ALERNATIVE ROOFING IDEAS

Home » Home Improvement » Green Living Join Sign in EzineArticles - Expert Authors Sharing Their Best Original Articles Search Aaliyah Arthur Platinum Quality Author Platinum Author | 1,853 Articles Joined: June 3, 2010 United States Two Green Roofing Ideas From Fantasy and History By Aaliyah Arthur | Submitted On September 15, 2016 Recommend Article Article Comments Print Article Why settle for shingles, a metal roof, or one of the other default options chosen by most homeowners? The real estate market emphasizes building or finding "your dream home," and yet many buyers are ultimately limited to simple variations on the model homes in different subdivisions. When you watch movies that transport you to places like Medieval Scotland and Middle Earth, there are cozy houses that would be difficult to find in your community. However, with a little creativity and the right roofing choices, you can recreate the feel of a hobbit hole with the conveniences of modern technology. Here are just two examples of roofing ideas that could help you create your fantasy. Thatched Roofing Thatch was once one of the most common methods for sealing a home against the elements. Similar techniques are still in use in rural Africa and other parts of the world, and the techniques have been adapted for modern construction in America. Thatch was initially attractive to mankind because of the easy accessibility of grasses. When packed together by someone who knows the right technique, thatch can effectively block out rain and other elements for a number of years. The material does need more maintenance than a typical modern roof, and it will need to be entirely replaced after a few years. Originally, the low cost of the materials made replacement less troublesome. In the movie Braveheart, Mel Gibson stands atop of his childhood hovel, replacing the thatch that was sufficient for keeping out Scotland's perpetual rain. The scene resonates with many modern viewers who are nostalgic for the era when DIY techniques could re-build a thoroughly blighted property. A few contractors in America will install thatch if requested, but the material is no longer as cheaply accessible as it once was. Professional installation is expensive with such an obscure skill, and the unconventional choice might complicate the process of getting the property insured. Thatch can be tight enough to stop falling rain, but creatures still tend to burrow through, particularly bugs and rodents. Still, for those who can handle the list of downsides, thatch can be a better choice for the environment than tar, metal, or manufactured shingles. Earthen Roofing Hobbit holes in Tolkien's series were tunneled directly into hillsides, and there is a movement where people have started constructing underground residences. In addition to living like a hobbit, these homeowners typically have much lower heating and cooling costs because the hillside provides excellent insulation, keeping the living space cool in summer and warm in winter. As a less extreme compromise, green or grass roofing borrows a centuries-old idea by covering the top of the building with sod and vegetation. The Vikings used a comparable technique in northern parts of the UK, and a grassy-topped house would be less of an upset to your neighborhood than a hobbit hole. As human buildings and cities cover progressively more of the Earth's surface, the sheer number of metal- and shingle-covered spaces has become an ecological problem. Especially when combined with paved areas, the water simply runs off into drainage systems where it was absorbed. Plant matter and sod provide a compromise that also helps to insulate a building. Whether you choose to think way outside of the box with a fantasy home or stick with more conventional materials, it's worth noting that these ideas you might recognize from movies are also ecologically sound. To learn more about their options for roofing, Roxbury, MA residents should visit http://www.willardco.com/Why_Choose_Willard/. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Aaliyah_Arthur/663273 0 Comments | Leave a Comment Did you find this article helpful? Happy Face0 Sad Face0 Viewed 16 times Word count: 568 Article Tools EzinePublisher Report this article Cite this article Stay Informed Subscribe to New Article Alerts: Home Improvement: Green-Living Aaliyah Arthur Email Address Subscribe We will never sell or rent your email address. Green Living Article Feed Green Living Article Feed Find More Articles Search Similar Articles Grab Your 2016 Tax Credit for Roofing Upgrades Before It Expires Four Things to Know Before Roofing Contractors Arrive at the Home The Fire That Changed The Hood Cleaning Industry For Ever Catskill House Recent Articles Solar Power in the Years to Come High Housing Cost Getting You Down - An Eco-Friendly Log Home Is Much Cheaper 10 Tips For Choosing The Perfect Garden Log Cabin Farming With Integrity and Gardening Responsibly How Do I Compost? What Will Happen To Your Log Cabin After Five Years? Toxins in Candles Types of Eco-Friendly Home Siding Log Cabins In Winter: Things You Need To Know Why to Opt for Solar Energy EzineArticles.com About Us FAQ Contact Us Member Benefits Privacy Policy Shop Site Map Blog Training Video Library Advertising Affiliates Cartoons Authors Submit Articles Members Login Premium Membership Expert Authors Endorsements Editorial Guidelines Terms of Service Publishers Terms Of Service Ezines / Email Alerts Manage Subscriptions EzineArticles RSS © 2017 EzineArticles All Rights Reserved Worldwide