Share:

Energy efficiency has grown increasingly important to homeowners in recent years, and roofing contractors have responded by developing or improving environmentally friendly approaches to roofing. Two of the most popular ideas are “cool” roofs designed to reduce energy consumption in summer and “green” roofs that incorporate plants in their design.

These two eco-friendly ideas may be fairly new to most homeowners. To explain, Walter St. Clair Roofing, a respected Cincinnati-area roof repair and installation company, details some of the similarities and differences between green and cool roofs.

Cool Roofs

A cool roof is a fairly simple passive solar roofing system. The implementation is straightforward: a roofing contractor installs the roof using materials designed to reflect rather than absorb direct sunlight. Whereas traditional asphalt-shingle roofing soaks up much of the sun’s rays, a roofing contractor can instead choose a lighter colored covering to create a cool roof.

Green Roofs

A green roof is a much more complicated proposition, although incorporating plants in roofing is a very ancient technique. By covering a roof in plant material, heat reduction similar to a cool roof can be achieved, as well as several benefits. Green roofs can improve air quality and also have a pleasant aesthetic effect. Due to its thickness, a green roof also serves as a durable barrier to harsh weather, provides excellent noise insulation, and helps to reduce the load on storm drains by absorbing a significant amount of rainwater.

Drawbacks

Roofing contractorWhile a cool roof can be relatively inexpensive for a roofing contractor to install, a green roof may require structural adjustments due to its much greater weight. Irrigation might also be necessary depending on your climate and the vegetation the roofing contractor installs. A green roof will also require an extremely durable roof membrane to prevent any leaks.

Both green and cool roofs may slightly increase heating costs during cold weather for the same reason that they reduce cooling costs in summer. Depending on your climate and the relative levels of your heating and cooling bills, the efficiency savings may not justify the expense of changing an existing roof. In addition, due to their reflective properties, some cool roofs can create enough glare to bother neighbors or create aesthetic discomfort.

If you feel like a green or cool roof would be of benefit to your home, contact an experienced roofing contractor to ask about an estimate for making the conversion. Walter St. Clair Roofing has been performing roof repairs and full roofing installation in the Cincinnati, OH, area since 1927. Visit them online to find out more or call (513) 641-3265 today!

tracking