Posts Tagged ‘living roof’

Green Roof Systems: Intensive Living Roofs in Portland OR

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Green roof technology has earned a lot of attention in parallel to the worldwide shift toward environmental consciousness. With the Beaver state on the forefront of going green, eco roofing in Portland OR is becoming quite the popular option.

As a Portland homeowner, you can do your part for the environment by installing an eco friendly roof and at the same time add to the unique beauty of your home. Read on for more information about intensive green roofing in Portland OR and decide whether this type of living roof system is right for you.

Roofing in Portland OR — Intensive Vs. Extensive Roofs

Green roof systems can be divided into two main categories: intensive roofing and extensive roofing. Both intensive and extensive roofs offer substantial environmental rewards. They’re also durable against the Portland weather and increase the energy efficiency of your home.

In general, an extensive living roof is the straightforward version of green roofing in Portland OR. An extensive roof is comprised of a shallow layer of sedum and vegetation that requires very little maintenance.

Intensive green roofing structures add much more character to your home and can be made into a complete rooftop garden. While breathtakingly beautiful, intensive roofing systems in OR are more complex and require regular upkeep. Your roofing contractor in Portland can go into further detail about the pros and cons of intensive and extensive living roofs.

Roofing in Portland OR — Maintenance for Your Intensive Green Roof

Many Portland homeowners who wish to take their green thumbs to new heights will truly enjoy the advantages of intensive living roof structures. In this regard, you can create a fertile rooftop full of plants, flowering shrubs and even trees.

However, the intensive green roof system is not for everyone. Before you dive into this option, your roofing contractor in Portland will discuss the maintenance necessary for preserving this roof structure.

Sustaining your intensive roof will typically require frequent watering and weeding. You may also need to periodically fertilize the rooftop in order to keep the vegetation healthy and green.

When it comes to green roof systems, you have several options and can choose among varying degrees of intensive roofing structures. Ask a qualified Portland OR roofing contractor to customize a green roof that suits your lifestyle and home.

Alternative Roofing Options in Portland OR

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Roofing and roof repair in Portland has expanded beyond asphalt, clay tile and slate roofing. Homeowners now have a variety of alternatives for roofing in Portland OR, many of which enhance the beauty of the home and increase energy efficiency. Have a look at a few options your Portland roofing contractor can offer for your roof.

Alternative Roofing and Roof Repair Portland OR — Fiber Cement

Fiber cement is a mixture of wood fiber and cement. The tiles weigh much less than real cement or slate tiles and the wood fiber is often recycled. With Fiber Cement roofing materials, you can enhance the aesthetic quality of your home, reinforce the structure and appeal to the environment at the same time.

Alternative Roofing Portland OR — Living Roofs

A living roof, or green roof, is an eco-friendly structure in which the roof is covered in soil and vegetation. Living roof systems are an excellent choice for those who want to increase home insulation, help decrease the Urban Heat Island effect and add unique beauty to their homes.

Living roof systems can range from extensive to intensive. The former is the most basic type of living roof, while the latter allows homeowners to literally create a rooftop garden. Ask your roofing contractor in Portland which type of green roof system will work for your home.

Alternative Roofing and Roof Repair in Portland OR — Foam Roof

Another eco friendly alternative that also helps lower the Urban Heat Island effect is the foam roof. Foam roofs are waterproof and provide extraordinary insulation, which leads to better energy efficiency of the home. Foam roofs typically last over a decade, after which, you can have your Portland roofing contractor install another layer.

Alternative Roofing and Roof Repair in Portland OR — Imitation Slate

Imitation slate is an affordable alternative to real slate, which can cost several hundred dollars per square. Imitation slate also weighs less and is more versatile, suitable for various forms of roofing in Portland OR.

Alternative Roofing and Roof Repair in Portland OR — Flex Shake

Flex shake is a fairly new alternative roofing material, comprised of rubber shake made from recycled radial tires and steel belts. Flex shake roofing material is highly durable and provides solid protection against weather extremes in Portland.

The key with choosing the appropriate material for roofing in Portland OR is to highlight functionality. Contact a qualified roofing contractor in Oregon for a home inspection and expert advice on which type of roof will work best for your home.