With hydroelectric rates increasing in the province of Ontario; consumers are searching for ways to become more energy efficient.
Often promoted, are insulation upgrades, window retrofits, replacement of furnaces and appliances with new Energy Star™ rated products; which are often subject to Government sponsored rebate programs, and or tax credits.
Often unknown by consumers; is the fact that one can also incorporate an energy-efficient roof as part of a strategy to reduce one’s carbon footprint and reduce energy costs. Likely, the roofing industry as a whole could do a better job promoting the fact that there are roofing materials and components in the construction of roof assemblies, that provide residential and commercial property owners with a more energy-efficient roof.
On the residential side; Tesla has been publicized as offering a solar shingle roofing option; reported to have great demand in the United States, at an estimated installation cost of about $22 per square foot.
This translates on a 2,500 square ft. roof to cost about $55,000 in U.S. funds. And while we are not aware of any Canadian installations as of this publishing; it is likely that as demand increases, and costs of production become reduced; it will represent a considerable option for future sloped roofing applications.
In terms of today’s reality; Certainteed™ is a highly respected shingle manufacturer that produces a line of shingles called “ Solaris”, which have solar reflective granules on the surface of the shingle; which are designed to reflect the sun’s rays, and therefore contribute to reducing attic temperatures which in turn, serves to reduce heating and cooling costs. The Solaris shingle is available by special order and offers a limited selection of colour options. The product appears similar to a traditional fibreglass laminate shingle.
There are also some conventional sloped roofing options that can be considered an energy-efficient roof system.
As an example; cedar shingles and shakes are known to act as an effective insulator, offering a higher degree of warmth when compared to traditional shingles. They further can be full recycled at the end of their lifespan. Cedar products offer a classic appearance and represent a great option for house walls, gables, and dormer accents. To learn more; one can visit the Canadian Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau® website.
Slate tiles; while not traditionally considered a great insulating roofing material in of itself; certainly represent a highly durable option, able to last in the realm of one hundred years, and even beyond. Slate in combination with a properly insulated attic; serves to keep an attic cooler, also resulting in reduced energy costs. In addition to being fully recyclable at life’s end; the savings over decades in terms of roof replacement and tear-off costs, arguably make slate a highly cost-effective option over time. Costs for a slate roof installation can be in the realm of $20 per square ft.
This natural material quarried from various regions in North America, not only works with historical and traditional architecture but also works beautifully with modern architectural design. Slate is truly a sustainable roofing option and can be considered a roof for a lifetime.
Insulated metal panel roofs represent another highly sustainable option for roof replacement. Metal roofs can be recycled. Such roofing systems constructed with some form of standing seam/batten design can last in excess of fifty years when using pre-painted steel. The lifespan can be longer if using copper panels. Such materials installed, cost in the range of $15- $22 per square ft.
As with any type of sloping roof system; having a properly insulated attic space, or rafter space (vaulted ceilings); in combination with an enduring roofing product, will result in a highly efficient roof assembly.
In the commercial realm of roof replacement;” white roofs” are an excellent choice for commercial building owners that have flat roof assets. In the category of white roofs; there are single-ply roofing assemblies such as TPO, white EPDM, and PVC. These products can be fully recycled, and offer a highly reflective surface which serves to reflect the UV rays of the sun. As a result; they help to reduce ambient temperature, and are favoured in many North American cities,(including Toronto); who are trying to curb the “heat island effect” ( effectively lowering the temperature in cities, and reducing energy consumption for cooling.
A building owner can realize substantial reductions in the cost of heating and cooling a building by using such technology and particularly in combination with increased levels of thermal roofing insulation, incorporated into the roofing assembly.
Further advantages include the fact that the use of odorous asphalt is avoided, thereby helping to reduce air pollution. Costs for commercial single ply roofing systems can run from $9 to $20 per square ft. based on the characteristics, size, and complexity of the flat roof itself.
In the category of two-ply roofing assemblies; modified bitumen can be purchased with a white or grey granulated surface, which also serves to help reflect heat.
Thermal roof insulation can be used in any type of flat roofing assembly, and when a building owner is faced with roof replacement; it can be prudent to incorporate higher insulation levels to create a reduction in heating and cooling costs.
Costs for adding thermal insulation to a flat roof can average about $1 per square ft. per inch of polyisocyanurate (poly-iso) insulation.
An increasingly popular option for commercial flat roofs in North America; is the incorporation of a “green roof” assembly. Essentially green roofs refer to the application of plant mediums and sedum, which serve to increase air quality, increase life-span of the roofing assembly, mitigate stormwater runoff, and provide a habitat for birds.
The cost of adding a green roof to a flat roof waterproofing assembly can typically cost as additional $20 to $35 per square foot, above the cost of the waterproofing assembly itself. Savings over time are the result of payback.
To learn more about energy-efficient roof assemblies, commercial /industrial or residential roof replacements; visit: www.avenueroadroofing.com