Energy Efficiency

5 Facts About Adding Solar Panels to Your Vancouver WA Roof

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As energy bills rise in Vancouver, WA, many people are considering getting solar panels installed on their roofs. With solar panels, your energy bill can decrease substantially, while the overall value of your home increases. So why hasn’t everyone had solar panels installed?

The cost of purchasing and installing solar panels can be overwhelming, but the money you save with them will balance out the initial cost, and then some. It’s an investment that many people see the benefits in. And when you decide to make such a large investment in your home, you’ll want to make sure you’ve thought everything through.

Your roof plays a larger part in the process than you might initially think, and local roofing experts like Interstate Roofingwant to make sure you have the perfect foundation for your new investment to be installed on. Knowing some details about putting solar panels on roofs and the benefits that come along with it may help you make the choice to move forward with them. Here are five facts about adding solar panels to your roof in Vancouver, WA.

They Can Be Installed on Just About Any Roof

If you have an older home or an oddly shaped house, you may be wondering if solar panels will work well with your roof. The good news is that solar panels can be installed on nearly any roof. Most standard roofs are compatible or can become compatible with the help of the right local roofing professional. But still, some are more compatible than others, and this has to do with the size, shape, and location of the roof.

Large and mostly square roofs are the ideal surface to put solar panels on, as they make for an easier installation process. Having a roofing professional assess your roof for compatibility is a good first step to take when considering solar panels. Another aspect that makes some roofs better than others is the amount of sunlight they receive. Though they don’t necessarily need sunlight to function, the more sunlight they receive, the better. And if your roof is shaded by other buildings or trees that you’re not willing to prune back—or can’t if they’re in a neighbor’s yard—then you may not get as much out of solar panels as other people do.

Solar Panels Need a Sturdy Foundation

Your roof and your solar panels go hand in hand, as your roof will provide the foundation for your solar panels. A cracked or leaking foundation can be worsened by putting solar panels on top of it, can cause many problems for your solar panels in the future, and can even create issues within your home. When you’re thinking about having solar panels installed on your roof, you need to make sure that your roof is sturdy enough and in good condition to support them. It will also ensure the people installing the solar panels aren’t at risk.

Solar Panels Can Increase Home Value

Having solar panels on your roof is a great selling point should you ever need to sell your home. Buyers are more interested in homes with solar panels already installed, as it eliminates the need for them to do it later. Sure, you’ll want to get your use out of them to make the investment worth it, but if you plan to sell in the next few years, you could benefit from having solar panels installed.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, each $1 in energy savings from solar panels adds $20 to your home’s total value. And the more solar panels you have, the more you’ll save on your energy bill. Some states yield higher solar premiums than others, and Washington is one of the top five states to do so. With a 4.1 percent solar premium, your solar energy system can create a $15,916 profit. So aside from being a cost- and energy-effective option, adding solar panels to your roof in Vancouver, WA, can be a great way to increase the value of your home.

They Last a Long Time

Solar panels are known for their ability to last for quite a while, which is why so many people choose to invest in them. On average, solar panels can last for around 25 years before they begin to lose efficiency. And even after those initial 25 years, your solar panels will continue to work, just slightly less effectively. In addition, the warranty for your solar panels can last up to 30 years. If you’re considering making an investment in solar panels, keep this in mind. The price of the solar panels spread out over 25 years along with the lower energy bill may provide big savings in the long run.

Replacing or Repairing Your Roof Beforehand Can Yield Better Results

The fact that solar panels can have a warranty of up to 30 years can make you feel secure in your decision. But it doesn’t bring much comfort if you know you’ll have to replace your roof in just a year or two. The best time to make repairs or replacements to your roof is before solar panels are installed, not after.

A roofing specialist can assess your roof for you before your solar panels are installed. This inspection, when done by a professional, can save you money down the road that you’d have to spend on taking the solar panels off to repair the roof. In Vancouver, WA, Interstate Roofing can take care of all your roofing needs before solar panels are installed. Whether it’s a large repair, preventative maintenance, or a complete roof replacement, the professionals at Interstate Roofing can do the job.

