everything clean and free from debris, and you’ll extend the life and the efficiency of your roof.
Find a contractor that uses eco-friendly materials
Many contractors are now getting on the eco-friendly train and starting to use roofing materials that are environmentally sound and responsible. Some of these products are recycled, while others are made from naturally reflective materials that reduce the absorption of the sun’s UV rays by as much as 70 percent, dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of your home. Find a contractor that uses environmentally sound materials and installation practices and feel good about the decision you are making to invest care into the environment.
Keep your roof in good shape!
Performing proper roof maintenance is the most significant thing you can do to improve the efficiency of your roof. Keep gutters, downspouts, and the roofline clean and in good condition. In doing so, you will improve the heating and cooling capabilities of your roof, resulting in less of a need for mechanical interventions.
Len’s Roofing---A leader in environmentally responsible roofing
With over twenty five years of service in repair, replacement, and installation, Len’s Roofing is an industry leader employing the highest integrity in business practices to ensure satisfied customers. Our licensed, bonded, and insured contractors use high-quality materials, and effective repair and installation practices. No matter what type of job you are looking at, Len’s Roofing has exactly what it takes to repair or replace your roof. Visit https://www.lensroofing.com today for more information and to set up a consultation. Let us help beautify and protect your most valuable asset; your home. Contact our office today at 941-896-7897.