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Commercial Green Roof Contractors

Schools, businesses, and people worldwide are committed to finding new ways to protect the environment. We’re honoring sustainability by installing successful green roof systems.

Our green roof options are diverse, but they share key benefits: reducing energy consumption, lowering heating and cooling costs, and promoting environmental sustainability.

A Variety of Green Roof Solutions for Commercial Applications

Green roof installations are an excellent choice for both new construction projects and commercial roof replacements. At GSM Roofing, we offer tailored solutions designed to help you achieve your sustainability and performance goals.

Commercial Cool Roofs and Roof Coatings

Cool roofs and roof coatings are two ways to reduce the load on your HVAC system and cut your energy costs.

Commercial roof coatings are a great way to save some “green” while making your building cooler. White roof coatings will significantly lower the temperature of a roof’s surface during the summer by reflecting the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them like a traditional roof. Coatings also extend your roof life and keep re-roofing debris out of landfills. Our expert team of roofing contractors will ensure you get the right coating for your current system.

We were installing cool roof systems long before they were called “cool.” A cool roof is defined as any roof surface that keeps a building cooler by reflecting the sun’s heat or emitting the heat it absorbs, so it doesn’t transfer to the building’s interior. The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) maintains a rating system for different types of roofs. The highest-rated cool roofs are made from a variety of materials but are all typically light in color.

Energy-Saving Insulation

Many building owners may want to reduce their insulation thickness to save a few dollars when starting a roofing project. We understand that every dollar matters but spending a few extra roof insulation dollars now will ultimately deliver big savings over your roof’s lifetime.

An additional layer of roof insulation can help offset rising energy costs, create a thermal break, and provide a great return on investment. We’ll work within your budget to get you the right type and right amount of insulation to keep you compliant with current building codes.

Vegetative Roofs

Equipping a roof with plants delivers many benefits. It provides more usable space, helps with stormwater runoff, minimizes the urban heat island effect, and improves energy efficiency. Not to mention, it also extends the life of your roofing system.

GSM Roofing’s Ephrata, PA, headquarters features a 7,000 square foot green roof with a vegetative garden, outdoor seating, a grilling area, and custom-made rain barrels. Our roof received the 2013 RoofPoint Excellence in Design Award for Excellence in Water Management.

Rainwater Harvesting

Roof rainwater harvesting is a simple, effective way to capture rain and use it later. It reduces your freshwater consumption and reuses water that makes its way onto your property. If you’re considering a roof rainwater harvesting option, we can help.

The rainwater harvesting process is typically accomplished with rain barrels or cisterns. Our roofing company will make sure the water is diverted correctly and filtered, so you can use the rain to water your plants, wash the car, or do many other things in an eco-friendly way.

Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Roofing

Money doesn’t grow on trees — but it can grow on your roof. The solar (PV) market has been thriving thanks to federal tax credits, clean energy production, improved solar panel efficiencies, and rising energy prices. We are at the forefront of the latest PV roofing options (as demonstrated by the PV roof at GSM Industrial), and we can help determine if commercial solar roofing is right for you.

WARNING: Do not install solar panels on a roof — especially an older roof — without first consulting with a roofing professional and planning properly. You’ll avoid lots of headaches and financial worry down the road.

Daylighting

The sun is the most effective, affordable way to light your building. It’s also a simple and natural way to energize your employees’ work environment. With rising energy prices and a focus on reducing their carbon footprint, more companies are investing in roof daylighting. If your business wants to learn more about the benefits – get in touch, so we can help.

A new skylight or sun tube can result in significant energy savings for your business. And new technologies can deliver even more substantial cost savings if installed correctly. Choosing an experienced contractor will keep the rain out and the sun shining in.

LEED

We have extensive experience with LEED, a green-build rating system. We will work with you to ensure you’re getting the maximum number of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits as defined by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Our commercial green roofing contractors will design and install a vegetative, cool, or solar roof to add to your LEED credits. And to help your project go more smoothly, we will complete LEED paperwork, keep material travel to a minimum, and perform on-site recycling.

Tailored Sustainable Roofing Options

Whether you’re harvesting the sun’s power or reflecting its rays, there are several options available to you to enhance sustainability and energy savings.

If you’re interested in reducing your carbon footprint and energy consumption, get in touch with the green roof contractors at GSM Roofing today. We’ll listen to your concerns, note your highest priorities, and deliver the best solution for your commercial building. Our services are available throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.

Green Roofing FAQ

What is a Green Roof, and How does it Work?

A green roof (also known as a living roof) is a roofing system that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, installed over a waterproof membrane. It may include additional layers, such as root barriers, drainage systems, and irrigation systems.

Green roofs work by creating a layer of plants and soil that provides insulation, absorbs rainwater, and reduces heat transfer. The vegetation absorbs sunlight, lowering the building’s temperature, while the soil and drainage system help manage stormwater runoff, reducing the strain on urban sewer systems. Additionally, green roofs improve air quality, provide a habitat for wildlife, and contribute to a building’s overall energy efficiency.

What Types of Plants are Best Suited for a Green Roof?

The best plants depend on the type of green roof (extensive or intensive) and the local climate. However, sedums, grasses, and drought-tolerant native plants are common choices because they require minimal watering and maintenance.

Can a Green Roof be Installed on any Commercial Building?

Green roofs can be installed on most buildings, but the structure must be assessed to ensure it can support the additional weight. If your building doesn’t meet all necessary criteria initially, retrofitting or design adjustments may make an installation possible.

Flat or low-slope roofs with durable, flexible roofing materials are the most common candidates for green roof installation.

What is the Cost of Installing a Green Roof?

Costs depend on the type of green roof, size, plant selection, and additional features. While initial costs may be higher than a conventional roof, savings on energy and maintenance can offset this over time.

Are there Government Incentives for Installing Green Roofs?

Yes, many governments at the federal, state, and local levels offer incentives, such as tax credits, grants, or rebates.

Please feel free to contact us at GSM Roofing if you have any other questions.

Glad to be wrapping up this project, but most of all ..enjoyed working with you and GSM, your company is spot on and customer service is off the charts! Thank you!

Diana Hess Project Manager