We typically don’t spend a lot of time thinking about our roofs. They provide shelter and help to keep us out of the elements, but without proper maintenance your roof can actually end up costing homeowners and businesses extra money in more than one way. The lifespan of a roof is typically 20 to 30 years depending on the materials and the climate. Here are three ways that businesses can benefit from commercial roofers.
Energy Savings
Heating and cooling costs seem to add up quickly; this is especially the case for buildings with outdated roofs. Conventional roofing materials reflect only 5 to 15% of the heat from the sun; the 85 to 95% of heat that is absorbed contributes to a rising cooling bill in the summer. Commercial roofers have developed more modern roofing materials that are able to reflect over 65% of heat, allowing businesses to maintain lower cooling costs in the summer. Energy Star qualified roof products are able to reduce peak cooling demand by 10 to 15%; some studies show that by choosing the right kind of roof replacement, businesses can decrease their energy needs by as much as 30%.
Customizable Roofing Solutions
There are a number of different materials, colors, and styles of roofs that allow businesses to create a totally unique look for their building. Clay, wood, metal, and slate are only a few of the many materials available as shingles; naturally there are advantages to each material selection so it would be wise to consult with professional commercial roofers to determine what material would work best for your property. Keep in mind that the actual color of your roof can also make an impact on heating and cooling costs; green, blue, and other cool-colored metal roofing options have pigments that reflect 20 to 90% of the sun’s heat for example.
Technological Applications
Technology seems to infiltrate every element of our lives, roofs are no exception. Solar panels have been around for decades but have only recently become cost effective for businesses and residents alike. Since the beginning of 2011, solar panel prices have dropped by 60% as manufacturers have started using cheaper materials to make solar panels a more practical and affordable means of energy generation. Some estimates suggest that by installing solar panels homeowners are able to save an average of $84 every month on their electricity bills. Moreover, businesses that convert to solar energy by the end of 2016 are eligible to receive a 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). In addition to roof-mounted solar panels, scientists have developed the world’s first fully transparent solar cell; this opens up a new realm of possibilities for solar energy as windows too can be outfitted with the cells to increase solar energy generation. As technology continues at the present rate it seems possible that our reliance on fossil fuels may soon be a thing of the past.