When your roof is well taken care of, your solar panels are in a better position to do well. If you’re wondering if your roof is ready to have solar panels installed on them, we can provide the inspection to get you started. We can also give your roof a good cleaning in preparation for solar panel installation.

Are Composition Shingles Energy-Efficient?

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Everyone wants to cut down on their energy consumption. If you make a habit of turning off lights when you’re not in a room, run your air conditioning sparingly, and resist the urge to just soak in the shower, you’re likely already making some progress. When you’re a homeowner, you know that every choice you make has an impact on the energy efficiency of your household. If you’re looking for more areas to save, we can suggest something you may have forgotten: your roofing. While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking for ways to cut back on household energy consumption, your roofing actually has a major impact on how much you spend.

We get plenty of people asking us about what kinds of materials might fit their energy needs. Due to the wide usage of composition shingles, many people are curious if they are in fact efficient. The short answer is: yes! There are plenty of composition shingles designed with energy efficiency in mind, and many of them even meet the specifications to earn an ENERGY STAR® rating. If you’re thinking about installing composition shingles on your roof, or already have them and want to learn more, we have your back. As your local roofing experts, we’re happy to help bridge the informational gap. Here are some of the factors that make composition shingles energy-efficient, along with the benefits that come after.

Heat and Cold Resistance

The most important thing your roof can do to be more energy-efficient is to better insulate your house. The better the insulation on your house, the less energy you’ll need to spend in order to keep it within your ideal temperature range. At the end of the day, it’s a battle on many fronts. If you want to keep your home operating at maximum efficiency, you’ll need to ensure your walls have modern insulation material and your windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent air from leaking in or out of the house. It’s not just up to the roof to keep the elements out of your home, but it makes a significant impact on how much you spend on your energy bill.

In order to best insulate your house, your roof needs to prevent heat exchange from the interior of the house to the exterior. Preventing heat exchange is a problem year-round, as you’ll need to worry about the cold getting in during the winter just as much as the heat getting in during the summer. Many modern composition shingles are manufactured with this in mind, giving them the properties needed to be effectively heat-resistant. Particularly, those that have earned an ENERGY STAR® rating are a great option.

The Color Makes a Difference

The physical material your roofing is made from is a factor when it comes to energy efficiency, but did you know that the color can make a difference as well? Part of the reason that composition shingles are so popular is that there’s a huge variety of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to emulate other kinds of roofing without having to deal with the hassle or cost that they might entail. Some styles are more energy-efficient than others, however, and it’s worthwhile to consider how your aesthetic choice might have an effect on your energy consumption.

The long and short of it is that darker colors make for less energy-efficient shingles, while lighter ones are more efficient. The reason for this is simple, it ties back to the principle of sunlight refraction. Darker colors absorb most of the sunlight that hits them, converting the solar energy into heat. If you’ve ever walked down the street on a summer day and suddenly understood the phrase, “It’s so hot, you could cook an egg on the sidewalk,” you’re already familiar with the concept.

Unfortunately, not everyone considers this when deciding what they want for their roofing. If you go with a lighter color design, you’ll be able to increase your energy efficiency by increasing the reflectivity of your roof. Keeping the worst of the summer sun out of your home will allow your home air conditioner to work a little easier, meaning you won’t need as much energy to maintain your indoor climate.

Government Rebates

A more energy-efficient home has a direct impact on your wallet, in more ways than one. The first place you’ll feel it is, not surprisingly, in your energy bill. If you’re using less energy, you’re drawing less power from the grid. If you’re drawing less power from the grid, there’s less to be billed for. In addition to the savings on your future bills, the federal government offers tax credits to individuals who invest in making their homes more energy-efficient. If you’re worried about any additional sticker price on more energy-efficient composition shingles, don’t be. The tax credits offered can cover up to 10 percent of the cost of new roofing materials.

