4 Ways To Green Your Roof

Is your roof going to waste? Is it just sitting there, covered in TV antennas, leaves and old footballs? It doesn't have to be. You can alter your roof to aid the environment. Why settle for a roof that just covers your living space? Make your roof a dynamic part of your home. Here's four ways how.

1. Skylights
   Skylights are a great way to reduce your electric bills. Installing skylights or solar tubes in your roof, can help you save money. It will decrease your need for electric lighting during the day. It will also bring in natural light which is good for your mental health.


2. Paint Your Roof White
   By painting your roof white, you can deflect light and heat away from your roof. Not only will it help you cool your house, it will also help control climate change. According to the physicist, Hashem Akbari, a 1,000 sq-ft roof, painted white, can offset 10 metric tons of CO2.


3. Plant a Rooftop Garden
   Putting a garden on your rooftop is a great way reduce urban heat islands. Did you know that it can also reduce the temperature of the garden-topped building by up to 15 degrees? Growing plants and trees in the city can also contribute to the overall air quality by eliminating carbon dioxide. That's great news for all us oxygen-breathers.


4. Mount Some Solar Panels
   Why not turn your roof into a power plant? By mounting a few solar panels on your roof and hooking them into your grid. You can generate some clean energy for your home. It's expensive in at first, but it can save you money in the long run.

More on Roofs:
Green Your Gutters
Renovation Nation Episode: Chicago, Green Roof
Build a Greener Roof

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