National Roofing Offers Green Roofs

Posted on 10/5/2006

A roof that’s good for the environment, lasts longer, lowers heating and cooling costs, reduces water runoff, and creates a garden on the roof? That’s a green roof, and it’s only available in New Mexico from National Roofing Company, one of the Albuquerque’s most innovative roofing contractors.

A green roof is a plant-covered roof cover, with growing, live, tough flora taking the place of conventional roofing materials (membrane, gravel, shingles or tiles). The roofs vary from low-maintenance covers to high-tech rooftop gardens, complete with architectural details and furnishings to make the roof usable outdoor space.

These living roofs can be used on commercial and residential buildings, and several prominent public projects have utilized them. As part of Mayor Richard Daley’s goal to make Chicago the greenest city in America, the City Hall had a green roof installed, and now that city boasts more than 120 public and private buildings topped with living roofs. Atlanta’s City Hall has a living roof that serves as a patio to the fifth floor cafeteria.

The popularity of green roofs is growing as a result of huge economic and environmental benefits:
• The soil and plant covering insulates the building, helping reduce heating and cooling costs.
• Plants and soil absorb water, reducing stormwater runoff.
• While the sun’s UV rays break down conventional roofing, the sun helps a living roof grow.
• Green roofs can last up to twice as long as conventional roofs.

“We’re thrilled to offer this in the Southwest,” said Tom Johns, owner of National Roofing. “New Mexico is an ideal location for green roofs, as succulents and other kinds of tough vegetation thrive here. As well, this is a state where the environment is important and a green roof provides a sustainable alternative to conventional materials.”

National Roofing Company has provided services to a number of prominent projects in New Mexico, including the civic plaza in Albuquerque, Presbyterian Hospital, San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, Heart Hospital of New Mexico, Bernalillo County Courthouse, and the Alvarado Transportation Center.

A contractor since 1977, NRC is celebrating 29 years of service with the unveiling of a new building that showcases the company’s services. It includes actual examples of the various roofs so that potential customers can see and feel a green roof, tile roof, or any other type offered by NRC.

National Roofing is also presenting a broader range of services, including an enhanced maintenance program that helps stop small roofing leaks to becoming catastrophes. NRC is the only roofer in the state to offer 24/7 emergency service. As the recent monsoon rains have shown, a strong roof is the most important asset a building can have.

Please contact us for more information.