A new roof is an expensive investment for your home. If you are in the market for a new roof, do consider these factors:
- Choose tile, slate or clay roofing materials instead of tar shingles.
- Select light-colored roofing and put a layer of radiant barrier underneath it, especially if air conditioning ducts run through your attic. This will block significant amounts of heat from entering through your rooftop into your attic.
- Install long-lasting 50 year composition roofing that requires less frequent replacement.
Attics should be fully insulated especially if water pipes and ducts travel through your attic. This reduces utility costs by putting the HVAC and water pipes into a less extreme, conditioned area.
The living roof system has long been used in Europe to reduce storm run-off, absorb CO2, and cool the environment, but it’s still relatively new here in the United States, and not appropriate for all climates. Visit Green Roofs for Healthy Cities to learn more. Click here to learn more
