The definition of a sustainable roof can be someone enigmatic. It can mean different things to different people. even the terminology can be confusing. But what is clear is that sustainable roofs can save money and produce energy. Here are four key factors that you should keep in mind when looking for sustainable roofing repair or installation solution.
Insulation
We measure the insulation value of a roof, and any other surface and material with insulating capabilities, in terms of R-value. R-value is the rating of a material’s resistance to heat transfer through itself
As roofs act as an essential barrier to different environmental forces inside and outside the building, roof insulation plays a crucial role in ensuring longevity and energy efficiency. Many roofing systems have extremely low R-values, and therefore cost their building owners money every single day. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. With less heat, air conditioning, and other forms of energy leaving your building, you should see a decline in your utilities and maintenance bill.
Energy
Energy-efficient roofing material can significantly reduce the amount of energy usage, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions as well as the utility bills. Different climatic conditions demand different types of roofing materials to conserve energy. Light-colored, highly reflective surface, for instance, are suitable for warm southern climate, while dark, heat-absorbing roof surfaces are best in the Northern part of the US. Despite the variations in the requirement of roofing surfaces, EPDM single-ply roofing membrane is the only roofing solution suitable for both climatic zones without further need of additional coating and modifications. Commercial units located in hot regions can be made energy efficient by applying cool coating or white single-ply membrane on the roof surface, whereas black EPDM single-ply roof membrane works well for cold regions.
Condensation
Roofs are vulnerable to condensation anytime warm, moist interior air rising up through a building comes into contact with a cold roof assembly. Most people are unaware of the fact that un-balanced atmospheric conditions inside the building can dramatically affect the overall lifespan of their roofing system.
A building that contains high volume of indoor moisture moving upward through stack/chimney effect into the roof is prone to condensation inside the roofing system. If left unchecked it may lead to expensive repairs and a possible premature roof replacement – especially if the vapor barrier for internal moisture is not properly installed at the time of roof installation. Whether getting a retrofit or a new installation, it is important to evaluate atmospheric conditions outside and inside the building to avoid potential damage to the roof .
Maintenance
Building deterioration starts with a leaky roof that leads to marred interior surfaces, mold growth, and structural damage. Developing new standards of roof system durability and roof asset management may significantly increase a building’s service life. A proper routine roof maintenance and repair regime, therefore, has to be followed, to ensure the longevity of roofing system and maximum return on the investment. Make sure that the commercial roofing contractor you hire is known to provide high quality roofing solutions with extensive service life, backed by a substantial warranty. Moreover, it is equally important to ensure that the provider is always ready to address any issue that may arise during the warranty coverage period.
The return on investment from a commercial roofing job comes from creating the best environment to create positive interactions with the various components of the roofing system, while heeding specific climatic conditions. When choosing a commercial roofing contractor, be sure that your service provider has necessary technical expertise to assess the component interactions with the climatic zones in terms of sustainability, services life, and life cycle cost.