Top 15 Green Home Improvements and their Costs 2022

Home energy efficiency is both a journey and an objective. The objective is as simple as going Green. You optimize the resources of your home while saving money. Those savings are part of the journey.

A home solar power system on a tile roof

Green living is smart living. Truly, the journey is never ending. There are steps you can take today to achieve greater resource efficiency in your home. It’s important to remember that energy efficiency is for everyone and not just those with ‘best practices’ in mind, or those who can afford the right technology.

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We list 15 green home improvements or major renovation projects popular today. More importantly, these are considerations for truly increasing your home’s energy efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint.

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Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles – Pros and Cons of Each System

When it comes to roof replacements, many homeowners will often immediately choose to install asphalt shingles due to a relatively attractive upfront cost of asphalt roofs.

However, composition shingle roofs are not always appropriate for all homes, especially if you happen to live in a desert-like environments like Arizona, Nevada, and parts of California and Texas. These areas often experience rapid temperature changes (more on that later), which can shorten the lifespan of an asphalt roof.

Then there are areas like Oklahoma, parts of Texas, Kansas, Montana, etc. that experience frequent and severe hail storms which can easily damage asphalt roofs, often rendering them “beyond repair”. For such areas, a metal roof can often be a better alternative due to its superior durability, longevity, and energy efficiency.

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PVC vs. TPO vs. EPDM Rubber Roofing Cost: Single-Ply Membrane Roofs

PVC roofs have been installed in the US since 1970’s and have a long-proven track record of success. While somewhat more expensive than their direct competitors; EPDM Rubber and TPO, PVC single-ply membrane roofs from companies like IB and Sika Sarnafil, will typically enhanced better durability, longevity, repairability, and overall protection for low-sloped and flat roofs.

When it comes to cost-efficiency, durability, long service lifespan and environmental considerations in the single-ply roofing market, a PVC membrane is by far the most economical, longest-lasting, and eco-friendly option for flat and low-slope roofs on residential homes, condominiums, and commercial rooftops.

Learn more about what PVC roof is, as well as all the advantages you can enjoy by installing one to protect your home or business.

PVC Membrane Basics

In a nutshell, PVC, better known as vinyl, is one of the most common plastics in the world. The main reason why PVC is in such wide use is because it’s considerably cheaper and more durable than other plastics.

Essentially, PVC is made of two components: ethylene and chlorine. Ethylene is obtained via processing of either petroleum or natural gas, while chlorine is derived from salt.

During the manufacturing process, plasticizers, stabilizers, and pigments can be added to achieve flexibility, durability and various color options.

What Goes Into PVC Membrane?

A PVC roof is a single-ply membrane that is made up of two layers of PVC material with a polyester reinforcement scrim in between. The top ply is manufactured with special additives to make the membrane resistant to UV rays and to prevent curling.

Plasticizers are added for greater flexibility and different pigments are used to achieve various color options. The bottom ply of the roofing membrane is a black PVC with plasticizers for additional flexibility. Typically, no other additives or fillers are added to the bottom ply.

Both PVC and TPO membranes are hot-air welded, not glued. Did you know? Hot-air welding (fusion welding) of seams, creates a permanent physical bond between the two separate sheets of PVC membrane, thus allowing it to remain water-tight and pliable for decades after the initial installation! 😉

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