Green from the Ground UpSee Chapter 6 on Roofing in the Green from the Ground Up book for more details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read more on the Federal Tax Credits for Roofing

Metal Roofs, Asphalt Roofs ENERGY STAR qualified

30% of cost, up to $1,500

All ENERGY STAR labeled metal and asphalt roofs qualify for the tax credit.

Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2 year warranty.

read more 

 

Green Roofing Resource

Roofing is a very important consideration in home building. It helps control the flow of air and moisture into the home and also insulates the home from extremes in temperatures. It is very climate specific and will provide years of service when installed correctly

Green Roofers’ Transition Guide
 

1. Use long life (40-50 year) shingles

Benefit

Shingles are a petroleum based product, require a lot of energy to manufacture, and should be installed to last as long as possible.

Process

Long life shingles will save the homeowner money on replacement and repair costs

Details/ Materials

These shingles are available from most manufactures

2. Specify recycled content materials

Benefit

Recycled content asphalt shingles contain recycled waste paper and/or use reclaimed slag material in their aggregate surfaces.

Process

 

Details/ Materials

Discarded asphalt shingles are a major source of construction waste. Roofers should help keep them out of landfills by recycling them

3.  Install concrete or clay tiles

Benefit

Concrete or clay tiles are very hardy. They last a lifetime and require minimal maintenance in mild climates.

Process

Check with a structural engineer to verify that the home can support this additional weight.

Details/ Materials

These roofing materials take more skill to install and cost more than asphalt shingles. Be aware that they can shatter in hail-prone areas

4. Install metal roofing

Benefit

Metal roofing has a long life, its fire resistance and is highly reflectivity in light colors.

Process

If available, install metal roofing with recycled content. Make sure it has no lead content.

Details/ Materials

More expensive than asphalt shingles, but a great green product as it can recycled at the end of its life.

5. Use light color roofing to reflect summer sun

Benefit

Light colored roofing reflects, rather than absorbs, heat from the sun. The result is a cooler home and reduced cooling bills.

Process

It lasts longer because it doesn’t expand and contract as much as dark colors.

Details/ Materials

Check the Solar Reflectivity Index ratios (SRI) to see how well a product will reflect the sun.

6. Avoid flat roofs

Benefit

Most flat roofing products are petroleum based, require a lot of energy to manufacture and install, and they have a relatively short life span.

Process

A steep pitch discourages standing water, leakage, ice dams, and heavy snow buildup.

Details/ Materials

If you cannot avoid installing a flat roof, make sure to use materials that that don’t release odors and fumes. It should also be coated with light-colored or reflective paints.

7. Install a live green roof of soil and vegetation

Benefit

Living roofs or vegetated roofs are suitable for low-pitched roofs. Topped with soil, these roofs grow plants, shrubs and grasses that insulate in the winter and provide cooling in the summer. They also reduce run-off.

Process

Plants and soil must be carefully matched to local climate conditions. The roof must also be specially engineered to be able to accommodate the extra weight.

Details/ Materials

This is a specialized expensive and time consuming process, but is as green as it gets.

“How will “Going Green” make me more money?”

Green is not simply getting more respect; it is rapidly becoming a necessity as corporations—as well as home builders, retailers, health care institutions, governments, and others—push green buildings fully into the mainstream over the next five to ten years. Customers need help with this difficult project and will look to you as an expert to show them what needs to be done.

“I thought green was just for Treehuggers.”

Green Homes no longer look like they did in the 70’s. They now look normal and very diverse. Professionals who would not consider themselves “greenies” are adopting green practices. People can now see the real benefit of these practices and want to implement them in their own lives.

“How will I talk to my customers about my green practices?”

A home should be built to last a lifetime. Whenever possible, use materials that have a long life. Shingles that last only 15 years are wasteful. 40-50 year shingles are now on the market and are a much greener option.
Longer lasting products such as clay or concrete tile, metal or slate are very durable and attractive.

“Why should I care about the environment?”

By using materials that last longer, roofers are doing their part to keep materials out of the landfills. Metal roofing is a good option, especially if the steel is made of recycled content. A roof that is installed well will save your client lots of money on their energy bills.

“What kind of training am I going to give my team?”

- Greenbuilding.com has a team of green building specialists. One of our trainers can come to your business to train your team.
- We have roofing specialists.
- We can provide a one-day training to get your team ready to transition to green. This training will include marketing your business as green.

“What should I do first?”

- Read our Green Roofers’ Transition Guide below.
- Our guide is organized with the easiest changes listed first and those that may take longer listed last

 

Click on the link below for a print friendly version to take with you to the jobsite. Post for for your crew to know more about green building practices and technologies.

 

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