With Earth day coming in April we have been thinking about green roofing ideas.   Most people think the roofing industry is without green options, that is a huge misconception.  In fact, I have put a couple of ideas together that are simple and currently available in today’s market place.

First consider the coatings on any roof system you buy. One of the simplest ways to keep solar heat out of buildings is to use reflective roofing materials. Then, the sun's radiant energy is simply reflected back toward the sky from which it came. In fact, reflective materials also help keep the building's environment (i.e., the city) cool, by reflecting solar energy back out into space, thereby reducing the heat island effect. The Cool Roofing Materials Database provides information about the reflective properties of different roofing materials.  Look for ENERGY STAR^®-labeled roofing products, they reflect heat and can reduce peak cooling demand by 10 to 15 percent.

Next think about using a system made from recycled products.  Roof systems now on the market can be made from recycled plastic, carpet, rubber, tires, reclaimed wood and metal.  Of all these options metal has been around the longest and has a great track record for success.  There have been major advances in metal roof systems in the last decade and may be worth considering.

Here are some facts about metal roofs you may not know. Shingles can be constructed using recycled aluminum and steel. Recycling aluminum instead of mining and processing virgin ore results in energy savings of up to 95 percent.  Steel can be recycled again and again from pre- and post-consumer sources (cans, appliances, cars, and construction materials). In fact, essentially all steel products produced today contain some percentage of recycled steel.  Every year, the steel recycling industry saves enough energy to power 18 million homes, and new natural resources are conserved.  In fact, for every one-ton of recycled steel we save 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone.  Whether you choose Standing Seem or Stone Coated Steel roofing that looks like tile, wood shake or shingles, a metal roof system is a great way to go.  Remember that steel is energy efficient and impact resistant to hail and most insurance companies give homeowners significant discounts for using steel roofing.

When you are considering a new roof and you want to do it in an environmentally friendly way you do have options.  There are choices in coating and materials that will allow you to install an environmentally responsible roofing system and Red River Roofing is here to help.  For questions about green roofing or any other roofing topic please contact us by phone, or visit our website www.redriverroofing.com to see which option works best for your home.  And remember that Red River Roofing is Oklahoma’s most Reliable Reputable Resource for all your roofing needs; with our home office located in Edmond for your convenience.