“Sustainability” is a frequently used word in our increasingly environmentally conscious world. For building owners, one of the easiest ways to improve sustainability is with sustainable roofing. Sustainable roofing is a great option for building owners looking to make a positive impact and invest in their buildings.
Sustainability in Roofing Materials
When it comes to sustainable roofing, one of the places that can make the biggest impact is the type of roofing materials used. Sustainability comes from using materials that reduce energy usage and costs, last longer, and are recycled.
Three of the ways in which sustainability should be considered in roofing materials are:
- Applications. Many modern-day roofing systems utilize coatings, but the exact type of coating chosen can make all the difference. For example, a building owner that chooses a light-colored reflective coating may experience decreased levels of energy usage in their building, which can then in turn lower monthly energy bills. A reflective coating is intended to keep energy usage lower, which is better for the environment and has the benefit of saving a client money on their regular energy bills.
- Durability. While it is always commendable to be doing something better for the environment, a solution must also be functional. When moving towards a more sustainable roofing option, owners should also ensure the materials being used are sufficiently durable. If not, the roof will likely deteriorate quickly, resulting in needing a replacement roof. This is a lose-lose for the client and the environment: it will cost the client more money to replace the roof and create additional waste.
- Recyclability. Part of a sustainable roofing system can include using recycled materials. It is important to ensure that the recycled material hasn’t lost any functionality – or else it could break down more quickly. If it is low quality then it will end up as waste, defeating the goal of sustainability. Fortunately, a trustworthy roofing company will use high-quality recycled materials, ensuring that your roof lasts as long as possible.
Benefits to the Building Owner That Chooses Sustainable Roofing
Sustainable roofing for a commercial building is not an inexpensive investment, and there are many benefits to the owners. Some of the key benefits to building owners are:
- Improved temperature control in the building. Without a reflective coating on the roof, a building can be more at the mercy of intense temperatures that require the air conditioning units to work harder than normal. However, using the reflective coating helps the building reflect the heat from that beautiful Colorado Springs sun, giving the building’s air conditioning units some relief.
- Money savings. With less pressure on a building’s air conditioning units, most building owners see significant savings over time on their monthly energy bills. Money saved can then go back into the building’s overall maintenance budget to help where it is most needed.
- Reducing their building’s footprint in terms of landfill waste. Creating sustainability in roofing does not necessarily require a complete roof replacement. In many cases, it can simply mean applying a reflective coating or a similar adjustment. These tweaks can dramatically reduce the waste a complete roof replacement would create.
Finding a Provider that Offers Sustainable Roofing
One of the cornerstones of working with a professional roofing company is trust. Building owners must select a roofer based on much more than their quote for a project. Other important considerations should include:
- Experience. Choose a roofing company that collectively offers decades of experience in various roofing systems. Seasoned industry professionals tend to have seen a little bit of everything and are a great resource for determining a building owner’s best options for sustainable roofing.
- Success with sustainable roofing. Look for a provider who has implemented several sustainable roofing systems. Speak with them about the challenges and triumphs of those jobs to learn more about the company’s experience and expertise.
- Reputation. Do not just take a roofing company’s word for it. Look for information on jobs they have done similar to yours and speak with previous clients about their experiences.
- Additional services. Finding an excellent roofer that can be trusted is essential, and you’ll want to use them for additional projects later on. Find a provider that offers additional services such as skylight care, power washing, below grade waterproofing, and more. Once a building owner has found a trusted provider, it is convenient to use that same provider for multiple services.
- Cost. While the cost of the project should never be the sole factor for choosing a provider, it should be weighed to ensure a project is reasonably priced.
If you are a commercial building owner wondering, “what is sustainable roofing and how can it help me?” consider arranging a consultation with a respected and professional roofing company in your local community. Changing to sustainable roofing can be a positive change for both the environment and an owner’s pocketbook.
