In our attempt to reduce our carbon footprints as greatly as possible, many are looking to various ways to update their homes whether it be solar panels or more efficient insulation. While these are great ways to reduce the amount of money spent on utility bills and reduce your overall impact, they are often seen as expensive and often frivolous purchases.
However, not all home updates are frivolous. Some, like updating your roof, are necessary whether you like it or not.
Although re-roofing your home is almost always expensive, updating your roof with green roofing materials can significantly reduce your utility bills.
If you choose to re-roof your home with green roofing materials, you do need to be mindful. While green roofing materials are a prime choice, if you are not aware, you could wind up with poor materials that will result in you having to re-roof your home again in a few short years. Before purchasing any roofing materials, always ask the following when shopping around:
What is the Longevity?
The more durable a product is, the longer it will last. For roofs, which are notoriously expensive for redoing, buying the most durable product will not only save you money in the long run, but it will also reduce your environmental impact. Choosing a product that has a 15 year life over the one that may be cheaper but only offers 7 years, will prevent you from spending more money re-roofing and will keep more junk out of the local landfill.
Where is it Coming From?
Most people just assume that buying a green product is enough when it comes to reducing their carbon footprint. However, ordering green roofing from half a world away isn’t the greenest option mainly because of the transportation. Instead of ordering from afar, try to purchase locally manufactured roofing materials to reduce your impact as much as possible.
What Color is it?
While determining the color of your green roof may seem like a funny question, it is often the most important to ask. The color of your roof can directly impacts the temperature of your home. The darker the roof, the hotter your top floors are going to be and the more electricity you will use trying to keep your home cooled down. Be sure to choose materials that are lighter in color. They will reflect more sun which will keep your home cooler and will keep your air conditioner from running nonstop.
Is it Recyclable?
While your new roof will last over a decade, it still has a shelf life and that needs to be taken in to consideration. You need to make sure that when you buy new roofing, you are buying a product that can be recycled so that you don’t add to the growing landfill problem.
Whether you decide you would like to reroof your home in tin or in recycled synthetic shingles, you always need to ask the appropriate questions before buying. Don’t skimp when it comes to green roofing materials as you get what you pay for. Buying roofing is in and of itself an investment as you are not only protecting your home, but you are making sure that you can save money over the long haul.
Disclaimer: This post was brought to you buy Amanda Green. The Duro-Last materials are currently available only in the U.S. and Canada.
