Metal roofs are another type of environmentally friendly and long-lasting roof. They can easily be installed over an existing asphalt roof because they are lightweight and since the old roof may not be disposed of, also spare our landfills. Another reason they are ecofriendly is because of its solar reflective properties, helping to keep your home or building cooler and more energy efficient.
A metal roof will not dry out, split, peel, or flake like an asphalt roof. Instead, they are built tough and can last as long as your home. Metal roofs can withstand mildew, insects and rot and completely seal out water, resist high winds, snow and fire. All these benefits come at a price as they can be more expensive than an asphalt roof. Metal roofs can come in steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, or stainless steel.
Clay Tile Roofs
Clay tile roofs are found as early as the 4th millennium BC and no one knows for sure how long they really last because many ancient structures with their original clay tile roofs still exist today.
Clay tiles come in many shapes, sizes and colors and look beautiful with any architectural style or one that is unique. They have been used for centuries around the world, not only because of their appealing aesthetics, but also because of their durability and safety. They do not rot in wet weather, are resistant to pests, fire, earthquakes, hail, wind and snow.
Clay tiles are non-combustible, have a Class A roof rating - the highest fire resistant rating available - and can help to lower your insurance rates. They are also one of the best defenses against a hurricane or other wind storm. Because of its design and construction, they can withstand winds in excess of 125 miles per hour that would have easily stripped off other types of roofing materials. They also resist damage from hail as large as 1.5", or just bigger than a golf ball.
Clay tiles are not only built strong, they are ecofriendly because they are made from natural resources and are manufactured without chemical preservatives. They are energy efficient due to their superior thermal capacity and ventilated air space that their placement on the roof surface creates.
Concrete Roofs
Concrete roofs are heavy and initially more expensive that asphalt roofs, but very strong and are safer in a severe weather storm. Over the long-term, considering that they never have to be replaced, can help reduce property damages and bodily injury from strong winds, they can make more financial sense and give you greater peace of mind than an asphalt roof.
Concrete is similar to clay tile roofs in that they can outlast the building it protects, resisting water damage, pests, fungi, fire, earthquakes, hail, hurricane force winds and snow and this is why many times they come with 50+ year warranties. Like clay, they are made from naturally occurring materials and come in a variety of colors and styles. Concrete is also energy efficient reducing the amount of heat transfer to the attic.
Composite Shingle Roofs
Asphalt roofs are the least expensive roofing materials available, but can be durable and last about 20 years. They come in endless varieties, are easy to install, and are fairly low maintenance. Some are even Energy Star rated, depending on the color.
Akari Energy can install asphalt roofs that meet the following minimum classifications: UL Class A Fire Resistance, UL Class 4 Impact Resistance Rated, ASTM Class F Tested at 110 mph, and ASTM Class H Wind Resistance fiberglass asphalt shingles. The UL Class A Fire Rating is the most fire resistive rating applied to an asphalt shingle on the market and can withstand severe fire exposures. The UL Class 4 Impact Resistance Rating is the highest rating against hail or other impact exposures. The ASTM Class H Wind Speed rating is the highest rating against wind exposure.
Tax Credits, Rebates & Purchasing Options
Energy Star offers tax credits for certain roofs and sometimes additional rebates are offered by your utility provider. Akari Energy will help you understand what tax credits, rebates and purchasing options are available to you. Contact Us today for a free estimate.