Roofs, Siding, And Energy Efficiency

Roofs, Siding, and Energy Efficiency


PART 1PART 1Going Green


Part 1: Going Green

With the cost of electricity continuously getting more expensive, combined with the public’s increased awareness of the impact of pollution, dwindling resources, and global warming, “going green” has become one of the biggest trends at the start of the new millennium. People look for anything that can help cut down on energy consumption and reduce the impact to the natural environment, such as alternative fuel and product recycling.

Going green has greatly influenced various industries, especially residential construction. Today, energy efficiency is considered by homeowners as one of the biggest factors that will dictate how their homes will be built. But what exactly is energy efficiency?

To put it simply, energy efficiency is the ability to function with a minimal amount of energy with maximum results. However, there are several factors that dictate energy efficiency, including how much an electric bill will go down without making the residents feel uncomfortable or compromised.


Part 1: Going Green

DurabilityGoing green isn’t just about power usage; it’s also about making the most out of a material. Durable roofs can be considered green options because they require fewer resources to maintain. Furthermore, since long-lived roofs do not have to be replaced often, there is less waste in the form of discarded roofing material.

InsulationKeeping indoor temperatures at a comfortable level is crucial for any kind of house. Appliances such as heaters and air conditioners are often used to control the temperature depending on the outdoor weather. During summer or winter season, most households experience a significant increase in their electricity bills because of these devices have to work extra hard. A well-insulated house makes indoor temperatures easier to control, since there is less heat or cold coming from outside. As a result, electric bills can go down by several hundred dollars per year.


Part 1: Going Green

Production and Installation

Energy efficiency starts at the very beginning for home exteriors. Options that are made using recyclable or renewable materials can be considered more efficient than others. Furthermore, the installation process is also a major factor in energy efficiency; the faster and less manpower it takes to install a roof or home siding, the more energy efficient it generally is.


PART 2PART 2Energy Efficient Options

ROOFS


Part 2: Energy Efficient Options – Roofs

The roof is the most crucial part of the home when it comes to keeping things energy efficient. This is because it takes the brunt of the elements ranging from hot summers to cold winters. Most of a roof’s energy efficiency comes from how well the roof can reflect or absorb heat, although some roofs have features that help reduce a household’s energy consumption through other means.

Metal roofing panelsMetal roofs boast excellent heat conductivity, making them a great choice for homes in areas with warm climate. Each panel acts as a heat sink, dispersing heat from the sun evenly throughout its surface and speeding up the cooling process. Panels with special coating further help reduce the amount of heat absorbed by deflecting sunlight. The metal panels can also absorb the heat coming from warm indoor air, so it stays cool inside the house even during warmer summer nights.


Part 2: Energy Efficient Options – Roofs

Concrete tilesConcrete tiles are the exact opposite of metal panels in terms of heat conductivity, but that doesn’t make it inferior when it comes to energy efficiency. In colder areas where staying warm is a greater priority, concrete roofs are one of the more popular roofing choices. Because concrete tends to release heat a lot slower than metal, heat absorbed during daytime can be used to help warm up indoor temperatures during nighttime.

Green RoofsGreen roofs first became popular among commercial buildings, but the demand for residential green roofs has been increasing for the past few years. Plants growing on the green roof help absorb water, which in turn act as a coolant for the house. However, the substrate can also act as insulation to keep indoor temperatures at a constant level. Green roofs also contribute to increasing oxygen levels and reducing the amount of air pollutants, which is a major bonus for homeowners that want a nature-friendly roof.


PART 3PART 3Energy Efficient Options

SIDING


Part 3: Energy Efficient Options – Siding

An energy efficient roof is good, but using the right type of siding makes it even more effective. Here are some popular energy efficient options available to homeowners.

Aluminum SidingAluminum siding is a popular metal siding option because it’s immune to problems that plague other siding materials such as rotting, and blistering. Unlike other kinds of metal, aluminum does not develop rust spots even if exposed to humid or wet conditions. Furthermore, aluminum siding panels do not put too much stress on the supports, since aluminum is extremely lightweight. Aluminum siding is usually protected by a special coating, but since it’s virtually immune to most long-term problems caused by weather, this is done mostly for cosmetic purposes.

Steel SidingWhen it comes to energy efficiency, durability, cost and ease of maintenance, steel siding is a great option for a home. Thicker and heavier than aluminum siding, steel siding has a higher insulating value and is less prone to denting. It is perfect for areas that experience severe weather, protecting homes from fluctuating temperatures, snow, wind, rain and hail. Steel is the most durable siding material available. It doesn’t deteriorate and is fireproof and waterproof. With special colorfast, oven-fused coatings that come in a wide range colors, textures, and styles, steel siding doesn’t fade and the paint doesn’t peel.



Fiber Cement sidingCement siding was originally manufactured using asbestos, but the discovery of the material’s tendency to cause serious problems, especially cancer, has led to the development of asbestos-free cement siding. Fiber cement is an extremely durable material, boasting the same immunity to rot and rust as aluminum, but offers comparable durability to steel siding. On top of that, fiber cement siding offers great heat and cold protection.

WoodWood siding has been around for quite some time, but it’s only during the early 2000s when wood’s energy efficiency became a major selling point. Unlike other siding options, most of wood siding’s energy efficiency comes from how the panels are made. Wood is considered a highly sustainable material, and trees are renewable, compared to metal and petroleum-based products. Wood siding’s durability also makes it a cost-effective option, especially if protected with high quality paint or wood finish.



VinylAlthough it is made of PVC (a controversial substance when green technology is involved), vinyl siding is considered energy efficient because of its affordability and low maintenance costs. Vinyl is immune to rust damage as well as termite infestations. Furthermore, vinyl is water resistant so homeowners don’t have to worry about rotting or water spots, even in areas with humid climates. Vinyl is a highly recyclable material; torn down vinyl panels can be reprocessed into fresh siding multiple times, reducing the amount of waste that goes straight into landfills.


JONES & ASSOCIATES3801 Globe Ave. Lubbock ,TX 79404

806-686-1380(800) 658-2060

www.TheJonesBoys.com

http://www.TheJonesBoys.com

Roofs, Siding, And Energy Efficiency

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