The last few decades have seen a worldwide shift in thinking, which has pushed environmental issues to the top of the agenda for many businesses, governments and consumers and has changed the way that society views the environment.

So what contribution can a roofing system provide towards making your home more environmentally sustainable?

The major contribution a roofing system can make to the environment is through minimising your energy use and the related carbon emissions or foot print.

To make your roof more energy efficient and to enjoy the associated cost savings, products like sarking, insulation and ventilation in conjunction with a sustainable roofing material are essential.

Bristile Roofing concrete tiles are affordable and durable roofing materials. Roof tiles are completely recyclable, reusable and are made from natural materials we have in abundance.

Concrete roof tiles have relatively low embodied energy due to a low intensity production process and have an estimated product life of 30 – 100 years. Tiles look great and outlast many other roofing materials, which make them a smart choice.

When building your roof, Bristile Roofing recommends using roof sarking, a strong bonded membrane with several layers which is laid under tiles. Roof sarking is designed to reflect as much as 95% of heat away from your home and acts as a secondary barrier to any water run off. In addition, roof sarking prevents dust and moisture build up in the ceiling cavity.

Keep in mind, roof sarking can only be fitted during roofing installation or reroofing, so these are the only opportunities to have your roof sarked.

Insulation can be installed in the ceiling cavity to act as a temperature barrier. Without insulation, even the best designed and constructed home will allow heat to pass through external surfaces. As much as 42% of a home’s heat can transfer through the ceiling alone. Insulation helps keep a more consistent temperature in your home and effectively limits the range of temperature fluctuations, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.

To complete a well designed, sustainable roofing system, Bristile Roofing also recommends the use of roof ventilators in conjunction with vented gables and soffits. By moving air in and out of the roof cavity roof ventilators help to minimize temperature build up. A wind powered ventilation system works using the exhaust forces created by the turning turbine rather than relying on electricity.

The combination of sarking, insulation and ventilation keeps your home cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and more energy efficiency all year round, resulting in greater cost savings on energy and lower carbon emissions.