The goal of these credits is to incentivize more homeowners to update and utilize housing materials and appliances that meet energy requirements to drive down energy usage nationwide. This goes hand in hand with the ENERGY STAR® ratings, as a rating is aimed at helping people earn these tax credits. Many of the composition shingles on the market can meet the standards needed to qualify for both the rating and the tax credit.

So, are composition shingles energy efficient? Yes, they can be. Like so many other things, it comes down to your choice. If you want to use composition shingles for your roof, but also want to cut back on your energy usage, you just need to shop around for the right kind. Still curious about how to make your roofing more energy-efficient? Give us a call. Our expert roofers will be able to answer any questions you might have.

5 Signs of Heat Loss Through Your Roof

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Your roof does a lot more than just keep the elements out: it’s also responsible for keeping the heat in, which is a job a well-built and well-maintained roof will do very well. However, if you notice that your home feels colder than it should, or if you’ve been receiving unusually high energy bills, it could indicate that your roof isn’t being the effective insulator it should be.

Below are five signs of heat loss through your roof insulation that you should be aware of.

There’s No Snow on the Roof

You’ve seen it on a hundred different Christmas cards: an image of a quaint cottage with smoke curling out of the chimney and snow piled up on the roof. It makes you feel cozy just thinking about it because you can just imagine how warm and toasty the house must be inside. But if everything in that picture was the same except there wasn’t any snow on the roof, guess what? That house wouldn’t feel warm and cozy at all.

After a heavy snowfall or even a chilly Pacific Northwest morning, frost on the roof is a good sign: it means that the roof is ice cold. This is what it should be. If, on the other hand, the ice melts when it comes in contact with your roof, it means that the roof itself is warm. This is a sure sign that heat is escaping from your home and not being kept in by the insulation. Look at your neighbor’s roofs. Are they frosty? If yours isn’t, it may be time to call your roofing contractor.

You’re Noticing Leaks—Or Condensation

Regardless of the time of year, a leaky roof is a serious problem and one you should get fixed as quickly as possible. If your roof isn’t sufficiently keeping the elements out, it can lead to some serious problems inside your home. Dripping water can damage and destroy everything it touches, from paint to carpets to your home decor and other valuable property. It can also promote the growth of mold and mildew, which can be toxic and ultimately lead to health problems for the inhabitants of the home.

You See Damaged or Missing Shingles

Your roof is one of the sturdiest and longest-lasting, parts of your home. But, eventually, even it will begin to wear out and require maintenance. As with any other part of your home, it’s a good idea to have Interstate Roofing periodically send a professional to inspect the different elements of your roof and ensure that it’s still in good working order.

If your roof hasn’t been cared for in a while, or if you’ve recently had some extremely harsh weather, you might notice signs of damage. Usually, roof shingles are the first and most obvious sign that a roof isn’t in great shape. Your shingles also provide a barrier, preventing dirt, water, and ice from sneaking its way into your home. If you see cracked, damaged, or missing shingles, your roof may be in bad shape and unable to do its job properly. This includes keeping the heat in. Warm air will seep out through any cracks or holes where roofing material has been worn away.

There Are Gaps Between Your Ceiling and Roof

Of course, even a well-made, strong roof that has been properly maintained can’t do the job alone. If there are any gaps or cracks between your ceiling and roof, warm air will make its way up there, and eventually, the heat will diffuse out of your home and into the surrounding environment. You’ll periodically want to inspect your entire home for gaps in insulation. The most vulnerable areas are usually the sealing surrounding can lights, pipes, and wiring.

Depending upon the severity of the problem, it’s often possible to fix minor damage to your insulation on your own. You can purchase silicone sealants for pipes at any hardware store. Expanding foam insulation is also available for creating airtight seals around windows and doors, but be warned: it’s nasty stuff and will absolutely stick to everything it touches. Of course, if you’re unsure if you want to tackle this job on your own, don’t be afraid to contact a professional.

