How a Green Roof Can Save You Money
The roof is one of the most important elements in your home.
It not only protects the house, but it also protects the people inside. While the
initial costs of installing a green roof are more expensive than the costs of
other roofing methods, it can save you money in the long run and help the
environment at the same time.
The "green" trend
With all of the fast changing technology, we have been able
to build things in a more efficient, environmentally clean fashion. We are no
longer forced to use materials and products that can hurt the environment.
Today, there are "green" materials that are readily available and convenient to
use.
The use of single-ply membranes is a growing trend in the
roofing industry today. It has been a forerunner for commercial buildings that
need a more energy efficient interior with better exterior protection. This new wave of technology is not only
improving our lives, but it is helping out our environment.
Long-term benefits
When considering a green roof, it's best to think about the
long-term benefits. By spending more money up front, you may save money later.
As green roofs become more popular, it's likely that government incentives and
tax breaks will be offered as well.
Reflective single ply membranes are especially effective in
warmer climates, such as Georgia, where there is frequent air conditioning use.
They can offer significant cost savings
for building managers and property owners in the following ways:
- Green roofs help insulate buildings by preventing
heat from moving through the roof. They can dramatically improve a roof's
insulation value by shading the external surface of the building so the sun
can't heat it in the first place.
- They have a LEED Certification value and being
LEED certified is not the easiest task. There are many eco-friendly
qualifications that must be met.
- They are also Energy Star qualified, which means
they reflect more of the sun’s rays, lowering the surface temperature of the
roof by up to 100 degrees.
- They reduce the amount of heat lost during the
winter, and can reduce the energy needed to cool your home or office building
by 10 to 15 percent, according to the Energy Star website.
- They have a high emissivity, referring to the
quickness of how the absorbed energy is emitted into the atmosphere again.
- They provide high end protection from Mother
Nature due to the durability of the material.
