What Are Green Roofs, And What Are The Benefits Of Energy-efficient Roofing?

What Is A Green Roof?

Roofs that are partially or entirely covered with plants and flora are known as “green roofs.” These are also referred to as living roofs, grass roofs, and sedum roofs.

 Typically, a drainage membrane that sits on top of the roof is covered with vegetation, along with other layers like root barriers and waterproofing materials. When applied properly, this combination of goods promotes the growth of the plants on the roof without endangering the stability of the building. We will discuss this a little later in case you’re curious about what green roofs do and their benefits.

A Green Roof System: What Is It?

One of two things can be meant when someone mentions a green roof system. We use the phrase to describe all the various elements that go into creating a reliable and secure green roof. A green roof system can also refer to a pre-made green roof that is available in trays and can be slotted together. Despite being practical, the latter green roof method can be expensive, difficult to install, and lacking in drainage capacity compared to a high-quality drainage membrane.

GREEN ROOFING BENEFITS

There are several reasons why someone might wish to explore green roofing, both for the sake of the home and the neighborhood.

COMMUNITY PERKS COMPRISE

The addition of a green roof lessens the strain placed on nearby sewage systems and the requirement to manage any accumulated runoff. By covering many of the surfaces that would otherwise create the most heat in metropolitan areas, the addition of green roofs lessens the overall heat conducted by the structures.

In addition to capturing various air pollutants, plants also stop the spread of smog and dust. Public spaces like gardens or recreation areas can be created on green roofs for the benefit of the neighborhood.

The use of green roofs in a neighborhood can lead to an increase in jobs and revenue for neighborhood businesses because of the time and money that goes into their design and installation.

 Make The Drainage System Better

Any building must have sustainable drainage in order to prevent floods in the event of excessive rain. Water control has historically been aided by a system of pipes connected to the sewage system. However, as a result of increased urban growth, as much as 75% of water is draining off into metropolitan areas (https://www.hunker.com/12003790/disadvantages-of-green-roofs).

 Supporting Habitats For Wildlife

Additionally, green roofs support wildlife, which in turn helps improve the habitat. Despite not being able to completely replace ground habitats, they are ideal for luring birds and other species to create a thriving eco-friendly ecosystem.

 Different ecosystems can be supported by each green roof, mostly depending on the type of flora present. A study of 11 green rooftops in Switzerland identified an astounding 172 different species, according to the report.

Increasing Thermal Efficiency

Thermal performance is without a doubt one of the most advantageous features of a green roof, and it’s amazing how much of a difference it can make. Poor insulation is one of the major issues with a standard roof, causing significant heat loss in the winter and oppressive temperatures in the summer.

 With the help of a green roof, all of this is changed. By installing a green roof, you can ensure that energy efficiency is improved while also reducing the need for air conditioning. The heat from the sun is absorbed by plants, which lowers the temperature of the roof in the summer and increases thermal efficiency in the colder winter by trapping heat within. 

Increase The Roof’s Lifespan

A rooftop has a lot to deal with all year long and is constantly under attack from the elements. A roof will need to be able to withstand not only wind and rain, but also ultraviolet light and changing temperatures. As a result, it’s typical for both homes and businesses to think about a different roofing option.

 This possibility is provided by green roofs, which have been shown to double or even treble the lifespan of your roofing. Greenery serves as a barrier, preserving the waterproof membrane below and extending the useful life of your rooftop.

 Talk to the residents of your building or your family and friends if you plan to do this yourself once you have all the information you require and have a solid sense of the route you want to take the project in. If so, you should be able to leverage the help of individuals around you to speed up the process, whether it be with physical work on the day of installation, gathering any tools you might need, or ongoing maintenance of the green roof.

Great Roofing Design Ideas For The New Year

It can be challenging to pick the best roof design for your house. Different roof designs have distinct benefits or are well suited to certain properties, roofing materials, or climate conditions. To help you determine which is right for you, we’ll look at five of the most common roof design concepts, as well as the specific features and benefits of each.

 Gambrel Roof Style

 The gambrel roofing is made up of two slopes on alternating sides of the house that meet at an angle in the center to form a barn-like roofing shape. The gambrel roofing provides visual appeal while also offering extra space for a small or attic space. This roof design is not appropriate for houses that encounter heavy snowfall since heavy snow will place weight on the roofing and the property’s structure.