You Have Insufficient Insulation in Your Attic

The efficiency of your roof, as far as keeping warm air in (or cool air during the summer), depends largely on your attic. Even if you’ve carefully sealed every crack you could find and had your shingles repaired and maintained, your roof will never reach its full potential if you don’t have great insulation in the attic itself. Over time, insulation can lose its effectiveness, as holes develop, mold grows, and materials fall from where they’re attached. Occasionally, having a professional roofer inspect and, if necessary, replace the insulation in your attic will keep your energy costs lower and your home warmer.

There are several materials roofers use to ensure an attic is well insulated, each with its own particular benefits. Loose-fill insulation, made from fiberglass or cellulose, is sprayed into place using a type of hose. It’s great for insulating nooks, crannies, and other areas that are difficult to access. It can also be layered over other types of insulation, creating an extra layer of protection from the cold.

You’ve probably also seen insulation rolls. These are long lengths of thick fiberglass that can be ideal for large areas (such as attics). Foam board insulation is also popular. Usually made from polystyrene or polyurethane, this insulation medium comes in the form of large, rigid panels that can be attached over pipes, wood, and studs.

You’ve probably also seen insulation rolls. These are long lengths of thick fiberglass that can be ideal for large areas (such as attics). Foam board insulation is also popular. Usually made from polystyrene or polyurethane, this insulation medium comes in the form of large, rigid panels that can be attached over pipes, wood, and studs.

Elements of Green Roofing

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Creating an environmentally friendly roof for your home

Green roofing can take many forms. Some homes and businesses take the term literally and use roof space to grow plants. If you can’t manage the time and maintenance involved in that particular brand of “green,” try one of these simpler choices to make the roof of your Portland home more sustainable.

Recycled Materials

Building construction, demolition and upgrades generate millions of tons of debris each year, and most of it winds up in landfills. Much of this material could be recovered and recycled, and more companies are lowering their ecological footprints by doing just that. Take the environmentally friendly route by investing in roofing materials that are both recycled and recyclable.

Green Production

Another thing to look at when upgrading your roof is the manufacturing practices of the company providing the roofing materials. It’s no good to opt for something that seems green only to discover that harmful chemicals were used, and resources were wasted during manufacturing. Doing some research beforehand to find companies that use the most responsible production methods can not only help the environment, but can send the right message to manufacturers. Additionally it is important to verify that there are no harmful compounds on the shingles you buy that may leach off in the rain or contaminate the environment around your home.

Energy Smart

Choose roof shingles in light colors to reflect the heat of the sun and keep your home cool during the hottest months of the year. Adding overhangs around the edge of the roof provides extra shade that further reduces heat gains. By choosing “cool” roofing materials, you cut down on the amount of time that you need to run a fan or the air conditioner to moderate the indoor temperature.

Solar Power

If your budget allows, consider adding solar panels to your green roof. This helps to offset energy use within your home, which in turn cuts down on the resources you consume every day. Rather than relying on the main grid for your power, you have your own renewable energy source right above your head. It is possible to install enough solar paneling to have self-sufficient energy production right in your own home!

Longevity

The longer your roof lasts, the less waste is generated from repairs and upgrades. Look for durable materials with extended warranties to find the best options for a roof that stands the test of time.

At Interstate Roofing, we’re committed to being as green as possible. Contact us to find out more about our environmentally friendly options including Energy Star rated shingles, solar tubes and solar powered vents. When we replace your roof with a sustainable one, we won’t just haul the old roof away. We’ll take the materials to a recycling center where they can be re-purposed and used again for other roofing jobs, a practice that helps to sustain the environment by cutting down on waste.

The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Roofing

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As concern about climate change and environmental conservation grows, many building owners are choosing eco-friendly roofing to help the planet. A green roof is a roofing system that uses vegetation as a roof covering. Green roof systems can reduce the “heat-island” effect, improve air quality, neutralize acid rain, benefit biodiversity, create sound insulation, and conserve energy.

In addition to environmental benefits, eco-friendly roofing also offers important benefits to building owners. These green roofing benefits include an expanded roof life, reduced air conditioning costs, LEED credits, storm water management, and reduced heating costs.

