Replacing the roof on your commercial building is a large investment and comes with some very important decisions you will have to make. One such decision is if you want to replace the existing roof with environmentally-friendly building materials or opt for more traditional materials.
If you like the idea of utilizing green building materials on your commercial roof but aren't sure what to look for, then the information below will help:
Choose Natural Roofing Materials When Possible
If you own a small commercial building that looks more like a residential home than a business location, then you may be able to install a cedar shake or slate roof. These natural materials are long-lasting as well as made completely of natural materials.
Cedar shakes come from cedar trees that are continuously replanted, and slate is a stone that's available in abundance in many areas of the country.
On the back end, both cedar shakes and slate can be recycled and kept out of a landfill once they are no longer useful on your commercial roof.
Utilize Products With Recycled Components
If your commercial building is larger and has a more traditional roof, then you have many environmentally-friendly options when replacing it. For example, you can opt for a metal roof made of recycled steel. Recycled metal prevents the need for raw metal to be mined, refined, and then made into roofing materials. This saves a lot of resources.
Metal roofs last for decades in even the least forgiving environments. In addition, metal roofing panels are highly reflective, so they reflect the sun's heat rather than absorbing it into the interior space.
Consider Green Membrane Systems for Flat Industrial Roofs
If you are replacing a roof that is flat and currently covered in asphalt, then a green membrane system is a great replacement option. These types of roofing materials are designed to reflect the maximum amount of solar radiation as well as providing your building with a tight thermal envelope and insulation.
Get Additional Assistance
To discuss the exact green roofing materials available for your commercial building, it is always best to work with a commercial roofing contractor located in your local area who specializes in green roofing systems. They will have the most knowledge about new products coming onto the market as well as experience working with this type of roofing materials. Finally, they will also have all of the knowledge necessary about local building codes and which green systems you are permitted to install in your specific area.
Contact a company like Durafoam Roofing LLC for more information.