Your roof comprises a large amount of the surface area of your home. And since heat rises...well, imagine how much energy you probably lose through your roof! Fortunately, there are several ways to make your roof more sustainable. If it's time to replace it, then you can start by choosing a more eco-friendly roofing material. Even if you stick with your old roof, there are still a few projects you can take on to increase its efficiency: add more insulation, plant a green roof, or even consider installing solar panels.
1. Choose a Sustainable Roofing Material
The roofing material that you choose will depend on the aesthetics of your home. For example, a metal roof would look out of place on a traditional home, while a Mediterranean style house begs for a terra cotta tile roof. Though cheapest, asphalt shingles are one of the less sustainable options, but you're still left with plenty of material options to consider: metal, clay tile, wood shakes, concrete tiles, fiber cement and composite roofing made of recycled materials, among others. In general, you want to avoid materials that are highly energy intensive to produce or create a lot of chemicals that can harm the environment. Also, the closer to home that it is sourced or manufactured, the better: it cuts down on fossil fuel used for transportation, and allows you to support your local economy.
Depending on the climate in which you live, the color of your roof can play a big role in its energy efficiency. If you live in a warm climate, a light-colored roof can go a long way in reflected heat from the sun. And, if you live in a very cold climate, a dark roof can help to keep your home warmer.
2. Add More Insulation
It seems as if there is no such thing as too much insulation. It keeps your home's interior comfortable, no matter what time of year. Crawl into your attic and check to see if the insulation looks adequate. It might be time to add a few more rolls of batt insulation, or rigid foam insulation. In cases where you don't have good attic access, consider spray foam insulation. Check for any air leaks around vents or other roof penetrations and seal as needed.
3. Plant a Green Roof
If your roof is flat, or at least a portion of it is, you could consider planting a green roof. What is a green roof? It is comprised of a water-proof membrane, a growing medium, and of course, lots of greenery. Green roofs not only look attractive, but they can be very insulating for your home. They are a particularly good option if you live in an urban environment, but people are building green roofs everywhere. Just be sure to check that your roof can sustain the added load.
4. Install Solar Panels
Your roof protects your home from the sun, why not harness that energy to power it? By installing solar roof panels, you can supplement if not replace your need for power from the grid. Of course, roof panels require a pricey upfront investment, but with a little help from tax incentives and some patience, they will more than pay for themselves. Check to make sure your roof can accommodate the panels and that they make sense for your climate.