Different types of Solar Roofing are available, but among the most common are BIPV (Building Integrated Photo Voltaic) and Crystalline.  Both systems are effective, and send power back into the Power Grid reducing your energy costs. However, these systems also need to be considered from the viewpoint of your current roofing style.

BIPV Solar Roofing is typically used with metal standing seam roofing, such as the Interlock Panel Roof . This roofing is common to commercial developments, and is used selectively by homeowners desiring an architectural appearance typically thought of when customers think  of metal roofing.  Crystalline Solar Roofing can be used with most common roofing materials, including shingle, slate, tile, and Interlock Metal Roofing.

BIPV needs to be used on “Flat” metal roofing, since it actually adheres to the metal roof surface.  Crystalline systems  “stand up” from the surface of your roof, and are separate from the roof underneath.

Crystalline Solar Roofing

Solar Roofing needs to be considered in light of the energy you will save. In some markets, energy costs are high and make these systems economically feasible.  Geography is also a factor, as these systems are more effective in areas of greater sunshine and where  daylight hours are longer. And, government grants are often available to help offset the costs of installation.

Others may choose Solar Roofing as environmental rather than a monetary decision, as reducing energy consumption also reduces pollution.

BIPV Photovoltaic Solar Roofing

Many roofing companies offer a pro-rated type of warranty in order to camouflage the real durability of the product; a 50-year warranty can comfortably be offered when in fact the roof it is supposed to cover lasts only a fraction of that time.

Pro-rated roofing warranties are the source of many class action lawsuits, where customers who have found that their roof lasts as little as twelve years may then find that the warranty coverage they expected does not cover the real product replacement costs. These lawsuits are common and often range in the hundreds of millions.

Roofing customers seeking adequate warranty coverage are wise to look at “Non Pro-rated” warranty coverage. This type of warranty does not decline in value over time, and is designed to ensure the cost of the customer’s roofing product is properly reimbursed in the even t of premature failure. Interlock Roofing is protected by a Non Pro-rated warranty that is transferable to a new property owner. Click here for details.

Unlike heavy tile and slate roofing, aluminum roofing does not require structural reinforcement. Aluminum is also highly resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for coastal roofing applications. Being malleable, Aluminum also lends itself nicely to intricate and detailed patterns, and can easily be formed to replicate classic profiles such as natural Slate, Clay Tile, or even Wood Shakes. Aluminum Roofing can be designed as Interlock Roofing, meaning it may be locked on all four corners for ultimate durability and protection.

Unlike heavy tile and slate roofing, aluminum roofing does not require structural reinforcement. Aluminum is also highly resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for coastal roofing applications. Being malleable, Aluminum also lends itself nicely to intricate and detailed patterns, and can easily be formed to replicate classic profiles such as natural Slate, Clay Tile, or even Wood Shakes. Aluminum Roofing can be designed to as Interlock Roofing, meaning it may be locked on all four corners for ultimate durability and protection.

Installing wood shingles or shakes is complicated and should only be undertaken by a professional. These materials are generally chosen for looks and not durability. Unlike 25 years ago, modern wood products are typically being manufactured from second growth wood, which means the wood can become brittle, and shrink, causing the roof to be compromised. This is due to the fact that the growth ring count in second growth trees is significantly less than old growth trees, causing reduced strength.
There is also a high level of maintenance to monitor as mold, rot; insects and rodents can be a problem leading to costly repairs. Finally many wood roofing materials are unrated by safety codes.

Installing clay tile or slate on an average home can be very expensive due to the complicated nature of the installation and the cost of the material itself. One common finding when installing clay tile or slate is that extra roof support systems are needed due to the extremely high weight of these materials. Even with the added support the weight of these materials can contribute to total building collapse in the event of structural fire or earthquake. It should also be noted that both tile and slate are very fragile, as they can crack and break if walked on. This can make regular maintenance such as cleaning out gutters or painting difficult. If the tiles loosen in high wind situations, they may blow loose and cause damage to other structures. Colours can fade significantly over time and there is a high cost associated with replacing them

This material can be easily damaged by high winds, causing the shingles to blow off. High heat, heavy rains and other weather factors can cause curling, cracking and streaking of the shingles, which deteriorates your roof’s appearance and effectiveness. An average home with composition shingles will have to be re-roofed many times over its lifetime, creating waste that will need to be disposed of in the environment.

An average roof is replaced or repaired in as little as 8 to 10 years. Choosing the correct roofing material for your home from the start is critical in order to minimize the long-term costs, as well as the environmental damage caused by having made the wrong choice and needing to re-roof over in a few years.

Now that you know you need a new roof, it is the perfect time to make some changes that could benefit you in the long run. Choosing the correct material to roof your home can lower your energy costs and help protect the environment, while increasing your homes curb appeal.

Also don’t forget that your roof is your first line of defense against the weather. So, choose ahead of time a roof that is durable and won’t fail in extreme weather conditions, just when you need it most.

Upcoming articles will feature the benefits and drawbacks of some common roofing materials. Composition Shingles, Clay Tile and Slate, Wood Shingle and Shakes and Metal will be discussed in depth.

Interlock’s Solar Roofing program has been well received by the market since it’s introduction in February 2009. Patnering with the CNRC allows Interlock to expand on it’s goal of being a leader in sustainable metal roofing technologies and practices.

Mass implementation of Cool Roofing in the 100 largest cities would offset 44 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions, or the equivalent of of taking 600 million cars off the road for 18 years, according to researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Some cities, including Chicago, already have by-laws requiring Cool Roofing colors.