 A variety of materials may be used to cover a gambrel roof. Metal roofing is perhaps the most robust, but wood shingles or asphalt are often used on gambrel roofs.

 Gable Roof Style

 Another common roofing design is gable roofing. It has a conventional triangular roof design with two planes meeting at the highest ridgeline. This simple roofing design opens up a number of style choices, such as long-lasting roofing tile, classic wood shingles, low-cost asphalt shingles, or even energy-efficient metal roofing.

 Because of its simplicity and adaptability, the gable roof is a common roofing style among roofers. It can be tailored to any angle, whether you want a low-slope ranch-style roofing or a vertical A-frame roof to avoid snow accumulation.

 Skillion Roof Style

 This roofing design is streamlined and simple. Skillion roofs have an inclined slope that covers the entire roofing area, like half the gable roofing. It is found in modern houses or in combination with other roofing styles. The advantage of this roofing design is that it is easy to build and allows more sunlight inside. The downside is that much of your house will be left unprotected and without shade.

 Skillion roofing looks great when paired with trendy roof material such as metal or tile, but it can be used with any roof covering material.

 Flat Roof Style

 This roofing style is not entirely flat, but it has a slight incline to enable water to drain and not accumulate on top. To allow runoff, gutters and drains are used to regulate water flow. Flat roofing is widely used in modern houses and workplaces. Rather than shingles, they are waterproofed with PVC, EPDM rubber, or asphalt coating.

 This roofing style is versatile and, if built correctly, can also support extra living space. Some homeowners turn their flat roofing to a green roof that has plants for covering roofing material for improved air quality, insulation, and energy efficiency.

 Combination Roof Style

 If you don’t really want to stick to a single roof style, you can customize your roof with different roofing style elements. Combine skillion with lean or flat with Gabel or install dormers for more light and visual appeal. Customizing your roofing style gives you the freedom to optimize interior space wherever you want it, like for attic space or vaulted ceilings.

 Use the benefits of various designs for your roofing style to make you enjoy more shade, natural light, ventilation, insulation, energy efficiency, and protection from weather elements. Make it simple by restricting your roofing design to a few styles, and consult with a skilled roofer to ensure the design is appropriate for your home’s architecture, structure, and location.

How Can You Safely Remove Ice or Snow from Your Roof?

The dreaded winter months wreak havoc on a number of roofs across America. Planning wisely and properly fighting against snow and ice accumulation are musts for homeowners. 

 The structure of a roof varies from house to house. Knowing the weight that your particular roof can bear may be helpful. Nevertheless, too much snow or ice on your roof can cause damage or even a collapse in your roof. 

 It is not good to tamper with snow and ice on your rooftop on your own unless necessary. A good option is to call a professional for what could be a dangerous job. The following are a number of indicators that it may be time to remove snow and ice buildup from your roof: 

 1. You notice that snow accumulation is rising above three feet. 

 2. If you have a shallow pitch or flat roof, this will put you at a higher risk. 

 3. If heavy snowfall is the norm in your area, it would be good to remove the snow and ice prior to another storm approaching. 

 4. If snow drifts are occurring, the weight will shift to certain portions of your home, and this can lead to an excessive amount of weight in a certain spot. 

 5. In the event that strain is being placed on the structure of your home, your windows may be harder to open than normal – a sign that the snow/ice must be dealt with.

 6. If powdery snow is all that has been falling on your home, you are less likely to need to remove it. However, if this snow has been melting, turning into ice, and then has been receiving greater amounts of snow accumulation on top, it may be a good time to remove the buildup. 

 While there is still more to consider, hopefully, this list will aid you in making a decision. It is important to remember that you should not attempt to remove the buildup on your own unless you deem it necessary. 

 How to remove snow and ice from your rooftop

 This leads us to the all-important “how-to” section of our article. The following are some helpful tips on how to remove snow and ice from your rooftop.

 • Snow removal

 1. At the outset, it is important to know that you can hire someone for the job. It can be very dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. The best option may be to hire a professional.

 2. If you decide to remove snow buildup yourself, make sure you do not get on your roof to do so. 

 3. Invest in an extendable plastic snow rake (do not use metal tools on your roof). This can be found at a number of hardware stores or online. 

