The primary role of a roof, whether in a commercial or residential building, is to prevent different types of aggressive weather from entering the structure as well as prevent the building’s materials from deteriorating. Some of the most vital characteristics that a roofing material should possess are durability, strength, and support.
Taking into account the environmental impact of the entire roofing process, from manufacture to delivery to disposal, many homeowners today are starting to look for environmentally sustainable roofing materials, and even a lot of reputable roofing and siding contractors in Franklin Township are promoting and recommending the same. In addition to being made with low-impact materials, such roofs should also be durable and carry a long lifespan.
Among the many factors that should be considered when choosing a roofing system for your home, the following factors should also be included in your list:
- The ability of the roof to reflect sunlight and exude surface heat.
- The ability of the roof to prevent penetration of heat to the interior.
- Roofing systems that are environmentally friendly and can be reused and recycled.
- Roofs that do not contain toxic chemicals like bromine.
Conventional Roofing
When having roofing installed in your home, you need to make sure that the materials you have chosen comply with the fire codes in your locality. This is an easy process when you hire Franklin Township roofing and siding contractors because, as professionals with several years of experience in this field, they will automatically make sure that all building codes are met. In the case of residential roofing, you have a lot of different options to choose from.
Some materials, like composition shingles, last longer than other products (typically around 50 years) and can also be recycled. Metal is also a material that is insect- and fire-proof, and is recyclable. However, metal roofing manufacturing consumes a lot of energy and resources and therefore causes pollution. Another insect- and fire-proof roofing material is fiber cement, but it is non-biodegradable. Cement or clay tiles are also a great choice of material for roofing, if you can afford to put in more money.
Wood shakes, one of the most commonly used roofing materials, are biodegradable; however, they are not known to be highly durable and are flammable as well. As a result, if you happen to live in a fire-prone area, Franklin Township roofing and siding contractors wouldn’t recommend choosing wood. In recent years, manufacturers have also introduced roofing systems made from recycled wood, rubber, or plastic shingles, which are lightweight, durable, and recyclable.
As you can see, if you are planning on going the traditional roofing route, there are a plethora of options. You can talk to a Franklin Township roofing and siding contractor and hear recommendations before making your choice.
Green Roofing
One great development in roofing design is vegetated roofing. Today, many Franklin Township roofing and siding contractors recommend installing green roofing systems planted with flowers, grasses, and herbs in a wide range of heights, colors, scents, and textures to match your preferences in all aspects. With the introduction of more and more new technologies that encourage green building, contractors are taking steps to transform rooftops into usable space, which is made more environmentally friendly by using recycled and lightweight materials.
Green roofs come with many benefits, including the following:
- They are capable of absorbing all types of airborne pollutants.
- As green roofs improve the quality of insulation in your home and control the rooftop temperature by maintaining it at a moderate level, your needs for heating and cooling are reduced, which helps you save a lot of money and energy.
- Green roofs are capable of improving the air quality of your surroundings.
- They reduce noise pollution in your house by up to 40 decibels as they capture, absorb, and reflect sound waves from outside traffic, machines, and other sources of noise.
- And, as green roofs are designed to remain protected from extreme temperatures and the sun’s UV rays, their overall lifespan is longer than that of traditional roofing systems.
Environmentally friendly roofing systems not only reduce lifecycle costs and the use of energy, but are also available in a wide variety of designs to suit individual tastes and preferences. If you plan on using green roofing, contact a Franklin Township roofing and siding contractor to discuss the options available to you.