Looking at Commercial Roofing Material – Is Any Really Sustainable?

The earth’s environment is suffering more each year due to pollution, destruction of habitats, and many other practices that are changing the planet forever.

In response to this problem, many manufacturers of building supplies including those producing commercial roofing materials have begun designing products that are more environmentally friendly.

The question is, are those products sustainable, too?

If you’re looking for a truly environmentally sound commercial roof, pay attention to sustainability while choosing your materials.

What Is Sustainability?

Though they are related, sustainability is not the same thing as environmental friendliness to which it is commonly confused with and compared.

A sustainable natural material like on a commercial roof is one that’s sourced in ways that does not deplete a natural source or environment of that material.

It’s a method of harvesting what is essentially an unlimited material as long as the land is left undamaged so that material can continue to replenish itself.

Environmentally-Friendly Roofing Materials Vs. Sustainable Ones

Sustainable raw materials are environmentally-friendly, but not all environmentally-friendly materials are sustainable.

In terms of commercial roofing materials, it has the most to do with natural materials that have to be grown or harvested, how quickly they replenish, and what is being done throughout the world to keep those resources replenishing.

Environmentally-friendly materials used by commercial roofers include those that have a reduced carbon footprint.

Many are more thermo-effective, reducing the utility costs and the pollution made from creating energy while others are made of materials that can either be recycled and used again or buried to decompose naturally and become a part of the soil.

Durability and longer life expectancy, and cleaner production practices all contribute to environmental-friendliness; however, most of these products are still not sustainable.

What Sustainable Roofing Products Are Available Today?

While there are quite a few environmentally-friendly commercial roofing materials available today, the list of products that are truly sustainable is fairly small.

Materials that must be mined for or are made using petroleum products are not sustainable as those are non-replenishable resources.

Products made from cement are also not sustainable due to the pollution generated to produce it.

There is debate over whether shingles made from clay are sustainable and manufacturers claim that since it is a nearly unlimited material, it is as close to sustainable as anything can be.

What truly sustainable materials are available?

Wood shakes and shingles are the most sustainable commercial roof materials out there, since trees can be harvested and then regrown.

Of course, the degree of sustainability depends on the type of wood, where it’s harvested, and whether it’s being sustainably replanted; however, overall wood is considered sustainable.

Other materials that are considered as nearly sustainable due to their ability to be recycled and how they are produced include metals like steel, aluminum, copper, and as mentioned above clay tiles.

Green or living commercial roofs are also considered sustainable, especially when used to reduce utility bills and grow food and other vegetation.

Beyond these options, the higher the percentage of recycled content in a product, the more sustainable it is as it reduces the amount of new resources that must be sourced.

Sustainable Roofing Materials Scarce, But Available

There is more to environmental-friendliness and commercial roofs than just recyclability and biodegradability.

Sustainability is another issue to consider when shopping for the materials used by roofers.

Though truly sustainable materials are rare, sticking with eco-friendly products containing the highest amount of recycled materials is the best alternative for commercial roofing products!

Want a Sustainable Commercial Roof in Dallas Texas?

Contact the Roofing Experts at Comercial Roofers Dallas Now!

Call (469) 677-8677 for More Info!

Don’t Make These Mistakes When It’s Roof Replacement Time!

Any residential or commercial roof replacement is a large and expensive investment in your home or building.

Naturally, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend more than necessary on a roof or end up with one that has problems over time or does not last as long as it should.

How can you avoid these problems when a commercial roof replacement is needed?

Be certain to get long-lasting, quality work from a commercial roofing service by being sure to avoid these common roofing mistakes!

1. Putting It Off or Never Get Round To It

If you already know you need to replace your commercial roof due to signs of aging or other problems, delaying the inevitable is probably not going to save any money and instead might actually cost you more.

As your commercial roof condition worsens, it increases the likelihood that there will be undiscovered leaks or other problems that cause additional damage requiring additional commercial roofing services.

You could go from needing a new roof to needing structural work done as well!

2. Hiring the Wrong Commercial Roofer

Being a roofer is an exacting job that requires skill, training, and attention to detail.

It’s essential to thoroughly research and interview commercial roofers before hiring to be sure you choose a reputable service that:

  • Has competent, well-trained employees.
  • Is honest.
  • Offers a good warranty.
  • Provides a great new roof at a reasonable price.

The commercial roofer you hire should be:

  • Licensed and have proof of insurance.
  • Trained and approved to install the products they use.
  • Willing to perform a thorough and honest inspection.
  • Able to provide a detailed estimate.
  • Ready to stand behind their quality workmanship.

3. Installing New Materials Over Old

Though it may seem like a money saver to install new materials over the old to avoid removal and disposal costs, it’s a huge mistake.

That will not provide a proper surface to install new commercial roofing materials, make getting accurate inspections harder, and cause any future problems to cost twice as much.

In addition, since it is very unlikely that an experienced commercial roofer will do that, so consider it a red flag if a contractor suggests doing that as a way to cut costs.

4. Skimping On Material Cost

There is a huge selection of materials out there to use to install a new roof with a wide range of prices.

You may not be able to afford the highest costing materials; however, don’t settle for the least expensive either.

In terms of roof materials, you definitely get what you pay for.

Installing a roof using cheaper materials with a short life expectancy is a waste of money when compared to the added cost of better materials that will last exponentially longer if well maintained.

5. Not Looking At the Fine Print

Roofing estimates and warranties from commercial roofing services can be complicated, so it’s essential to read them over carefully and understand what you are and are not getting.

Have estimates provided by potential commercial roofers spelled out in detail to include materials and labor, cleanup and disposal costs, as well as any other warranted fees you may be charged.

A warranty should be written in plain language and include details about manufacturer’s warranties, contractor warranties, how they apply, and who pays for what under which conditions.

Know ahead of time your recourse if there is a problem with the roof materials or workmanship, what it will take to resolve it, and what you might do to void the warranty.

Avoid Common Mistakes To Get A Quality Roof

Replacing your commercial roof requires a lot of forethought and research to choose a roofing service that will do a superior job on your roof.

Before you call any commercial roofing service, consider how to avoid these critical mistakes to be certain of getting your money’s worth and a long-lasting, trouble-free roof!

Need A Commercial Roof Replacement?

Talk to the Expert Roofers at Commercial Roofers Dallas Today!

Call (469) 677-8677 for More Info!