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Energy efficiency has its importance in our everyday life. Reducing the impact we make on the planet while saving money on expenses and minimising disruption to the workplace. When it comes to finding suitable roofing solutions, energy efficiency is one of the first places to look. Heat rises, making the roof of a property the main location for heat loss throughout the year. Uninsulated properties can see up to 25% loss of heat in this way. For business owners and commercial environments, this has a significant impact on financial outputs.
This guide will highlight a number of energy-efficient roofing solutions designed to fit in with busy corporate life.
Having an energy-efficient roof has a number of benefits. A proper roofing system will offer good insulation and ventilation. This helps with climate control, creating a more stable environment inside. And, from this, you’ll be able to easily store stock without the risk of moisture-related or temperature-related damage. Additionally, controlling moisture in the air minimises the damage that excessive water can do to a building’s structure – a complication that can be very expensive to repair. Reducing heat loss through a roof also puts less strain on your energy system – meaning you’ll have to spend less on heating.
The right roof offers good protection against rain, snow and external debris. Certain materials also contribute to the SPF factor of a building, meaning the percentage of the sun’s rays that are reflected away rather than being absorbed. If your company has become dependent on air conditioners and other cooling equipment, this reduction will also benefit you financially. So, what roofing systems are the most energy-efficient for industrial or commercial buildings?
One of the most popular energy-efficient options is sheet metal roofing. The reflective surface heightens a building’s SPF factor, by reflecting back the sun’s rays. Choosing a metal sheet roof has benefits for the whole surrounding environment too. If your commercial property sits in an industrial estate or surrounded by other buildings with metal roofs, the collective reflection can actually lower the overall temperature of an area. In turn, this lowers the demand on heating and cooling systems, reducing electrical demand and therefore, minimising the risk of power shortages. For your as a business, this translates into higher productivity and a less down-time.
When properly fitted, sheet metal roofing is also a highly effective protector against weather elements. It has a smooth surface which encourages snow and debris to slide off. In turn, this prevents water pools that can impact the structural integrity of a building. Metal sheeting has lower maintenance implications than other options, with a good lifespan too.
Many roofing solutions rely on some form of insulation to prevent heat from escaping. Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is one of the most popular options used in industrial and commercial buildings. It has the highest R-value (a measure of effective insulation) per inch out of the options on the market and boasts a seamless application. As the foam expands and sets, it is able to fill small gaps and cracks, successfully minimising leaks. Many professionals choose to apply SPF in one single, continuous layer. And, when done correctly, it can significantly lower the energy costs for a building.
With its air and moisture-control properties, it helps to actively deter mould and water-related damage. SPF controls allergens and airborne pollutants, offering ample protection for stock and employees.
A living roof, also known as a green roof, is one that has been partially or completely covered with vegetation. They are built with a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. These roofs can also contain other lays, including ones that prevent rotting, improve drainage and create an irrigation system. Living rooms are a brilliant way of positively impacting the surrounding environment, helping to cool the mean temperature. They can also improve insulation and ventilation, increasing natural air conditioning within the building and improving energy consumption.
While a living roof changes throughout the year, they still help to improve building insulation. The shade provided by the flowers and plants here helps to moderate heat flow. It also offers protection against UV and frost, improving the longevity of your roof structure and its overall lifespan. They are considered a good investment for commercial properties, lowering carbon-emissions and creating an attractive aesthetic too.
Cool roofs have been specifically designed to reflect sunlight – much like metal sheet roofing does. Generally for commercial buildings, they are covered in a highly-reflective paint or sheet covering. This type of roof can improve indoor comfort, reducing the demand on air conditioning and improving moisture-control. They are also suitable for decreasing energy bills and the overall roof temperature to elongate its lifespan. White reflective coatings are the most effective for this, many of which are sprayed on to achieve a smooth and professional finish.
Built-up roofing systems are made up of multiple layers, some of these can be switched for highly reflective materials to improve energy efficiency. Equally, built-up roofs can also be finished with mineral-surfaces sheets to achieve a similar effect. You can also invest in single-ply membranes with reflective finishes and even modified Bitumen. Aluminium roof coatings can also offer a minimum of 50% solar reflectance.
If you’re swaying between going energy-efficient with your roof design, here are a number of benefits that this offers your business:
Here at Industrial Roofing Services NE Ltd, we offer a wide range of energy-efficient roof solutions to help improve budgets, energy consumption and longevity for your business. If you would like to discuss any of these with a member of our team, please do get in contact with us today.
