Blue Roofs and Why They're Being Called the New Green Roof

Engineers and contractors are coming up with innovative ways of reducing the environmental impact of buildings. You might have heard of the green roof, which cools down your roof in summer and insulates it. It was just starting to get traction when another innovation emerged—the blue roof. 

Some are even saying the blue roof is the new green roof. Fortenberry Roofing, one of the top insulation companies in the state, elaborates further below. 

The Wider Function of a Green Roof 

Apart from improving a building’s energy-efficiency, green roofs also help reduce storm runoff toxicity. Storm runoff is water that flows over paved surfaces. The problem with storm runoff is that the water washes pollutants from these surfaces and carries them to water sources, contaminating them. The moss on a green roof filters these pollutants before they can impact aquatic ecosystems.

The Danger of Too Much Runoff 

Cities have ponds and drainage systems to divert runoff. However, heavy rainfall can overload these systems, potentially causing sewage overflows. Sewage overflows happen when rainwater and sewage mix together to make a slurry that flows into rivers and streams. This happens more often than you think. In some areas, the drainage gets overloaded after only experiencing half an inch of rain. 

How Blue Roofs Help 

Think of blue roofs as customized flat roofs that can store rainwater. Their capacity varies—some have mini-dams while others can only store up to two inches of rainwater. By storing rainwater, blue roofs prevent storm runoff from reaching water sources and flooding the streets. 

Keep in mind that blue roofs are still a fairly new feature. As such, if you’re considering a blue roof as a roof replacement, make sure to only hire a certified contractor. 

Looking for a certified contractor near your neighborhood? 

Fortenberry Roofing, a GAF® Master Elite™ contractor, offers a wide range of professional home improvement services, including roof installations and attic insulation. To get a free estimate, call us at. 1-806-385-6761. Or leave us a message on this form. We serve homeowners in Sudan and Muleshoe, TX.