More Green Roofing Benefits

Eco-friendly roofing improves air quality. Plants produce oxygen and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the environment. In addition, green roofing can remove airborne particles, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds from the air and prevent these pollutants from entering the water system.

Green roofing benefits biodiversity. Research suggests that eco-friendly roofing can be designed to meet local biodiversity objectives. Portland, OR, residents who choose green roofing can have an important impact by providing an increased habitat for wildlife.

Green roof systems improve thermal performance. Green roofing benefits include increased roof insulation and improved thermal performance. Rooftop vegetation acts as an insulation barrier. Additionally, the plants reduce the amount of solar energy absorbed by the roof, leading to cooler temperatures below. As a result, building owners enjoy reduced air conditioning and heating costs.

Eco-friendly roofing benefits the community. Natural green space provides important benefits to people who live and work in cities. In many cities, preserving green space seems to be an endless challenge. Green roofing helps offset the problems associated with growth because green roofs provide accessible green space within a dense urban setting. Further, studies show that exposure to natural greenery provides an important benefit to humans. These benefits include physical benefits such as exposure to cleaner air and mental benefits such as a reduced stress level.

Green Roofing in Portland, OR

Luckily for us, Portland is one of the top cities to embrace the benefits of green building. A growing number of business owners are choosing eco-friendly roofs and rooftop gardens to reduce the negative impact to the environment.

If you’re ready to learn more about green roofing in our beautiful city, Interstate Roofing is here for you.

Is Your Old Roof Costing You Money?

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Improving roof efficiency with help from a residential roofer.

Your old, damaged roof could be sucking your bank account dry as it lets heat out in the winter and absorbs sun in the summer. If you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills, consider these improvements to boost home efficiency and keep your money in the bank where it belongs.

Insulate the Attic

Try attic insulation to boost home efficiency. The attic is one of the biggest sources of heat loss in your home. If the insulation is old or falling down, heat will escape into the attic and out through the roof. Check your attic insulation for damage and look into replacements such as foam or fiberglass batts to ensure that heat stays indoors where it belongs.

Cool It Down

In the summer, dark-colored roofs absorb sunlight and drive up cooling costs. Fortunately, there are such things as “cool roofs” and coatings that can make your roof more efficient. Going for a lighter color with roof paint or installing a reflective material that reflects the sun’s rays means a cooler home and less money spent running the air conditioner.

Know Your Material

Understanding which materials are best for your climate can help you make a smart decision when switching to an energy-efficient roof. Certain materials such as metal, asphalt, and concrete last longer than others and can stand up to more serious weather conditions. Choosing a material that lasts prevents damage and cuts down on long-term maintenance costs.

Repair or Replace?

These methods only work for roofs that aren’t beyond repair. How can you tell if it’s time for a full roof replacement? Visible damage is one surefire way to know that your roof needs more than maintenance. Shingles that are curling, buckling, splitting, blistering, or missing altogether are all signs that a roof replacement is in order. Moss that’s growing out of control will eventually cause shingle damage as well.

Indoor signals of a bad roof include the appearance of ceiling spots, rot, or mold, all of which indicate leaks. Check for gaps around the chimney and make sure none of the supports are sagging.

If you find any signs that indicate you need roof repair or a complete replacement, contact Interstate Roofing. Our services range from installing attic insulation to putting in brand-new roofs, depending on your needs. We bring quality roof repair and replacement to homes in and around Portland, and you can count on our specialists to work with you every step of the way to ensure that your roof lasts. Contact us to get started with a free estimate.

How Your Empty Attic Space Makes Your Roof More Efficient

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Preserving heat, insulation, and roof integrity through proper attic care.

Did you know that a clean attic can improve your home’s energy efficiency?Damp, chilly winters in the Portland and Vancouver areas can threaten the integrity of roofs. Fortunately, proper attic care can provide protection for rafters and shingles while improving the efficiency of your home.

Empty Attic, Better Insulation

Attic insulation provides protection for the underside of your roof. However, if your attic is stuffed full of stuff, it’s hard to install or replace insulation anywhere in that space. Attics that are used primarily for storage are often neglected, leading to stagnant air that can result in damage when it comes in contact with heat or moisture from the rest of the house.

