Roofing Services Toronto

Society's shift towards sustainability has had a profound impact on the roofing industry. The sustainability movement promotes the development and use of environmentally sustainable alternatives. The roofing industry is a good example of this by using long-lasting, cost-effective solutions. Businesses are shifting to green products as regulations become more strict. These products are durable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly.

Below are five environmentally-friendly roofing options architects and developers might want to consider for future projects.

• Clay

Clay tile is, paradoxically, one of the most eco-friendly roofing materials. Clay tile is made from a natural product that has been derived from clay pits. It's durable and easily recyclable. The natural clay can be made in many colors and the producers can add glazes or tints to enhance the palette. Clay is a great "green" material because it can be easily formed and fired to dry and harden the final product.

Two-piece clay tiles have been in production for over two thousand years. Over the centuries, the shapes and thicknesses of these tiles have changed. The average clay tile roof is approximately 10 pounds per square foot, but mortar can make it heavier.

Manufacturers are working on alternate clay tile layouts to allow for more airflow underneath the tile. Air movement serves at least two purposes. It removes moisture beneath tiles, which extends the life of the underlayment. It also regulates the temperature below the tile, which lowers cooling costs.

• Concrete

Recently, cement manufacturers expanded their product ranges to include roof tiles. Concrete roof tiles can be moldable, durable, and fire-resistant. Concrete tiles are thicker and heavier than clay tiles, but the weight of cement tiles is the same. Tinting is used to cement during the manufacturing process to create a variety of colors. The molded final product is often fashioned in the "s", "w", and "flat" profiles.

Concrete tile is secured to the roof using lugs and/or nails (small projections on either the top or bottom of the tile that hold it in place against a wooden batten strip). Air can circulate below the tile because there is often an air gap between it and the roof.

• Slate

Slate can also be used as a natural product. Slate can be cut by breaking along the grain to make thin slabs of stone with a uniform thickness. Slate is extracted from slate pits. To make a durable and attractive roof, these "slates" can be laid on a flat surface. The slate is fire-resistant and waterproof. It can also last for a very long time. If properly installed, it can last hundreds of years.

Slate has been mined for almost a thousand years. Slate can be cut to different thicknesses or widths.

• Metal(s)

Metal roofs have been around for millennia. Flashing details were once made from lead. In recent decades, lead has been largely discarded from the roofing industry due to the dangers of lead poisoning.

In roofing applications, other metals are also becoming more popular. Zinc and copper are well-known for their strength and formability. They also have visually appealing results. Both products will patina over time due to chemical reactions between their surfaces and the environment. When exposed to salty air, copper will turn bright green. Copper will take on the appearance of a dirty coin when it is exposed to saline air in dry areas like the Southwest. When exposed to the elements, zinc will change color to a soft blue-gray.

Copper has been around for centuries and is a strong material. Zinc, a recent addition to metal roofing, has proven to be extremely reliable. Zinc and copper are increasingly popular in roofing, especially in commercial and residential applications. Steel and aluminum are also good for roofing and less expensive than zinc and copper.

• Polyurethane Foam can be used as a type of polyurethane foam.

Spray polyurethane foam can be a great alternative for flat roofs. It is composed of two components, polyisocyanurate, and resin. They are heated and pressed together to create a solid surface. Foam has many distinct advantages. Foam is an insulation material that can also act as a soundproofing material. It can give rigidity to structures and is lightweight and durable. Foam has been used in roofing since the 1960s.

Because it is seamless, maintenance is easy. A utility knife and tube of caulk can solve most problems associated with foam roofs.

Polyurethane foam will degrade over time if exposed to sunlight. You can avoid this by coating your roof with acrylic, silicone, and polyurea that will block UV rays from reaching it. You can use the coatings to enhance the roof's insulation properties, but the lighter colors are more effective.

Polyurethane foam is applied in a series known as "lifts". It can be made to any thickness by using a series of passes. This insulation protects the exterior of the building, keeping heat and cold out. Spray polyurethane foam, the only roofing material, combines strength, formability, and seamlessness with insulating value.

As society becomes more environmentally conscious, architects and developers are shifting to greener construction materials. For more information on "green" roofing materials, please contact your roofing services toronto.