Green Options

When looking for a new roof replacement, a homeowner should consider greener options in order to help the environment. Roof replacement is the perfect time to make a house just a little greener as it opens opportunities for additions to a home that would have been unnecessary otherwise. Ocean County roofing contractors can help when choosing between options for a greener roof. There are many ways to make a roof greener, below are just a few of those options.

The first step toward making a house greener is to check the building’s insulation. While this is standard in any home, insulation can degrade over time. When the insulation has sufficiently degraded, the house no longer traps heat or cool air. As a result, the air conditioning and heating system has to work harder to keep the house at a steady temperature. Rapid heat transfer from the house results in a less comfortable home and a higher energy bill. While considering new insulation for the home, a homeowner should also consider replacing fiberglass insulation with stone or wool insulation. Fiberglass is known for being hazardous if touched or breathed in. It especially creates problems for the elderly or those with asthma.

By replacing the fiberglass, the homeowner is making the house greener and more energy efficient.

Once the insulation has been replaced in the home, the homeowner should also check the roof and framing for damage. Any holes in the roof or in the wooden framing of the house could lead to significant heat loss as well. Even more so, holes could lead to leaks and eventually water damage. In case the roof needs to be replaced, a homeowner should consider the many substitutes for asphalt roofing. If he or she is on a budget, then there is the option of simply choosing white asphalt over black asphalt. White asphalt reflects the sun’s rays and therefore heats the house less than black asphalt, which absorbs sunlight. After installing white roofing, the house will become noticeably cooler.

If a roof needs to be replaced, the homeowner can also consider having solar tiles or panels installed. Depending on the budget and the type of roofing, solar tiles can be the better choice. While they are more expensive, they are installed directly into the roof. Unlike panels, they are sealed onto the roof to prevent them from falling off or damage to the roof underneath. Installing solar equipment is a great way to not only save energy, but also generate green energy. A roofing contractor from Fortified Roofing of Ocean County NJ can answer your questions about roof repairs or gutters.

Term explained by roofing company Fortified Roofing, Ocean County NJ:

Insulation

Insulation can be considered the stuffing of the home. Insulation goes in spaces between drywall as well as the attic. It is used to prevent heat transfer and keep the house at a constant temperature. It comes in a variety of materials, but is most commonly made of fiberglass.

Question and answer from Ocean County roofing experts Fortified Roofing:

When should fiberglass be replaced?

Fiberglass is known for its durability and longevity. However, it should be replaced once every five years or so to keep it in the best shape. Fiberglass is less able to hold in heat as it ages. Over time, the insulation is no longer efficient. Degraded fiberglass is also dangerous to one’s health as glass particles may float in the air after a draft or disturbance.

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