Attic Venting

Installing or upgrading attic vents may seem like the opposite of insulating, but proper air flow is essential to a healthy roof. Vented attics stay cool in the summer so the undersides of roof shingles don’t overheat and dry out. In the winter, ventilation prevents the buildup of mold-causing moisture that can lead to the rotting of roof components. When heat rises from the rest of the house, ventilation keeps condensation from turning into frost and prevents unwanted cycles of freezing and thawing.

Sealing Leaks

Poor insulation in the attic can lead to air and water leaks. An air leak not controlled by ventilation leads to a transfer of air from the attic to the outside and vice versa. This makes the attic colder in the winter and hotter in the summer, creating temperature fluctuations that can lead to internal roof damage.

Water leaks soak insulation, destroying its ability to resist heat radiating up from the rest of the house. Wet insulation lets in ambient heat as well as moisture which makes the attic environment not only inefficient but also unfriendly to your roof. As with poor ventilation, wet insulation can lead to mold growth which wears away at the rafters and may cause even more leaks. Plus, if you do store anything in the attic, leaks and changes in temperature will damage your belongings. Together, damage from poor insulation and leaks can lead to loss of property and high roof repair bills.

Installing or replacing attic insulation is a big job. Let Interstate Roofing preserve the roof in your home with the right amount and type of insulation. Our specialists are familiar with “R” value—the ability of insulation to resist the transfer of heat—and can choose the proper level to ensure roof safety and home efficiency. Contact us to request a free estimate or give us a call today to book an appointment. Your attic and your roof will thank you.

Are Portland Neighborhoods Too Cloudy for Solar Power?

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Knowing when to put solar power to use for your home.

Installing solar panels on your PNW home just takes a little planning. The weather in Portland isn’t nearly as bad as outsiders believe. Although it does get cloudy and cold for much of the fall and winter, sun and warmth never fail to return during the late spring and summer. Of course, our “cloudy season” is apt to worry local homeowners who wonder whether installing a rooftop solar array makes financial sense here. As it turns out, clouds are overrated. You just need to keep a few things in mind to get the most out of your home’s solar panels.

Orientation: South or West?

Several factors contribute to optimal rooftop electricity generation. Directional orientation is one of the most important. Although it might seem logical to point your solar panels south, studies have shown that west-facing panels are actually the most efficient. This is because the sun’s rays tend to be strongest during the afternoon. Other studies have cast doubt on the idea of purely west-facing panels and suggested that a southwest or west-southwest orientation is better.

Angle

Portland is close to the 45th parallel, so it’s farther north than most American cities. This means that the sun’s rays are a bit weaker here. It also means that the sun tends to sit lower in the sky. Accordingly, the angle at which your rooftop panels sit is very important. A seminal study of solar panels in London located above the 50th parallel found that angles of at least 35 degrees allow for optimal generation in northern cities. Shallower angles may not capture the sun’s rays as effectively.

Placement

Of course, every roof is different. Depending on the directional orientation of your house and the presence of obstacles, you may need to adjust the placement of your roof’s panels. Watch out for obstructions like:

• Telephone poles and wires
• Tall trees
• Other buildings
• Cliff faces or retaining walls
• Hills or mountains that may block the sun at certain times of day

Interstate Roofing: Your Source for Roof Installation in Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA

You don’t have to install rooftop solar panels to put your home’s roof to work in the service of saving money. At Interstate Roofing, we’re proud to offer a wide range of roof installation and repair services that can improve your home’s energy efficiency, sustainability, and physical appearance. Of course, we’re happy to provide advice about solar arrays as well. To learn more about what we can do for your property, give us a call at 503-684-5611 or fill out our online contact form.

Is Your Roof About to Become a Miniature Ecosystem?

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Taking advantage of an emerging trend in residential design.

