Sponsor
You Can Be in a Hud Indy Ad Too
Environmental News

The White Roof, an Energy-Saving Choice

• Bookmarks: 52


September 5, 2022

By Rachel Tieger, TEAC Co-Chair

For a couple of months, I had been seeing small pieces of asphalt shingle in my garden and around my property. Because there is no easy access to my high flat roof, it has always been out-of-sight, out-of-mind. But I was finally forced to acknowledge that the roof was long overdue for some attention. Thank goodness, the pitched facades were shedding shingles, to alert me of the state of affairs up there.

Sponsor
  • Duck Derby - Patriots Park - April 29, 2023
  • Donate to The Hudson Independent

After acquiring bids and reviewing proposals, I discussed the subject with my sister who mentioned that white roofs were much more energy efficient. According to the Department of Energy, white roofs can reflect between 60-90% of the sun and naturally keep the house cooler.  (Learn more HERE.)

Although it seems so obvious, I hadn’t given it much thought up to that point (articles about “greener homes”, be damned.) So, I was delighted to hear that the product my contractor planned to use came in white and was readily available.

Above is my new roof with white Liberty roof membrane and Fox Hollow gray shingle. We will see if there is a notable difference in the temperature on the second floor next summer. 

It would be amazing if contractors took the time to discuss the energy saving options and benefits of available materials with potential customers, but it is up to the homeowner to do their own research and make the best viable choices.

Side note: if you have never replaced a roof and will be doing so in the near future, brace yourself. It is a huge mess!

(This article was originally published in the September, 2022 newsletter of the Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council – TEAC. The complete newsletter can be found on the TEAC website at https://www.tarrytownenviro.org.)

Read or leave a comment on this story...


Sponsor
Andrea Martone - Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow real estate agent

A New Free App Aims to Curb Energy Use–And Pay Cash to Consumers Who Use It

By Alexander Roberts– In 2020, Sustainable Westchester, the local renewable energy supplier, began offering consumers cash inducements to reduce their...
Read More

Local Varsity Softball Teams Ready to Take Field

By Tom Pedulla--- The Hudson Independent previews the local varsity softball teams. (The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry will not...
Read More

Irvington Native Moves from Med School to Weill Cornell

By Barrett Seaman-- For aspiring physicians, mid-March of their last year in medical school is right up there on the...
Read More

Pedestrian Bridge to be Built over Thruway in Tarrytown

By Rick Pezzullo--- The New York Thruway Authority will be kicking off a $13.9 million project along Route 9 in...
Read More

Dobbs Ferry Voters Reject Cannabis Dispensaries

by Rick Pezzullo--- Voters in the Village of Dobbs Ferry overwhelmingly rejected allowing adult-use retail cannabis dispensaries in a special...
Read More

Sleepy Hollow’s Wray Bested After 14 Years in Office

By Barrett Seaman— In the midst of Sleepy Hollow’s physical transformation, much of which he oversaw, Mayor Ken Wray lost...
Read More

Irvington High School Announces Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Irvington High School has announced seniors Ryan Liu and Olivia Yin as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. “Ryan and Olivia have...
Read More

Wanted–Alive–Tarrytown’s Traffic Disrupting Turkey

By Barrett Seaman-- It could be any time of day but most likely just when traffic is at its heaviest....
Read More

Party Potentates—Even a U.S. Senator—Celebrate Imamura’s Political Ascent

By Barrett Seaman-- Your average first-term county legislator typically gets sworn into office at county headquarters by the Majority Leader...
Read More

Pickleball Round Robin Raises $3,000+ for Kids Club

By Barrett Seaman— According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, nearly 9 million Americans over the age of six...
Read More
52 recommended
167 views
bookmark icon