In the United States, buildings are responsible for almost two-thirds of national electricity consumption and more than one-third of total primary energy use. As a result, the current energy crunch has made conservation measures within these structures more important than ever.
Cool roof products have been around for years, but because of the educational and research efforts of organizations such as the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® Reflective Roof Products program, combined with the incorporation of cool roofs into certification programs like LEED and California's Title 24, the market has expanded significantly.
Few people doubt the value of using sunscreen to protect against sunburns and skin-damaging ultraviolet rays. Now a wide range of products are available that essentially act as sunscreens for roofing systems.
Roughly 10 years after emerging as closely related trends, both cool and sustainable roofing have become increasingly popular mainstream selection criteria as they continue to drive change in commercial roofing market dynamics, roof system design, product innovation, selection priorities, building codes, and legislation.
It was no surprise when Clarum Homes (Palo Alto, Calif.) announced plans in 2003 to build the largest Zero-Energy Home community in Watsonville, Calif. This innovative homebuilder has been installing solar electric systems in its homes as standard equipment since 1999.
Roofing Contractor, along with a host of other nameless and faceless individuals (presumably persons representing all segments of the roofing industry), was invited to an online teleconference put on by some folks with FM Global and FM Approvals.
Shingle styles run the gamut from basic roof coverings to works of art. When it comes to convincing consumers to upgrade their purchase to a higher-end product, contractors employ techniques ranging from the simple act of informing customers that there are other options available to more involved commitments, such as creating a showroom to display the upper-end products.
Jerry Franks, a veteran home builder and vice president of construction services for Park Square Homes of Orlando, is nearing completion of 400 plush, semi-custom homes for the upscale Belmere community in Windermere, Fla.
Installing vegetated roofing systems on homes can be a new and lucrative opportunity for roofing contractors - especially for those that understand and take advantage of this new "growing" technology.
Cashiers, North Carolina, perched 3,500 feet high above sea level in the southern extremities of the Blue Ridge Mountain range, boasts acres of woodland, etched granite dome cliffs, and postcard-worthy views that look like they were painted by Bob Ross himself.
RSS
