5 Ways How an Eco-Friendly Roof Can Cuts Energy Bills
The world has become much more eco-conscious in the last couple of years. And as things progress and technology advances, it is really getting ‘greener’ by the minute.
And words and terms such as: sustainability, eco, energy, climate, and so on are seemingly everywhere. Yet, is it just a cycle of hot fads that’ll soon fade away, or a grand conspiracy or does all of it really benefit mankind and the environment in some way?
Well, to cut a long answer short – it does work. And it can work to improve countless aspects of our lives. However, today we turn our attention to one part of your house, which is the roof.
Let us explore this concept and learn how an eco-friendly roof can make both you and the planet happier!
5 Advantages of Environmentally Friendly Roofs
An eco-friendly roof (as the name suggests) will do more than just save energy. So, let’s look at what other benefits exist.
Energy Efficiency
In case you’re interested in buying a new roof, opt for one that includes materials such as cool roofs (sunray/UV radiation reflectivity) and/or solar panels (sunglight into electricity conversion). This will lessen the usage of air conditioning in hot summer seasons, enabling you to spend less on energy bills.
According to an Elsevier study published in ‘Economic Modeling’ vol. 90, homes (in the U.S.) that have at least one AC unit spend 35-42% more electricity compared to homes that don’t own air conditioning.
Impact on Environment
Using ‘green’/recycled roofing materials is beneficial not only due to its sustainability but also because it reduces the need for raw resources and they also minimize waste. So basically, if you own an eco-friendly roof you’re directly impacting to decreasing the amount of landfill waste as well as reducing carbon emissions.
A More Comfortable Home
Summer heat often makes you feel uncomfortable when inside a house, as it can sometimes resemble what it’s like to be in a sauna. Eco-friendly roofing materials can provide good insulation and, most importantly, reflect that heat away from your house. This basically means – a cooler during summer and a warmer house during winter.
Durability and Longevity
Many of the eco-friendly roofing materials, such as metal, recycled rubber, etc. are far more long-lasting than the conventional options. This is because you’ll have to do fewer replacements, and less time will be spent on maintenance. Because of this, your costs/expenses will also go down.
Tax Incentives
A number of regions also allow homeowners the installation of eco roofs as a tax credit or rebate (check with your local government).
This further means you cut down costs significantly (although these benefits differ from state to state, and may also require you to buy a new roof; so check this before making plans as this can greatly affect your budget). A federal solar tax credit covers up to 30% of the installation costs.
The 3 Best Eco-Friendly Roofing Materials
Eco-friendliness and sustainability start with your choice of materials. You’ll find plenty of options available, with different prices and styles, but there are a few that are considered to be the best, so let’s take a look at what those are.
Solar Roof Panels
This is probably the first thing that comes to mind with eco-friendly, energy-saving roofs – solar panels. They’re very popular because they capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, so energy savings are pretty significant, especially in the long run.
The only problem is that the upfront costs of installing solar panels are rather high, but keep in mind that you’ll recoup all the money you invest in reduced energy bills (up to a whopping 62%!), and in some areas, even government incentives.
Solar panels come in a lot of designs, from traditional solar arrays to integrated solar tiles, so you’ll have no problem finding ones that go with the style of your house.
Cool Roofs (Reflective Coatings)
Cool roofs have reflective coatings that deflect sunlight, so they absorb less heat and keep your house cooler during warmer months.
You’ll really appreciate this if you live in a warmer climate because the AC costs can be through the roof (pun intended), like Kansas or even Florida. A cool roof can save you up to $0.50 per square foot annually in cooling costs.
Of course, you’ll need a professional to install this for you, but they’re just a quick Google search away; if you’re in Kansas City, for instance, just search for Kansas City roofers online and you should have no issues getting in touch with ones that are experienced with eco-friendly roofs. If you live elsewhere, use the same method; just use the name of the city/town that you live in instead.
The great thing about these coatings is that they’re compatible with all kinds of roofs, like asphalt, metal, and tile.
Recycled Materials
If we’re talking about eco-friendly options, then we can’t miss out on recycled ones.
Recycled materials, like metal, rubber, and asphalt, are made from repurposed waste and they’re an excellent, sustainable alternative to traditional roofs. Using recycled materials means that there will be less need to produce new ones and there will also be less waste dumped on landfills.
But that’s not all that’s great about recycled materials – they also offer excellent insulation and they’re very durable. Take recycled rubber, for example. It’s extremely resistant to different types of weather conditions and it can last you for decades with hardly any maintenance.
Conclusion
An eco-friendly roof will save you a ton of money in the long run, so if savings are your only motivation, then go for it. But pinching pennies isn’t the only benefit to this.
With an eco-friendly roof, you’re helping to create a more sustainable future for everyone, and if, someday, you decide to sell your house, things like solar panels, cool roofs, and recycled shingles can increase their value.
