Green and solar roofing materials are all the rage lately and in some jurisdictions, the use of green material can afford certain advantages either in licensing, taxation, density, or use. Green material typically involve the use of recycled material. Solar power generating roofing material would seem like a natural call especially for very sunny climates, but the generating capacity means the rather high cost of these material is still paid back over a long period — longer than the typical residence of an individual or family. Still, as technology advance we expect to see this segment of the market claim a larger and larger share.

A special class of roofs including growing plants which retain some water from flowing off and absorb solar energy rather than converting it to heat which must then be mitigated with insulation.

• GreenGrid from Mule-Hide is a vegetative roof system grid blocks of either soil containers or walkways and an underlying support system.
• IB Roof offers both green vegetative roofs and solar power generating roofs. It offers custom prefabricated systems and training to contractors.

With “green” bandied about by every manufacturer, how can you find materials meeting specific requirements. Some organizations have put together databases offering specific compliance related information.

• Green Forman made available by the Construction Specification Institute, shows the sustainable properties of various construction materials.

Roofs and attics are big heat collectors. Some manufacturers are exploring ways of reusing and recycling that heat in home and industrial systems.

• Energy Alternative - Greenbuild manufactures and distributes a creative ridge vent system which uses roof and attic heat to pre heat water destined for home water heaters.

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