Sustainable is a word that is thrown around a lot nowadays and can have various meanings for different industries and items. Sustainability often refers to processes in how something is created and how it functions. When it comes to roofing, sustainability mostly refers to energy consumption, generating energy, and how much waste is produced while constructing the roofing materials. As the cost of utilities increases, having sustainable energy systems in place can be vital for businesses. Implementing sustainable roofing practices now will save you money in the long run.
Common Traits of Sustainable Roofs
Durable Roofing Materials
A large part of sustainability is durability. The fewer items you need to purchase, the fewer resources are consumed. That’s why it’s important to factor in durability when selecting a roofing material. Roofing materials can be intense on the environment due to the waste it produces to manufacture, so making your roof last is crucial. A good roofing material to consider if you are concerned about durability is PVC roofing since it is one of the most durable roofing materials on the market.
Solar Energy Systems
Having solar panels on your roof is one of the best ways to utilize the solar energy your roof receives. Not only do solar panels increase your building’s property value, but they can also reduce your energy bill by up to 90 percent. There are tax incentives to adding solar panels, and most of the time, the initial investment will be recovered in less than five years,even less if energy prices increase. Oftentimes, solar panels create more energy than you need, which also helps on days when there is less sun.
High-Performance Insulation
High-performance insulation is important to any roofing system, especially in the winter since warm air rises and escapes through the roof. A large part of being sustainable is saving the energy that is being used on your building. Fortunately, roofing insulation is easy to install. Improving your insulation is an easy step to make your roof more sustainable and save you money.
Medium to Low Maintenance Roofs
Unless your roof is a green roof (roof with plants on it), most sustainable roofs are medium to low maintenance. Solar panels on roofs are cleaned by rain and in dryer periods can just be cleaned using a dust blower—no professionals needed. PVC roofing needs to be cleaned about once to twice a year along with inspections. Make sure to use membrane-safe cleaning methods and communicate about it to appropriate contractors; a mistake like using a pressure washer to clean a rooftop HVAC unit could put tears in the membrane and void your warranty. Similar to other roofing systems, it is recommended you hire a professional service to clean and inspect your PVC roof.
PVC Roofing & Sustainability
PVC roofing is one of the most sustainable roofing materials on the market. On top of being reflective and having good insulation properties, PVC roofing is the only commercial roofing material that can be recycled at the end of its service life. The best part about PVC roofing is that it is about the same price as other less sustainable roofing materials and it’s widely available. If you need to replace your commercial roof and are looking for a way to save money while being sustainable, PVC roofing is the right choice.
Let Duerson Help Make Your Roof Sustainable
Here at Duerson we are dedicated to fitting your roofing needs and promoting sustainability. We service areas in Iowa and around the Midwest! If you need a new commercial roof or have questions give us a call at 515-967-8300 to schedule a consultation. Our team of roofing professionals can help you with installing PVC roofing systems, repair, and more.