Eco-Friendly And Energy-Efficient Roofing Trends For 2023
Construction of new buildings is becoming increasingly more energy-efficient, as buyers place greater importance on this area. The cost of living has risen rapidly over the last couple of years, and this involves higher energy bills, with increases in gas and electricity.
It may be surprising then to find that energy ratings for homes date back more than 4 decades. But, it wasn’t until about 1996 that Resnet tried to introduce more consistency in the HERS Index system.
This rating system aims to show that new builds are built to code, and make it clearer to buyers how energy-efficient new and existing homes are. So far, more than 3 million homes have been given a HERS score in the US. And this can help to enable a quicker house sale and provide buyers with more information about their new home.
One area of homes that is getting more attention now due to an increased interest in the environment, is roofing. Up to 25% of heat is lost through roofs that aren’t energy efficient, or properly insulated. Fortunately, some interesting trends are looking to reverse this problem in 2023.
What are the eco-friendly roofing trends for 2023?
If you are in the market for a replacement roof, then you might be keen to understand more about eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency. Find a roofing contractor on the net, visit their site, and take note of what materials they use.
Ideally, you would want to avoid roofing that involves PVC or is made with processes involving harmful chemicals. Asphalt for example is a byproduct from when crude oil is refined. But, there are recycled shingles that can negate some of the potential environmental harm.
Below are some roofing trends that are more eco-friendly than PVC, and will be energy efficient too.
Cool or light-colored roofs
More people are moving away from the traditional colored roofs and opting for lighter colors, including white. These are often called cool roofs, and use colors that reflect more light.
Just as people like to wear white clothes in the summer to keep cool, the same theory works for homes too.
Green or living roofs
What you do inside your attic can have a big effect on how energy-efficient your home is. Proper roofing insulation will help the home to trap heat and lower energy bills. More on the importance of insulation further on, but what happens on your roof can be interesting too.
Although these roofs take a little more maintenance, and they are more costly, green roofs are becoming more commonplace now. The idea here is to use roof space to create a living area almost like a garden. Plants can be grown on the roof, and this brings a number of benefits.
Green roofs help with air quality, and they are energy-efficient keeping cool and warm air inside the home. They can also help to trap rainwater, but the extra weight means the roofing structure needs to be much stronger than normal.
Metal roofs for strength and longevity
This material costs more than cheaper alternatives such as asphalt shingles but will last decades more. Metal roofs could potentially last up to 70 years or more, and then they can be recycled for further uses.
They are wind resistant, won’t crack as shingles or tiles do, and they can save up to 40% on energy bills. Many roofing contractors believe metal roofs are the most eco-friendly option.
Ways to make your existing roof more energy-efficient
The HERS Index doesn’t only score new homes, it can be used to great effect on existing ones too. Although older homes are less likely to be energy-efficient compared to new builds, alterations can be made, and modern heating systems retrofitted.
Every homeowner would like to keep winter heating costs down, and this can be achieved with a little roofing maintenance, and repair work.
Fix gaps and holes in the roof
Anywhere there is a hole you will potentially lose energy. Not only are you exposing your attic to water damage, but you’re letting heat escape which will mean higher energy bills. Poor maintenance can see serious roofing problems develop, and even lead to health problems if moisture gets into your walls and turns to mold.
Change or add insulation
Improperly installed or old insulation could be affecting your energy bills. The importance of attic insulation is made clear when you consider your heating bill could be reduced by more than 10% if your attic is insulated.
Seal ducts and vents
If you have any gaps around ducts or ventilation then these need to be sealed. Much like damaged tiles, or leaks, any gap letting cold air in, is letting hot air out.
Summary
Cool and green roofs are not highly common yet, but they are likely to become more so. There is a keen interest in the environment today, and construction companies and roofers are taking note.
If you live in a hot climate you will benefit from using certain roofing materials as opposed to others. And when it comes time for a roof replacement, you will have the chance to make your home greener, and more energy-efficient.
