Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Research - Coggle Diagram
Research
Types of roofing and their environmental impact
Clay tile
They are made out of abundant and easily accessible items like clay, sand and water. This creates a lower negative environmental impact
Clay tiles have insulating properties. This means when it’s cold the roof insulates the house and keeps the heat inside. When it’s hot the roof allows the house to be cold since it doesn’t let the outside temperature inside the house. This reduces the need for heating and cooling systems which save energy and reduce costs
They are durable and last a long time (75 - 125 years) . This means it requires less maintainence and repairs. This can reduce carbon footprints and costs.
Clay tiles are recyclable. Old clay tiles can be remade into new tiles which minimizes waste and requires lesser new materials.
Metal
When installing new roofs, the old roof must be removed before replacing it however with metal roofs, you can sometimes place the metal roof on top of the already existing one. This reduces waste and extra need to dispose waste.
Since metal roofs are reflective they have insulating properties. This reduces the need for heating and cooling systems which saves energy and reduces costs.
They last longer. They can last up to fifty years.
Repairs can easily happen if needed. This creates lesser waste. They are also fully recyclable
Wood
Wood is a renewable source. The processing and manufacturing requires less green house gases to be emitted making it eco-friendly
The disposal of wooden roofs/shingles however can be harmful. If disposed improperly, green house gases may be emitted.
They have a high level of insulation which reduce the need for heating and cooling systems which can save energy and reduce costs.
Using wooden roofs wouldn’t be efficient however since they absorb moisture which can lead to it rotting and decaying
Asphalt
Significant amounts of waste is created during the process and manufacturing of asphalt shingles/roofs alone. It can also produce many green house gases
Asphalt is not biodegradable so after they are thrown away into landfills, they remain in the environment for many years. Because of this, they end up taking space which requires more space and more landfills to be created which can disturb eco-systems and the environment.
They last 15-30 years. Because of this, they will need to be replaced and when they are, a lot of waste is created.
Asphalt can be recycled however recycling rates for this material are low.
Cool roofing materials and their benefits
Cool roofing materials are materials for roof that combat and help with warmer climates. These materials include terracotta/clay tiles, reflective metal roofing, concrete tiles, green roofs and more.
Terracotta/clay tiles
They are heat resistant and provide insulation.
Reflective metal roofing
Reflective metal roofs are helpful since they reflect sunlight and reduce absorption. This helps the house/interior stay cool which reduces the need for air conditioning which helps save energy.
Concrete tiles
Concrete tiles are very heat resistant and can absorb less heat. This helps reduce energy consumption.
Cool roofing materials can have many benefits. There are many different ways different cool roofing materials are able to not absorb heat and keep the interior stay cool.
This helps remove the need for air conditioning or other cooling systems which may require energy to be used. This helps reduce energy consumption and save on it.
They can also lessen outside temperatures. Since they absorb less heat they don’t re-emit any. This helps with the urban heat island effect.
The impacts of urban heat islands on local climate
Because of the temperature increasing, this can lead to increased heat wave intensity. This can impact the environment and people.
Increased precipitation due to urban heat islands
The air quality may get worser. This is because as people use air conditioning, more fossil fuels will be used. This releases more pollutants and green house gases into the atmosphere.
Increased temperature: because of infrastructure re-emitting heat, it can increase the temperature of the environment around.
Solar energy solutions for roofs
Solar shingles can be used as well to convert sunlight into energy. These blend seaminglessly into roof. These help with keeping the aesthetics of the roof.
Solar roof tiles: solar cells are installed into roof tiles. They help with the appearance of the roof while still making it functional.
Solar panels: solar panels can be used to convert sunlight into electricity for homes. They are durable and can be used on many different types of roofs.
Roof insulation techniques
Matting insulation: a type of layering you can put on a roof. It’s like a blanket/mat made out of glass wool, plastic fibers or natural fibers. This helps with insulation.
Foam boards can be placed on top of roofs made out of polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, and polyurethane.
Liquid foam that can be sprayed in roofs to help with insulation and reduce air leakage.
Green roofing systems and their advantages
Green roofing systems are systems where an extension is added to an already existing roof. Light weight growing plants can be placed along with a drainage system, root repellent system, filter cloth, waterproofing and more.
The advantages
Helps prevent flooding. With the drainage system in the roofing system, it can help control the water and where it’s going in situations where there’s excess waterfall for example.
Green roofing systems can also help increase the duration and how long-lasting the roof is. The greenery protects the roof from harsh weather, temperatures, light and more.
With a green roofing system, plants can help with insulating the interior. This helps the interior stay warm during the winter and cool during the summer. This removes the need for heating and cooling systems which save energy.
They can also be helpful for wildlife by providing a small habitat for smaller creatures and plants.
They can improve the air quality. It reduces harmful things in the air improving its quality.