Spending a little more money to get the right roof now can help you to save big when it comes to your energy bills over the long run. For example, green roofs are energy efficient and can help to  protect the environment , and your home from the elements, while keeping your house cool during the summer and warmer during the winter. Additionally, roofing materials that are energy-efficient can also withstand the ultraviolet radiation that is produced by the sun, and this can ultimately extend the life of your green roof.

If you want to create an environmentally friendly home, it is best to start at the top and then work your way down. Important factors to consider in  creating environmentally-friendly roofing  include:

There are plenty of ways for people to do things that are considered environmentally friendly. Many of these things involve their home, and the type of roof ( and siding ) installed. Green roofing systems are an excellent choice for Texas homeowners.

One of the easiest ways to create an environmentally friendly roof is by using materials that are considered green. Green designs can make a home much more energy-efficient. And there are many different choices that work for both residential and  commercial properties.

Using materials that come from things that were going to be placed in landfills is a great way to protect the environment. Not only do they reduce waste buried in the ground; they also can be made using less energy and less pollution than with shingles made from raw materials.

Certain roofing materials are “greener” than others, and choosing one of these options can help to reduce your carbon footprint:

Metal / Solar Roofs

A metal roof is also reflective and light in color. Additionally, this type of roof is extremely durable and long-lasting. They are built with recycled materials and require little maintenance, and their durability makes them appropriate for homes and a variety of other buildings. While the upfront cost of a metal roof may be higher than those of more traditional roofing options, the long life associated with this type of roof often makes them a better investment in the long run.

Green solar shingles can be integrated seamlessly, and, in many cases, solar shingles can be completely unnoticed. This change has made solar roofing a more popular option, as the older solar panels were typically large and did not fit with many building designs. Solar roofing can allow your home to use the sun’s energy as a power source, and it is available in a variety of profiles and shapes to fit your home’s unique design needs.

White / Cool Roofs

A cool roof is sometimes known as a white roof. It is made of light and reflective materials that have high solar reflectance. This helps to keep a home and the surrounding areas cooler than a traditional dark roof. They can be found as asphalt shingles, single-ply membranes, and roll on paint. Cool roofs can reduce the energy use of your home, and this can, ultimately, save money on your energy bills. While this type of roof may not be aesthetically pleasing to all homeowners, it is affordable and can be used in most applications.

Cool roofs typically stay between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than traditional roofs under the summer sun. This is useful in a variety of ways, including improving interior comfort, reducing home energy costs, increasing roof lifespan, cutting maintenance costs, and reducing smog associated with urban heat islands. During the summer, a typical dark matte roof can range from 150-190 degrees Fahrenheit while at its peak temperature, but a cool roof will only peak between 100 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cool roofs can bring your air conditioning and electric bills down by reflecting up to 90% of the sun’s solar heat. This can then reduce the HVAC usage that your home utilizes, which can bring your monthly electric bills and air conditioning costs down considerably. Additionally, the initial costs of materials used to put in a cool roof are similar to those of traditional roofing materials. Cool protective coatings may be reapplied every 10-15 years, and this can reduce the need for roof tear-offs / maintenance costs.

NOTE:  Moisture control is something else to think about, as a cool roof can be more susceptible to mold or algae growth in moist and warm locations. To avoid this, some cool roof coatings may include chemicals to prevent this growth for several years.

Going green with roofing  is a great idea since the roof is one of the parts of the home that contributes most to heat and cooling costs.

Green shingles allow Texas property and homeowners to protect the planet. By going green, you save the environment while also lowering your energy bills. Environmentally friendly roofing options and products last longer and pay for themselves over time— yet another perk of going green.

Texas Star Roofing is a strong advocate of the Cool Roofing movement and has the experience to point you in the right direction. We are familiar with the products designed to reduce the heat on your roof, such as Solaris by CertainTeed, or Owens Corning’s Shasta White offerings and Premium Cool Colors, as well as the energy star,  rated standing seam or stone-coated steel roofs we install.

We also encourage our customers to consider the advantages of a radiant barrier deck when appropriate or a thermal barrier. We can show you how your investment in Cool Roofing products can pay dividends when you invest in a Texas Star Roofing roof.

To learn more about choices for your structure, including green roofs, call the professionals at for a free, on-site inspection today.