 4. With your feet firmly positioned on the ground (not your roof), you can extend the rake to reach the roof of your home. 

 5. Begin to rake the snow down starting from the eaves. Rake the snow down gradually, working from the bottom to the top. 

 6. Do not allow excessive amounts of snow to collect on portions of your roof as you are raking.

 7. If anyone is inside, notify them to stay away from the exits of your home, as large amounts of snow may fall toward the doorways. 

 • Ice removal

 1. If ice dams are forming on your roof, you could hire a professional to steam your roof and remove the accumulation. 

 2. If you want to do it yourself, locate a large sock. 

 3. Fill the sock with calcium chloride.

 4. Lay the sock along the base of your roof where the ice has been accumulating, with about half of the sock on your roof and the other half draped off the edge. This will melt the snow and allow the water to run off your roof rather than turn into ice.

How To Find The Right Roofer?

There is a reason why being a homeowner is referred to as having a roof over your head. The roof is one of the house’s vital parts since it helps keep us safe from all harsh elements. Thus, it is imperative to ensure that it is in good condition.

 When erecting your roof, you should ensure you do it right and let professionals handle it. You should also ensure proper maintenance to avoid compromising your roof’s integrity. It is also important to determine the state of your roof and consider whether you need any repairs. You should take action and repair any leaks to increase your roof’s durability.

 Your roof deserves attention and proper care to increase durability and keep your home intact, whether it be in Greeley or elsewhere. That said, you may find it necessary to hire the services of a professional roofing contractor. However, you need to make sure that you hire the right person for the job and get the value for your money. With that, here are a few tips to consider when hiring a professional roofer.

 Referrals

 You may come across an impeccable roof design on a random home. There is nothing wrong with giving credit where it’s due and asking for the roofer’s contact. Thus, you can ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who may point out a good contractor. Asking for referrals from those with impressive roofs will also go a long way in helping you work with a credible one.

 Asking for recommendations cements the roofer’s credibility. It shows you that they are reliable and professional in recommending others looking for their services. Word of mouth may be the key to helping you find a contractor that will live up to your expectations.

 Research

 You may also take your search for a roofer to the web and find out more about their services. You may know of a few different companies, and researching for more details will help you decide which business to hire. Check out whether the roofing company has a website where you can acquire more info about their services.

 The website also offers you the opportunity to go through the roofer’s portfolio and check out their past projects. You can have a look at their past projects and determine whether they can deliver on your expectations. The website also contains their contact information, where you can reach out to them for more inquiries into their services.

 The roofing company should invest in a good and fast website to ensure customers have an insight into the business. This way, you can find out more details about the roofers and determine their level of professionalism and credibility. In the end, your research will help you determine if there are any red flags associated with the roofing company.

 Experience

 Experience is the best teacher and should not be overlooked when hiring any professional. Thus, consider how long the roofer has been in the industry and the number of clients they have worked with before. This way, you can hire someone that has gained relevant experience by the provision of their services.

 Consider how long the company has been in the market and determine its reputation. An experienced Greeley roofing company knows how to deal with various roofs and knows how best to approach your roofing projects.

 Insurance

 Check whether the roofing contractor has an insurance coverage policy for employees and clients. You need a guarantee that you will not be liable for anything that happens during the project. Accidents may happen, and you don’t have to deal with injury lawsuits. You also need assurance that you will get reimbursed if the damage is inflicted on your property during the roof project.

 Ask for proof of insurance before hiring a contractor. This way, you can hire someone who cares about their employees’ safety and well-being and ensure their clients’ property is protected.

 Contract

 All the agreement details with the roofing contractor should be in writing. The contract will help you avoid any legal issues that may arise and ensure you hold the roofer accountable. Discuss the contract terms with them and ensure that you agree on every aspect of the job. This way, you can hold them accountable if everything doesn’t go according to plan and ensure they do their job.

 Warranty

 Consider whether the they provides a warranty for their construction projects. A warranty is vital as the roofer’s artistry may not be right, and it may take some time for the damage to reflect on your roof. Your insurance policy may not cover these mistakes, and you will need a warranty.

 If the company doesn’t fix the mistake, then you may be forced to break the bank. This way, ensure you look for a roofer with warranty terms to make sure they perform installation correctly.

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