Before we begin, it’s essential to understand a green roof system. Green roof systems are roofs that use an environmentally friendly material instead of traditional asphalt shingles. These roofs can be vegetative with drainage systems or have container gardens where the plants are in pots.
Some “green” technology examples for these roofs are reflective coatings applied to the exterior surface area.
This article will explore the benefits of green roof systems that utilize reflective roof coatings. Many building owners and facility maintenance managers favor this type of roofing system because of its advantages.
Why Green Roofs Are Popular
Inside of the Building Remains Cooler
Because the roof is coated with a material that reflects most of the sun’s radiation into the atmosphere, the temperature inside the building stays cooler.
This also keeps the roof cooler, preventing overheating and maintaining a stable temperature in general. Moreover, green roof technology provides an extra measure of insulation against both heat and cold.
Reduced Energy Costs
The reflective coatings on green roofs not only lower energy costs from air conditioning usage but also decrease roof maintenance costs and extend the roof’s overall life. Protecting your roof from the sun’s damaging UV rays, these green roof coatings prohibit early roof degradation and failures.
Improves Energy Efficiency
The AcryShield High Reflectance A590 can reduce cooling energy costs by 10-30%. This roof coating system was designed to minimize air conditioning energy usage. Moreover, green roofs can help to insulate a building and improve energy efficiency.
Environmentally Friendly
AcryShield Roof Maintenance System and AcrylicPly Roof Restoration Systems reflect light rather than absorb it, which helps to reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect.
In addition, they both use products with deficient levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), emit no strong odors, and don’t require air-conditioning as much – lowering emissions of CO2 and other pollutants released into the atmosphere.
Saves on Heating Costs in the Winter
As the winter months approach, many homeowners begin to think about ways to reduce their heating costs. One option that is becoming increasingly popular is the green roof. It helps to insulate the building and keep heat from escaping.
In addition, green roofs can help cool the building in the summer by absorbing sunlight and allowing evaporation. As a result, green roofs can save homeowners money on their energy bills year-round. Green roofs also have many other benefits, such as improving air quality. As the green roof industry continues to grow, more and more homeowners are considering this option for their homes.
Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect
Green roofs are one of the latest trends in eco-friendly architecture, and for a good reason. Not only do they provide several aesthetic benefits, but they can also help to reduce energy costs and moderate the UHI Effect.
Green roofs work by absorbing heat and insulating the building below. This can help to keep the interior of the building cooler in the summer months, reducing the need for air conditioning. In winter, green roofs help to protect against heat loss, reducing energy costs. In addition, green roof designs can help to mitigate the UHI Effect by providing a natural cooling effect.
How to Install a Green Roof System
Green technology coatings are a type of waterproofing membrane used to waterproof roofs. They are applied on a square-foot-by-square-foot basis and can be used on both flat and traditional roofs. Green technology coatings are also environmentally friendly and help to reflect sunlight, which can help to reduce energy costs.
Choose Waterproofing Membranes
First, you’ll need to choose a waterproofing membrane. There are many different types of membranes on the market, so select one that is right for your specific roof type.
Calculate Your Green Roof
Next, determine the square footage of your roof. This will help you determine how much material you’ll need to purchase. Once you have the square footage, you can calculate the amount of traditional roofing material you’ll need to remove to make room for the new coating.
Clean Surface
The next step is to clean the roof surface and then apply the coating using a brush or roller. The coating should be applied in a continuous, even layer and allowed to dry for 24 hours before being exposed to rain or snow.
Apply Green Roof Coating
Finally, apply the coating according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to allow adequate time for the coating to dry before walking on it or applying additional layers. By following these simple steps, you can easily install a green technology coating on your roof.
Intensive Green Roofs
Most people are familiar with traditional green roofs, also known as extensive green roofs. These are typically found in rural areas, where they help to reduce the amount of runoff and improve the quality of air and water.
However, intensive green roofs are also becoming increasingly popular in urban areas. These living roofs are typically much thicker than their rural counterparts, containing various plants and small trees.
In addition to providing the same environmental benefits as traditional green roofs, intensive green roofs can also help to create a more pleasant and desirable urban environment. Although true, they require a more initial investment and maintenance than regular green roofs; they offer a range of benefits that make them well worth the effort.
Professionals Can Help You Apply Green Roof Systems
Everlast Coatings is dedicated to delivering top-of-the-line roof coating systems comprising all of the benefits mentioned earlier. In addition, we’re proud to say that our coatings protect your roof from damage caused by natural elements like the sun’s UV rays.
Our products have more UV-blocking pigments than similar products on the market; they also contain performance polymers that provide strength, elasticity, adhesion, and durability.
AcryShield roof coatings not only meet but exceed the standards of some of the most well-respected organizations, including ASTM, AIA, FM, ICC-ES, ENERGY STAR CRRC. So when you’re looking to restore your roof to its original condition or better and want a sustainable option that will last for decades without wearing down – look no further than Everlast Coatings’ green roof system.