Key Takeaways:
- Saving money is just one of the many benefits of updating your commercial roof to improve energy efficiency. It also helps your roof last longer and keeps your tenants healthier.
- One way to make your roof more energy efficient is by replacing your old roof with a newer one made from highly efficient materials, such as metal or TPO.
- If you can’t replace the entire roof, you can still add a special roof coating that will improve the efficiency of the existing materials.
- Roof maintenance can also go a long way in maximizing energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency isn’t just an ecological trend that helps the environment. It’s also a great way to save money on energy bills. Whether you own an office skyscraper or a small retail shop, your energy bill is likely one of your higher costs of doing business.
Flynn Roofing shares ways to update your commercial roof for maximum energy savings.
Why Switch To An Energy-Efficient Roof?
It’s basic economics: a more energy-efficient roof means you don’t need to heat your building as much in the winter or cool it as often in the summer. Using less energy to run the HVAC means a lower bill, which saves you money!
There are several other benefits to an energy-efficient roof:
- It lasts longer. With newer, more advanced materials that can better reflect the sun and avoid trapping moisture, your roof will last for many more years.
- Improved ventilation. When installed properly, a new roof helps provide outstanding ventilation throughout your building for better climate control.
- Tax credits. Commercial buildings with new, more energy-efficient roofs may be eligible for a federal tax credit.
- Tenant health. A new roof can actually improve the health and well-being of your tenants, making them happier, more comfortable, and more likely to stay with you.
Overall, replacing your old roof with a new, more energy-efficient one can offer you many types of savings over the next few years, or even decades!
Commercial Roof Updates For Maximum Energy Savings
The roof on your commercial building isn’t just a set of slabs or shingles. It’s an entire system of materials and layers that work together to protect the inside of your building from heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, and debris. Your commercial roof’s system should include layers that provide:
- Moisture control, even between layers, to keep out leaks and prevent mold build-up
- Insulation to protect your tenants from excessive heat in the summer and cold in the winter
- Ventilation to help prevent moisture buildup
- Reflectivity to prevent heat buildup from the sun and provide UV protection for the other layers
What can you do to improve these aspects of your commercial roof for greater energy savings?
Choose a More Efficient Roofing Material
Some roofing materials are better at insulating your building than others:
- Standing seam metal roof: Yes, metal absorbs heat. However, it also reflects harmful UV rays that can erode other roofing materials. When installed properly, standing seam metal roofs offer remarkable durability and longevity, making them an excellent investment. They provide a modern look to a wide variety of commercial building types. Combined with an enhanced coating, they also improve energy efficiency.
- TPO: Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single-ply membrane roofing material that reflects solar radiation. This makes it excellent at repelling heat for maximum energy efficiency. It’s also low-maintenance and works especially well on flat roofs.
- BUR: Built-up roofing is a multi-layered system topped with gravel or other UV-reflective coating for extra protection. The multiple layers in a BUR system provide extra insulation for year-round energy efficiency.
If you’re not sure which roofing material will work best for your building’s style and design, a professional roofer who specializes in energy-efficient roofs can explain your options.
Add Roof Coatings
If an entirely new roof simply isn’t an option right now, you can have a special coating applied to your current roof. Roof coatings are typically made from acrylics, urethanes, and silicones to serve several functions on your existing roof:
- Waterproofing
- Reflecting heat and UV rays
- Extreme weather resistance
- General wear-and-tear protection, especially on flat roofs with a lot of foot traffic
Some roof coatings are designed for a single purpose. Others can solve many problems at once. Only a professional roofer can help you decide which type of coating will work for your needs.
General Roof Maintenance
A well-maintained roof is a healthy roof. When a roof is healthy, its materials stay in better shape longer, helping protect your building’s insulation and ventilation. Insulation and ventilation are essential to a more energy-efficient interior.
If you’re not sure how old the roof is, or you suspect a problem, call a professional roofer. They will carefully inspect your roof for hidden signs of damage.
FAQ: Commercial Roofing Updates
Q: How do I know it’s time to update my commercial roof?
A: There are several signs to look for that indicate it might be time to update your commercial roof:
- Persistent leaks despite repairs
- Higher energy bills despite no change in energy use
- Visible damage to any of the roof’s parts or materials
- A sagging or dipping roof
Q: Is it worth the cost of replacing the roof for energy efficiency?
A: Yes! A new roof will not only save you significant money on energy bills, but it’ll also save you the cost of further repairs for persistent problems. Think of a new, more energy-efficient roof as a long-term investment.
Commercial Roofing Services in Massachusetts
Don’t let an old roof keep you from saving money on your energy bills. With a new, more energy-efficient roof, you can start seeing significant savings today!
Commercial property owners can contact us for a no-obligation, free estimate on all our commercial roofing services in Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, or Suffolk Counties. Or call us at 617-479-3431 or 781-718-8087 for emergency roof repairs.