| Buildings all have one thing in common, four walls | | | | more aesthetically pleasing characteristics come at a |
| supported by a roof overhead. Building owners, | | | | higher initial cost. The products used in the installation |
| whether their properties are residential or commercial, | | | | of a roof can also affect its level of sustainability. |
| are responsible for the installation and maintenance of | | | | Cold adhesives reduce odor and the amount of |
| these components. When considering new residential | | | | hazardous fumes emitted during application. |
| roofing, commercial roofing, or roofing repair options, | | | | Newer hot adhesives have also been introduced with |
| something that is efficient and cost effective is top | | | | lower emissions ratings. Another recent advancement |
| priority. Maybe it's time to consider a green or solar | | | | is the fume-capturing kettle, which true to its name, |
| roof. | | | | reduces the amount of fumes released by adhesives. |
| A green roof really has very little to do with color, | | | | Another option in green roofing can actually provide |
| although there are a few different uses for the | | | | energy to meet electrical needs. This is done through |
| terminology. Most commonly, green roofs are | | | | solar roofing systems. |
| environmentally friendly roofing systems made from | | | | Solar roof shingles are one such example. These |
| recycled materials. The life cycle of these roofs is | | | | shingles create no air or noise pollution. They can be |
| much longer than that of traditional roofing systems. | | | | used as a sole source of energy by charging |
| They also require much less work by way of | | | | batteries to use at night or overcast days. Or they |
| maintenance requirements, and the materials used in | | | | can be used in conjunction with standard utilities, |
| the roofs can be recycled once they have reached | | | | removing some of the dependence placed on |
| the end of their life spans. | | | | traditional energy sources and lowering overall |
| Several different sustainable building materials can be | | | | environmental impact. |
| used on a green roof. The key is choosing a durable | | | | Another solar roofing option is the solar panel. Solar |
| product that will keep the elements at bay. Some | | | | panels convert sunlight into electricity in the same |
| asphalt shingles contain recycled paper, but are not | | | | manner as solar roof shingles and can be installed |
| recyclable themselves and require more frequent | | | | onto an existing roof on the portion that gets the |
| replacement. Recycled rubber roofing, made from | | | | most direct sun exposure. Converting to a green or |
| recycled tires, is a relatively new product on the | | | | solar roof has many more benefits than |
| market with a high likelihood for durability. | | | | disadvantages. It helps save money. |
| Steel and aluminum roofs can have recycled content | | | | Solar and green roofing has many advantages. It |
| levels as high as 100%, are lightweight and durable, | | | | helps save the earth and the environment and |
| easily recyclable, reduce energy usage by reflecting | | | | improves personal health through lower pollution |
| heat, and are an optimum surface for rainwater | | | | levels. It stimulates the economy through an |
| collection systems. Slate, clay, and concrete tiles are | | | | increased interested in green technologies. Finally, and |
| durable, easy to recycle, and more attractive than | | | | most importantly, it just makes sense. |
| some other roofing materials, but along with their | | | | |