solar tiles

solar tiles

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The roof is one of the most important features of your home so it's very important that you choose the right roofing material so that your roof will last you many years. Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material. Asphalt shingles are very harmful to the environment because they absorb heat, hold on to that heat for a long time, and are rarely recycled (because it is difficult). Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material because they are cheaper.

If your roof is getting old and needs to be replaced why not replace it with an environmentally friendly roof. There are numerous choices available in green roofing. Here are a few:

The Living Roof This is one of the most popular choices when it comes to green roofing. These roofs contain a layer of soil and plants grow on top of them. A living roof provides much better insulation than an asphalt shingle roof. A living roof helps it blend into its surroundings, and they're beautiful. The topsoil that was removed during construction can be used as part of the living roof. Green roofs contain plants which help to replace the plants that were destroyed when the home was constructed. Most living roofs are found in Germany. Green roof systems can either be intensive or extensive depending on the plant material and planned usage for the roof area. Intensive green roofs use a wide variety of plants that may include trees and shrubs. They are extremely heavy and require a lot of support. Extensive roofs usually contain herbs, grasses, and mosses. They are not as heavy as intensive roofs. Green roofs can lower your electric bill. They also keep rain water from running off into the ground. The plants on the living roof can help remove pollutants from the air.

Metal Roofs Metal roofing is sustainable. It contains a significant amount of recycled material. It lasts a lot longer than asphalt shingle roofs and hardly ever needs to be replaced. When metal roofing needs to be replaced, it can be recycled. Metal roofing is fire resistant and can withstand strong winds. Metal roofs will not rust, crack, or rot. It never needs cleaning. Metal roofs are light weight so they don't require a lot of support. Metal roofs can also be put over the original roof which saves removal and disposal costs.

Cedar Shake Roofs Cedar shake roofs are also very popular. They are made of untreated cedar and they don't rot like other wood material does. They also last longer than asphalt shingles. Enviroshake® is a composite roofing product that replicates the look of an antique cedar shake roof but is more durable and more resistant to wind, water, mold and mildew. Enviroshake roofing is mostly made from recycled materials. There are several environmentally friendly options available for cedar shake roofs. One is real cedar shingles which are harvested from well-managed forests or shake tiles made from recycled materials. Either way, you'll get a long-lasting, beautiful roof that will add a traditional look to your home.

Ceramic Tiles Ceramic tile is mainly used in the Southwest. Ceramic tile roofs are also nontoxic and long lasting. Individual tiles may occasionally need to be replaced but the whole roof is usually durable. Unglazed tiles are the most popular, but glazed ones also exist. Tiles tend to be expensive, and are also very heavy.

Solar Tiles Solar roof tiles look just like normal roof tiles however they are covered with a thin film photovoltaic (PV) material which generates electricity. One tile by itself doesn't produce much power however covering an entire roof can produce a lot of electricity. In fact, an entire roof covered with solar tiles can easily generate enough power for your entire home.

If you choose to install solar roof tiles, you still will need to stay on the electric grid since even the sunniest climates have cloudy days, which limits how much power the tiles can generate. You should still be able to save a substantial amount on your electric bill.

This is an excellent time to purchase solar powered tiles. There are many excellent state and federal tax incentives (up to 80% of the cost). You can increase the value of your home and save on your electric bills by installing solar tiles.

The solar roof tile is made up of photovoltaic modules that are capable of being integrated into any standard roofing system. Solar roof tiles are connected by electrical sockets on their underside. This creates a single electrical unit, and therefore, an electric current. Basically, solar roof tiles use the sun's rays to absorb heat and generate electricity for your home or building.

Author: Lynne Mueller - Our Green Life Biz - http://www.ourgreenlifebiz.com
JayLynne Enterprises - http://www.jaylynne.com

Lynne is co-owner of JayLynne Enterprises with her husband Jay. Together they created Our Green Life Biz which promotes green technology, renewable energy, and ways to use it in your daily life. Common sense methods to lower your carbon footprint and save you a bunch of money. The Jaylynne Enterprises site is Internet Marketing based. It provides information on how to grow a home based internet business. Articles include how to use eBay (whole series), reviews of software and internet marketing tools.

Solar Tiles to Make Your Own Solar Power Electricity