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If you’re adding a finished roof deck to your residential or commercial property, you’ll likely be faced with tons of different options and materials, each with its own unique benefits. If you’re searching for an eco-friendly rooftop option, there are two primary options: cool roofs and green roofs.

Cool roofs are created using Cool Roof pavers or porcelain deck tiles made with raw, ultra-white materials that reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorb them. This reduces heat transfer and keeps both your rooftop and the building below cooler and more energy efficient.

Green roofs, on the other hand, are rooftops that consist of vibrant plant life. Using green roof plant trays, you can incorporate trees, flowers, shrubs and all kinds of greenery to help absorb the sunlight before it can enter the building. This, just as with a cool roof, keeps the property cooler and more energy efficient.

So, with two cost-effective and eco-friendly rooftop materials to choose from, which one is right for you? Below, we’ll review the pros and cons for both, including their energy- and cost-saving benefits for property owners.

Benefits

Green roofs and cool roofs provide several benefits, both environmental and economic.

Green roofs, also known as living roofs, can provide insulation to your rooftop by covering it with vegetation, which absorbs the sun’s rays. Through this heat absorption, green roofs can also reduce a building’s energy consumption, as they keep buildings organically cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning in the summer. They also absorb rainwater and reduce the volume of stormwater runoff, which lessens the demand on local storm drains. In addition, they reduce air pollution and create habitats for wildlife, making them a beloved choice for sustainable construction.

Cool roofs, on the other hand, are designed to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, thanks to their ultra-white materials. Through heat-reflective technology, Cool Roof pavers reduce heat absorption and heat transfer to the building below, resulting in lower energy costs. They’re also less prone to damage from UV rays and extreme temperatures, so they tend to last longer than traditional roofs.

Considerations

While there are dozens of significant benefits to having a green roof or a cool roof, there are also factors to consider before making your decision.

When it comes to green roofs, you’ll need to account for the cost of an irrigation system. In certain climates, this could become extremely costly and use significant resources to keep the vegetation alive year-round. You may also need to weed and fertilize the area depending on the vegetation installed on your roof plant trays.

As for cool roofs, you’ll need to consider whether your location makes cool roofs a worthwhile investment. Many colder parts of the country require more heating than cooling, reducing the environmental and economic benefits of a cool roof. If you live in the northernmost part of the country, a green roof may be more cost-effective and beneficial than a cool roof for this reason.

Climate Control

An oft-overlooked aspect of installing a green roof or a cool roof is the local moisture content. Because warm, humid air migrates upward, your cool roof can see adverse effects if not designed and installed correctly.

If you’re located in a warm, moist climate, cool roofs can be susceptible to algae and mold growth. Luckily, there are special coatings and chemicals that can prevent this growth, as well as options to control moisture.

In cold climates, cool roofs often fall below the dew point for longer periods than darker roofs. This is because their reflectivity — the same phenomenon that keeps the roof cool — can make it more susceptible to condensation and moisture. To rectify this issue, you can incorporate a vapor barrier or additional insulation. Opting for a green roof instead of a cool roof can also be beneficial if you live in a particularly cold area.

Cost Savings

Many homeowners believe that cool roofs and green roofs are more expensive than traditional roof decks, causing them to cross these options off their list. However, this is rarely the case. The installation cost of a cool roof, especially when using Tile Tech Cool Roof pavers, is not necessarily more expensive than a non-cool roof deck.

Additionally, cool roofs and green roofs offer long-term cost savings through their energy conservation, making them a cost-effective option for many homeowners. Your city and/or state may also offer rebates and other incentives to offset your roof deck’s cost since both types of roof deck materials are eco-friendly and examples of sustainable construction.

If you’re looking to utilize rooftop space for your residential or commercial project, choose a paver product uniquely suited to eco-friendly roof decks. With superior durability and undeniable beauty, all of Tile Tech’s roof deck paver products will improve the appearance and functionality of your outdoor space. To find out more about our paving systems or rooftop installations, give us a call today at 888-380-5575 or contact us online. We would be happy to supply you with a free catalog, product sample or quote for your next project. 

Outdoor porcelain pavers are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners, business owners and contractors looking to add a unique and stylish touch to their buildings. Porcelain pavers are perfect for creating an elegant and luxurious look for your outdoor space, but they’re also remarkably durable, easy to maintain, and come in a variety of styles and colors.

When selecting outdoor porcelain paving tiles that can make your building stand out, consider these top three most popular styles.

1. Wood-Look Porcelain Paving Tiles

Hardwood is a popular consideration for exterior hardscaping because of its natural beauty and rustic elegance. However, real hardwood can often require extensive maintenance and become more trouble than its worth in the long term. Property owners seeking the appearance of wood deck tiles are increasingly turning to wood-look porcelain pavers for their outdoor projects instead. 

