A building’s roof is the first line of defense against the elements and weather, so it makes sense to explore using the elements sustainably while building a new or replacing an existing roof. Businesses are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices, and commercial roofing is no exception.
Roofing systems play a pivotal role in making buildings energy-efficient, saving consumers money, and can even contribute to reducing the carbon footprint in cities. Sustainable roofing systems are a top choice for businesses looking to reduce energy consumption and combat the urban heat island effect, which happens when cities replace natural land cover with dense concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat. This effect increases energy costs, air pollution levels, and even the health of the inhabitants.
In this guide, we will explore the benefits of choosing a sustainable approach to commercial roofing and your options as you explore more environmentally-friendly roofing systems.
Sustainable Roofing Systems
These sustainable roofing systems are making an environmental difference and can save you money in the long term.
Cool Roof Systems
Cool roof systems come in various forms, including cool roof coatings, single-ply membranes, and cool roof shingles. The reflective surfaces prevent the absorption of heat which keeps the building cooler. This results in less air conditioning usage, and a significant reduction in summer energy bills.
Warner Commercial Roofing is a premier installer of Duro-Last roofing systems, which reflect up to 86% of the sun’s rays, resulting in saving up to 35% on energy costs.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is a durable option that is also eco-friendly because metal is easily recyclable. While metal roofs may not provide the insulation and leak-proof qualities of other sustainable roofing options, there are ways to work with the right materials to ensure a sustainable approach. Your contractor may suggest applying a cool roof coating, such as Duro-Shield™ Acrylic or Silicone Coating, to the metal roof in order to increase heat absorption, reflectivity, and protect against leaks. You can improve the sustainability of your metal roofs by working with DuroLast roofing membrane, which is completely recyclable.
Solar Roofing
Solar roofing is a sustainable roofing option that harnesses the power of the sun to generate electricity. It combines roofing materials with solar panels, making it a choice for businesses looking to reduce their energy bills and environmental impact simultaneously. There are a few disadvantages to adding solar panels to your roof, like prohibitive start-up costs and an increased weight load—a single solar panel can weigh 40 pounds.
Living Roofs
Living roofs are one way to bring nature into an urban environment. These roofs feature a layer of vegetation, providing insulation and reducing stormwater runoff. Living roofs are not a realistic option for every building owner, however, as they can increase the weight load, are more costly, and require higher maintenance than other sustainable roofing options.
Benefits of Sustainable Commercial Roofing
Investing in sustainable commercial roofing offers a multitude of benefits for businesses throughout Fox Valley, WI.
Energy Efficiency
Sustainable roofing systems, such as cool roofs, significantly reduce energy consumption. Lower energy bills mean more money saved in the long run, contributing to a healthier bottom line for your business.
Extended Roof Lifespan
Sustainable roofing materials are designed to be durable and long-lasting. This means fewer maintenance and replacement costs over the years, making it a cost-effective choice. Warner Commercial Roofing offers up to 50-year warranties on the Duro-Life™ 600 roofing system.
Environmental Responsibility
By choosing sustainable roofing options, your business can demonstrate its commitment to environmental responsibility. This can be a powerful marketing tool, attracting environmentally-conscious customers and partners.
Improved Indoor Comfort
Cool roofs and other energy-efficient roofing systems help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This leads to a more pleasant working environment for employees and customers alike.
Tax Benefits
Through the IRS Tax Code, Section 179, Commercial building owners may be eligible for tax benefits by repairing or replacing your commercial roof. Using Duro-Last roofing material can be considered a capital improvement, which means it may qualify for certain tax deductions or credits.
Repurposing and Disposing of Roofing Materials
Inevitably, after a roof needs to be replaced, materials will need to be disposed of. This can lead to landfill overcrowding, chemical leaching, and additional labor and transportation to adhere to proper waste disposal practices. However, as an increasing number of roofing companies are embracing sustainable building materials, there is hope to reduce waste and decrease obsolescence. Whether it’s sustainable roof coating, recycled materials, or solar-ready roofs, the roofing industry is taking significant steps towards a more environmentally friendly future.
On flat roof projects Warner Commercial Roofing uses Duro-Last roofing materials, which offers “Recycle Your Roof,” a take-back program so that old roofing systems can be recycled into new products. The Duro-Last product also contains at least 7% pre-consumer recycled content without decreasing in quality. Duro-Last’s systems are in line with green building certifications, such as LEED, the world’s most widely used green building rating system.
Warner Commercial Roofing is also known to get creative with repurposing excess roofing materials. Their roofers use scrap materials to complete corners, and have even crafted sleds and pitchers mounds, which have been donated to local high schools. From recycling old roofing materials to minimizing waste, they take every step to reduce their environmental impact.
By investing in sustainable roofing materials and systems, you not only reduce your environmental footprint but also enjoy cost savings and improved indoor comfort.
Warner Commercial Roofing, with its expertise, commitment to sustainability, and local knowledge, is the ideal partner to help you achieve your roofing project with sustainability in mind. Contact us today for a free quote.
