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Building owner

The primary job of every roof is to provide protection from the elements, specifically keeping water out of a building. However, in recent years, the roofing industry has learned a quality roof can perform a number of other important functions. These include:
  • Helping to conserve energy
  • Protecting the environment by reflecting solar energy, through vegetative cooling or both and contributing to a reduction in ambient temperatures in urban environments
  • Playing a role in the control and treatment of stormwater runoff, especially with the development of vegetated, or "green," roofs
  • Contributing to the aesthetics of the building community with the advent of different roofing materials and plant life that offer variety of colors
  • Providing possible tax incentives, depending on location

Quality roof systems minimize the burden on the environment and help conserve energy. For example, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, increasing a roof system's R-value from R-9 to R-15 in Los Angeles would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by thousands of pounds.

In addition, light colored roof systems could save $750 million in utility bills nationwide, and rising energy costs make the payback period for energy-efficient roof systems short—about three years to four years. Furthermore, several municipalities offer various tax incentives for the installation of an energy-efficient roof.

When you choose a SpecRight-trained contractor, you will be assured he knows the value of added thermal insulation, reflectivity and sustainability. And because the training is based on ASHRAE 90.1, which is referenced n the International Building Code, as well as state and local building codes, you will be ensured your roof system will comply with proper energy-efficiency standards. A SpecRight contractor will be able to show you your potential cost savings and payback period for an energy-efficient roof system, as well as help you understand the value of such systems.

Click here for a list of participants who successfully have completed a SpecRight Program training session.