With all the commercial roofing options for business owners out there, how do you know which one is the right one for your business or commercial property? Do you know which roof type is the most eco-friendly? Well, you don’t have to figure it out all by yourself because the Maupin Roofing team is here to share our commercial roofing industry knowledge! We’ll help you pick the best eco-friendly commercial roof that doesn’t just benefit you as a business owner, but also positively impacts the environment.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Commercial Roofing Systems
Eco-friendly commercial roofing systems offer green alternatives to typical commercial roofing materials in the market. The aim is to minimize the environmental impact brought by commercial buildings—especially properties in busy urban areas. So, if you’re a business owner planning a roofing project for your commercial building, it’s important to understand the benefits of eco-friendly roofing systems to make the best choice.
Energy Efficiency
An energy-efficient roof promises reduced energy consumption as it effectively helps regulate your building’s temperature. For example, cool roofs do a great job of reflecting sunlight off their surface instead of absorbing heat. By doing this, you avoid high temperatures inside your property, meaning your air conditioning doesn’t have to take up so much energy to keep your building cool. This is especially beneficial for business owners who run large warehouses because it helps reduce cooling costs and makes the working environment more comfortable for the employees.
Urban Heat Island Effect Reduction
If you live in a city or if you’ve ever been to one, you probably know how hot it can get at times. This is because of a phenomenon called the urban heat island effect, which refers to how cities experience higher temperatures due to various roofing systems and building materials like concrete and asphalt shingles that absorb a lot of heat from the sun. These materials hold onto that heat, meaning urban areas stay warmer even during nighttime.
Commercial properties make up a large percentage of the buildings that contribute to the urban heat island effect because of their generally large surface areas and flat roofs. This makes it especially important for building owners to consider eco-friendly roofing options which can significantly reduce the amount of heat absorbed by their roof. In turn, this counteracts the urban heat island effect and helps things cool down much quicker.
Longer Roof Lifespan
Eco-friendly commercial and residential roofs actually last longer than regular roofing systems. Generally, the materials used to make eco-friendly roofs are specially designed to provide exceptional resistance to chemical exposure and weather elements like high winds, heavy rain, hail, and the scorching sun. With a high-quality roof like this, frequent repairs won’t be needed, which allows you to save money and do the environment a favor by reducing waste.
Types of Eco-Friendly Roofing Materials
Green Roofs
Basically, green roofs transform your roof into a mini garden. Instead of traditional roofing materials, you have a layer of soil and plants on your roof that works wonders when it comes to insulation. It keeps the temperature down during hotter seasons and maintains warmth in the winter. Aside from that, green roofs look great; your property will surely stand out in a city or blend in with the surroundings in rural areas.
Cool Roofs
Commercial roofing systems can benefit greatly by using cool roofs. This refers to a roofing system specifically designed to reflect sunlight and redirect its heat rather than absorb it. Cool roofs typically come in light colors (e.g. white, light gray, or cream) because a light-colored roofing system absorbs less heat. With this kind of roofing system, you don’t have to worry about high electricity bills, because cool roofs are known to reduce the strain on your air conditioning.
Typically, cool roofs are made of various materials that are all made to reflect sunlight, including:
Cool roof coatings like reflective or light-colored paints.
Single-ply membrane options like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and thermoplastic polyolefin (commonly used on low slope roofs).
Newer versions of modified bitumen with reflective granules or coatings.
Metal roofs, tile roofs, and reflective shingles.
Solar Roofs
Another popular choice for eco-friendly roofing is solar roofs. It’s a great option for your commercial roofing system because it combines traditional roofing with solar panels. Aside from looking modern and sleek, solar panels get usable energy from the sun, making them incredibly energy efficient. While the installation process itself can be quite expensive, it’s definitely a worthy investment that reduces your electricity bills and overall carbon footprint.
Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing System for Your Business
Planning a new construction for a commercial roofing system? Or maybe you want to switch out your traditional roofing system for something more eco-friendly like a cool metal roofing or a green roof. Whatever your choice is, make sure to keep these considerations in mind so you can enjoy your eco-friendly roof for a longer time:
High-Quality Materials
The best materials make the most durable and long-lasting commercial roofing. If you’re going to invest in a new eco-friendly roof, you might as well choose high-quality materials that are designed to last and withstand weather elements. Additionally, durable materials typically come with better warranties and have a better overall performance, so you can rest assured that they will give you the best return on your investment.
Appearance
You want your chosen eco-friendly roofing to complement your existing building design and architecture. The appearance of your business building can attract potential customers, so you need a roofing material that enhances your property’s curb appeal and aligns with your brand’s image.
Functionality
Of course, commercial roofs aren’t all about appearances. After you install it, your roofing system should do its job as expected. It should suit your area’s weather conditions and handle your business’s specific needs. Ultimately, you need to consider how your roof will help you manage your energy costs and support your business operations.
Finding Roofing Professionals for Your Project
To get the eco-friendly roof you’ve always wanted, get in touch with a trusted commercial roofing company. They’ll guide you through the entire process—from choosing the best materials to installation—ensuring they expertly bring your visions to life.
If you’re looking for commercial roofing services in Oklahoma City, OK, look no further than the industry leader, Maupin Roofing!
Maupin Roofing and Construction
When it comes to roof repair, re-roofing, and installation, our commercial roofing OKC services are unmatched. Give us a call at (405) 703-3843 today for a free estimate!
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