Explore The Benefits Of Hiring A Green Roofing Contractor

Nov 20
10:44

2011

Ace Abbey

Ace Abbey

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A green roofing contractor can help homeowners construct a beautiful and efficient ecosystem right on top of their homes, even in a crowded city. These roofs have a wide range of benefits for the individual as well as the community.

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A green roofing contractor can help you maximize energy conservation in your home,Explore The Benefits Of Hiring A Green Roofing Contractor Articles as well as help you reduce utility bills. If you're considering replacing your old roof, why not take the opportunity to install a product that is more environmentally friendly and durable than the typical asphalt shingles (the current cheapest and most common material used in US homes). Green roofs are quite literal in that they are completely or partially covered in soil and vegetation. While it may seem unusual, more urban and suburban dwellers are discovering the joys of bringing more nature into their homes.

There are several benefits to choosing a green certified roofing contractor. If finances are your biggest concern, approved materials and building methods will come with government tax credits and rebates, which will save you money when you file. Additionally, if you ever plan on selling your house in the future, a green roof will increase the home's value and market interest. Eco-friendly roofs are still fairly rare in most neighborhoods, which mean your home will easily stand out. The materials used to construct the roofs are also generally much more durable. Replacement and repair costs over time can then be reduced, putting more money in your pocket.

Reduction of utility bills is one of the main perks of hiring a green roofing contractor. Depending on which type you choose, you can help slash your heating and cooling costs. The vegetation absorbs UV rays, regulates interior home temperature, and can provide more heat in winter or cooler air in summer. Current estimates see as much as a 26% decrease in warm and cool air loss during the respective seasons. You'll be less dependent on gas or electricity to regulate indoor temperature.

In addition to benefiting the homeowner, planting a garden top of your home will be advantageous for the community at large. Not only will vegetation thrive, but also a green roof provides safe habitats for local wildlife. That doesn't mean that raccoons are going to be camping out in your attic anytime soon. However, you are likely to see more birds nesting and butterflies fluttering about. The roofs also transmit less heat than traditional materials in densely populated areas. If more homeowners switched, average temperatures could be reduced throughout an entire city.

Not all homes are suited for green roof installation due to the weight of installation, local climate, and costs relative to long term savings. If you want to learn more about bringing the environment on top of your home, check out some existing and well-known examples of green roofs. These include Millennium Park in Chicago, California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, the Ballard Library in Seattle, and one of the largest examples - Ford Motor Company's River Rouge Plant located in Dearborn. Many of these places also have information available on their yearly utility savings as well as the various wildlife species the area has attracted. There are also several international examples such as one of the oldest existing green roofs, the Moose Lake Water-Treatment Plant in Zurich, Switzerland.