According to a report about £40 billion is spend towards air condition buildings annually. It equals a 6th of the total electricity generated. By investing in an energy efficient roofing system, you can save a lot of energy and money overtime. In this way your home and family is comfortable and safe.
Actually, installing an energy efficient roofing system can reduce the buildings energy consumption of about 40%. Your home insulation gets enhanced – in winter the ambiance remains warm and in summer there is coolness.
A green roof is a large investment but you will still wish to study about the various options to improve your home based on the climate and budget. For balancing the cost of adapting energy efficient roofing system there are income tax credits presented by the Government. This efficient roof enables you to attain a tax credit of 30% – of the overall material cost only and not the installation cost.
Energy efficient roofing system can radically lessen the total energy used in your house. Thus the emission of greenhouse gas decreases and significantly lowers the utility bills. Even though the initial installment charges are high, however this investment will be covered by the reduction in energy bills overtime.
Types of Energy Efficient Roofs
Cool roofs – A cool roof is intended to reflect the sunlight and heat. Conventional roofing materials absorb about 85% to 90% heat in summer. The cool roofing materials absorb only 35% or less heat. There are various cool roofs that play an important role in diminishing the carbon footprints and preserving the environment.
Various kinds of cool roofs are:
Low-sloped roofs – These are normally seen on commercial buildings, multi-family homes and industrial buildings. These can be made extra efficient by applying single-ply membrane or cool coating. Cool coating is a thick paint that can be painted on existing surfaces including gravel, asphalt, metal and specific single-ply materials. Cool coatings also improve bonding, and durability. It also suppresses the growth of algae and washes easily with rain water.
Steep sloped roofs – These are found on residential houses. Cool roofing for steep slopes includes painted metal and tiles. Cool colored tiles are comprised of pigments that can reflect 25% to 75% solar energy, depending on the color. Metal roofing with cool color system has pigments that can reflect 20% to 90% sunlight. Metal roofing is highly durable and popularly preferred than tiles.
Green Roofs – Green roofs are gardens covering the existing roof that are prepared with the help of special planters. These gardens are mini eco-system. The greenery basically shades the roof. Thus the transfer of heat is reduced and the building below is kept cool. Green roofs act as insulators during the winter season. Moreover, they reduce the air pollution as well as provide garden space in crowded regions, where open spaces are rare.
The cost of installing green roofs is high but you can perform an analysis to determine the net profits got from installing them. It is also the best energy efficient roofing system for your building or house. Save energy! Save the eco-system! Help In reducing carbon footprints by adapting energy efficient home plans.