These days, governments around the world encourage their citizens to switch to green products, or  materials that are deemed environment-friendly, to reduce the alarming effects of global warming. In Palo Alto, green roofing has gained a lot of traction – not only because it helps the environment, but also because of its significant cost-saving benefits.

roof-repair

Why  should you consider switching to green roof?

If you are not environment-conscious, it might appear that switching to green roofing is just a waste of time and money, and generally, unnecessary. Since roofing and re-roofing in Palo Alto is not exactly cheap, it is quite understandable that clients would want to use the roofing material with the least amount of initial outlay. However, by not considering making your roofs green, you are wasting the golden opportunity to reduce your energy consumption by more than 39%.

Since roofs are your primary defense against the glare and heat of the sun, it is understandable that it is also the first part of your house that gets hot immediately. For those using normal roofing materials, the high temperature easily translates to the internal living temperature, which prompts those under it to use air conditioning units or electric fans to help dissipate the heat. This, in turn, computes to a higher energy consumption and a staggering electric bill.

Contrary to popular belief, cool and green roofs need not be expensive. If your budget is tight, simply using a lighter colored roof can make a world of difference in helping you reduce the amount you pay for your electric bills.

The science behind energy-efficient roofs

It all depends on reflectance and emittance. For roofing, lighter colored materials are better than the dark colored ones simply because it reflects and emits rather than absorb the sun’s heat rays. The more your roofing can reflect the sun’s rays, the cooler your place of residence will be and thus, the less air conditioning you will need.

Qualified roofing contractors will most likely consider thermal and solar reflectance when choosing the right roofing materials for your home. This is why some roofing materials have an Energy Star certificate to help consumers identify which materials are most likely to  reduce  energy consumption.

It must be noted, however, that the total percentage of energy reduction also depends on the type of roofing insulation, building location, and facility design—some important factors to consider so you can  fully maximize the energy-efficient roofing’s potential.

Sources:

Cool Roofs

energy.gov

Three ways to make your roof more energy-efficient

greenhomeguide.com