Despite what appears to be high demand for green roofs and green roofing products, there is quite a lack of change going on in America. Compared to other nations around the globe, America still lacks quite a bit of knowledge and motivation to make green roofing the new norm. With so many benefits the discrepancy between national markets is puzzling at best. However, some cultural and industrial differences may be able to shed some light on the gap.
Historical Differences
When we think of green roofing, many of us think solar panels. In fact, a truly "green roof" is one that is made up of vegetation and earth friendly materials. Homes in European and African countries have utilized green roofs for centuries. Made up of grass, flowers or clay, many of these historical homes have been using this roofing technology since the beginning. Perhaps the best thing about this type of roofing is its little need for improvement or modernization. This roof material is highly energy conserving and reduces the need for manufactured materials. Historical roofers had no idea that their limited materials would prove to be such a highly efficient roof, providing better insulation in cold months and reflecting heat in the winter months.
The United States has always lacked a sense of historical appreciation or preservation. Built for the purposes of advancement and growth, the U.S. has aimed to be the main developer of the "bigger and better". Armed with that mindset the pilgrims set to establish a new colony, one that would bring about advanced materials and way of life. Since the beginning, America has fought hard to carve itself a place in the industrial era and manufacturing businesses. With better tools came better manufacturing process, followed by better materials. From weapons to electronics to roofing products, the trends have all followed the same path. But are these advanced materials really "better"?
A Way Of Life
Besides the historical differences in societies around the globe are cultural differences. Those who grew up with green roofs have always known their benefits and rarely experienced anything else. Even in European and African countries where these roofs are common, many have been exposed to modern buildings with modern materials. While they may not debate the modern materials ability to perform their roof-ly duties, there is still the underlying sense of environmental responsibility.
In areas like America, many people never think twice about their carbon footprint or what they are doing to impact the environment. In fact, green roofing is still a very new concept to most Americans, one that is going to require much attention and nurture if it is ever to catch on. The good news is that, despite the fast paced and constantly advancing way of life, many Americans have been exposed to green roofing efforts already. Urban areas are becoming increasingly popular for roof gardens and farms, an idea that is catching the interest of many.
Historical Differences
When we think of green roofing, many of us think solar panels. In fact, a truly "green roof" is one that is made up of vegetation and earth friendly materials. Homes in European and African countries have utilized green roofs for centuries. Made up of grass, flowers or clay, many of these historical homes have been using this roofing technology since the beginning. Perhaps the best thing about this type of roofing is its little need for improvement or modernization. This roof material is highly energy conserving and reduces the need for manufactured materials. Historical roofers had no idea that their limited materials would prove to be such a highly efficient roof, providing better insulation in cold months and reflecting heat in the winter months.
The United States has always lacked a sense of historical appreciation or preservation. Built for the purposes of advancement and growth, the U.S. has aimed to be the main developer of the "bigger and better". Armed with that mindset the pilgrims set to establish a new colony, one that would bring about advanced materials and way of life. Since the beginning, America has fought hard to carve itself a place in the industrial era and manufacturing businesses. With better tools came better manufacturing process, followed by better materials. From weapons to electronics to roofing products, the trends have all followed the same path. But are these advanced materials really "better"?
A Way Of Life
Besides the historical differences in societies around the globe are cultural differences. Those who grew up with green roofs have always known their benefits and rarely experienced anything else. Even in European and African countries where these roofs are common, many have been exposed to modern buildings with modern materials. While they may not debate the modern materials ability to perform their roof-ly duties, there is still the underlying sense of environmental responsibility.
In areas like America, many people never think twice about their carbon footprint or what they are doing to impact the environment. In fact, green roofing is still a very new concept to most Americans, one that is going to require much attention and nurture if it is ever to catch on. The good news is that, despite the fast paced and constantly advancing way of life, many Americans have been exposed to green roofing efforts already. Urban areas are becoming increasingly popular for roof gardens and farms, an idea that is catching the interest of many.
Labels: Green Roofing, Markets, Roofing
Roof snow removal is one of the priorities for houses and building in areas where it snows seasonally. The danger of letting it remain on top is accumulation which can lead to other things. When it accumulates in the topmost covering of the house, the additional weight might not be sustained by the structure and cause the covering to collapse. If there are people in the house when this happens, it can lead to injuries and even fatalities. People do not realize that this substance can be potentially heavy when it accumulates because it is frozen water. Another reason why roof snow removal is necessary is when it forms a dam in the gutter and blocks its function. When the gutters of a house are blocked with ice, melting snow cannot traverse here causing the water to seep into the shingles or whatever roofing material is used and enter the house. Heavy gutters full of ice can also fall on unsuspecting people and cause injuries or fatalities. If the ice is left to accumulate, it is also possible that the initial layer will melt and start seeping into the material causing water rot and damage.
Most homeowners do not have time or inclination to remove the accumulation while others fear for their safety. Many call professional roof snow removal services in order to help them. These professionals often have techniques and equipment that can efficiently get rid of the accumulations for safe living conditions. On the other hand, some home owners are willing to try their hand at cleaning up their houses. The following equipment and methods may work for them.
Equipment and Other Methods
A snow rake is one of the most common equipment used for removing the accumulation at the tops of houses. The method in using this is to actually go up on a ladder up to a level abreast with the gutter. There has to be some space between the ladder and the gutter to enable the blocks of ice or accumulated snowflakes to slide to the ground without incident. The idea is to slowly work the rake from the edge of the roofing structure up to the peak. The person has to heft the rake up to lodge a reasonable size of a block and pull it downwards. Most of these rakes have wheels on them to minimize the damaging impact on the roofing material of the domicile.
A slider is also another efficient solution to roof snow removal dilemmas. The basic premise of this tool is the use of a cutting edge with a vinyl strip connected to it. The person cleaning can stay on the ground which makes it ideally safe. He should lodge the edge of the cutter on the edge of the roof and then slowly move the slider on its wheels upwards, thus dislodging the blocks of accumulation. The tool has a long handle that is usually strong but flexible.
Another method is to expose the ice to steam or hot water. This is ideal for houses with attic or second floor windows that open directly at top. There is a degree of success for this technique because if there is too much of the element , it may melt and make it more difficult to remove.
Most homeowners do not have time or inclination to remove the accumulation while others fear for their safety. Many call professional roof snow removal services in order to help them. These professionals often have techniques and equipment that can efficiently get rid of the accumulations for safe living conditions. On the other hand, some home owners are willing to try their hand at cleaning up their houses. The following equipment and methods may work for them.
Equipment and Other Methods
A snow rake is one of the most common equipment used for removing the accumulation at the tops of houses. The method in using this is to actually go up on a ladder up to a level abreast with the gutter. There has to be some space between the ladder and the gutter to enable the blocks of ice or accumulated snowflakes to slide to the ground without incident. The idea is to slowly work the rake from the edge of the roofing structure up to the peak. The person has to heft the rake up to lodge a reasonable size of a block and pull it downwards. Most of these rakes have wheels on them to minimize the damaging impact on the roofing material of the domicile.
A slider is also another efficient solution to roof snow removal dilemmas. The basic premise of this tool is the use of a cutting edge with a vinyl strip connected to it. The person cleaning can stay on the ground which makes it ideally safe. He should lodge the edge of the cutter on the edge of the roof and then slowly move the slider on its wheels upwards, thus dislodging the blocks of accumulation. The tool has a long handle that is usually strong but flexible.
Another method is to expose the ice to steam or hot water. This is ideal for houses with attic or second floor windows that open directly at top. There is a degree of success for this technique because if there is too much of the element , it may melt and make it more difficult to remove.
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