At this point, you’ve probably heard about the concept of a green roof. First popularized during the early 2000s, green roofs have gained steam in just about every corner of the country. However, far too many homeowners still aren’t aware of their benefits and drawbacks. If you’re thinking about investing in a green roof, we’ve decided to provide a little clarity on the subject.

What Is a Green Roof?

According to the EPA, “a green roof is a vegetative layer grown on a rooftop.” As long as it’s cultivated and managed, a green roof may be comprised of anything from basic ground cover or grasses to a vibrant, native ecosystem that includes small plants, shrubs and even trees.

What Isn’t a Green Roof?

While the definition of “green roof” is fairly straightforward, it’s important to note what isn’t typically included on a green roof. A roof that’s covered in organic life due to the uncontrolled spread of seeds, mold spores, and other unwanted forms of life may actually be harmful to homeowners and business owners. For instance, roofs with unchecked mold growth tend to hold moisture. This may cause leaks or damage shingles. Roofs that harbor sources of food, including grasses and small plants, may eventually attract pests that can chew their way into your home.

Benefits of a Green Roof

  • Properly constructed and maintained green roofs have several benefits:
  • They can absorb the sun’s energy and reduce cooling costs during the summer
  • They act as filters for polluted air and reduce carbon emissions by cutting energy use
  • They can absorb and filter storm water, potentially reducing the risk of flooding and water pollution
  • They may double as rooftop parks
  • Things to Keep in Mind

When installing a green roof, keep a few things in mind:

  • Use native, drought-resistant plants to the extent possible
  • Mix a variety of organisms together
  • If your roof is publicly accessible, consider providing seating for visitors

Find a Residential Roofer in Vancouver and Portland

Whether you’re ready to put a green roof on your house or wish to explore more traditional roofing options, you can trust us to point you in the right direction. Our knowledgeable sales staff and experienced roofers know the Pacific Northwest’s roofs through and through. It’s our pleasure to provide you with the tools you need to make a decision that pays dividends for years to come. To learn more about what we can do for you, call us at 503-684-5611 or fill out our online contact form.

Why Isn’t Your Business’s Roof as Green as Your Neighbor’s?

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Outshine the competition with the greenest roof in your district.

If you looked out the window of your Portland-based business lately and thought you saw plants growing on your competitor’s roof, you weren’t imagining things. Green roofs, also called eco-roofs, are a fast-growing trend that’s taking the concept of “going green” to a whole new level.

Benefits of Green Roofs

Green roofing involves placing live plants on the roofs of residential and commercial buildings. Introducing vegetation this way benefits the building and the surrounding environment by:

  • Increasing the lifespan of the roof by as much as 200%
  • Reducing up to 70% of storm water runoff
  • Converting carbon dioxide to oxygen
  • Reducing energy costs for both heating and cooling
  • Reducing heating of the surrounding area (the “urban heat island”)
  • Providing habitats for species that have been pushed out of their native areas

It’s no wonder, then, that Portland has an initiative in place that pays up to $5 per square foot to individuals and businesses that choose to install green roofs. The city is also promoting the development of roofs that attract particular species of wildlife, including birds that usually make their homes in dry riverbeds.

Enhancing Your Business

Companies like Turtle Island Foods are getting into the green roofing trend in a big way. This company, home of Tofurky meatless products, created an extensive roof with soil deep enough to accommodate vegetable plants. There’s little reason why other businesses with the right budget can’t follow suit, especially when the city is willing to put forward money toward the price of installation.

Turning your otherwise empty roof space into a lush, living habitat gives back to the environment and shows customers that your business is willing to go beyond basic “green” practices such as recycling. In fact, if you already have a green initiative in place, installing a green roof is a good next step because it increases property value and makes your building—and, therefore, your business—more attractive.

Interstate Roofing can help your business go green with a new roof. Visit our website to request a free quote, and check out the green practices we already have in place. The debris from each roof that Interstate Roofing replaces in the Portland area is, rather than being dumped in a landfill, carefully recycled, making your green roof project even more environmentally friendly. Contact us today at 503-684-5611 to see what we can do to make your business stand out.