Porcelain pavers perfectly replicate the natural appearance of wood, but they provide enhanced functionality and require significantly less upkeep. Wood-look porcelain paving tiles have superior stain, slip and temperature resistance. They’re also much more cost effective than real wood flooring, so you can achieve the same high-end appearance at a reduced price. At Tile Tech, we offer three wood-look porcelain paver series — Wood Plank Series, Wood Rustic Series and Wood Chevron Series — each with a versatile range of neutral tones and elegant patterns.

2. Warm-Toned Outdoor Porcelain Pavers

If you want to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your outdoor space, warm-toned porcelain pavers are the ideal choice. Using warmer, neutral deck pavers creates a sense of zen and relaxation without feeling too sterile or contemporary.

Our Earth-tone porcelain paving series helps facilitate a warm, friendly atmosphere through its color scheme that reflects the tones found in nature. Bright beiges, such as Flat Bone and Flat Desert, can add more light to your space, allowing it to feel bigger and airier, while our rich tans, such as Flat Cognac and Flat Tan, can add intriguing depth that offers a sense of comfort.

3. Minimalist Stone-Look Porcelain Paving Tiles

If you want your pool deck or outdoor patio to look simultaneously modern and timeless, you can’t go wrong opting for the natural simplicity of stone-look porcelain deck pavers. While real stone can be incredibly expensive, porous and high-maintenance, porcelain paving tiles will offer the same elegant look with enhanced durability and affordability.

Our Slate Series of porcelain paving tiles is designed to reproduce the texture and color of natural slate with all the functional benefits of porcelain. In fact, its irregular top surface is developed from actual sections of slate. The elegant neutral tones range from bright white to cool gray and deep brown, so you can choose an option that best suits your landscape design. No matter what style you opt for, stone-look porcelain pavers guarantee a sleek and simple style that will last for decades to come.

No matter what you need to transform your property and bring your vision to life, Tile Tech’s dozens of innovative deck pavers can help you execute your project to perfection. Paired with our adjustable pedestals, installation is easy, quick and cost-effective. If you’d like to learn more about Tile Tech’s full range of products and services, including outdoor porcelain pavers, give us a call at 888-380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re always happy to provide you with a free product sample, catalog or quote for your next project.

Everyone’s experienced walking across a pool deck or patio barefoot and feeling the scorching heat under their feet. When summer sets in, having a too-hot roof deck can be not only uncomfortable for you and your guests but also potentially dangerous – even for pets. If you’re installing or renovating a roof deck, consider these four key factors that can help mitigate its surface temperature and make it more enjoyable for all who visit.

1. Deck Paver Material

Since some materials are naturally hotter than others, the material you choose for your roof deck will make a big difference in its surface temperature once the project is complete. For example, natural stone tends to be cooler than concrete paving slabs, while porcelain paving tiles tend to stay cooler than both of these.

Real wood products, like our ipe wood deck tiles, also tend to run cooler than stone. However, hardwood tends to wear faster than porcelain pavers and is less weather-resistant, making it a less ideal choice for roof decks.

2. Roof Deck Color

You may not realize it, but the color of your roof deck can significantly affect its surface temperature. As a general rule, the darker something is, the more sunlight it absorbs and the hotter it is. Lighter colors, however, reflect heat rather than absorb it. Reflecting heat causes the surface temperature to remain lower, making it more comfortable for you to stand on.

This same principle translates to your roof deck. The lighter the color of the material, the less hot it will be underfoot. Tile Tech’s Cool-Roof pavers are one example of this. Made of premium, ultra-white raw materials, our Cool-Roof pavers have a high reflective value and low emissivity rate that help to reduce the roof deck’s surface temperature. By keeping the roof tiles’ surface significantly cooler, Cool-Roof technology also reduces the amount of heat transferred to the building below, reducing energy use and utility bills for the property owner.

3. Location of Roof Decks

The location of your roof decks can also play a large part in how hot they get during the summer. Because of their higher elevation, roof decks naturally receive more solar radiation than ground-level decks or plazas. There also tend to be fewer opportunities for shade because plants, trees, and the building itself can’t block out the sun as they do with a ground-level deck.

To minimize your roof deck’s heat absorption, consider which areas of your rooftop will have the most shade during the time of day that you’re most likely to be outside. Note the location of taller neighboring buildings or other features which can provide shade and some much-needed relief during peak sunshine hours.

4. Lack of Heat Mitigation

Despite your best efforts, your roof deck may still sometimes get uncomfortably warm during the summer. To further mitigate hot surface temperatures and scorched feet, add shade in key areas using furniture or plants. Add mats to high-touch surfaces for enhanced comfort, or install misters for periodic relief. You can also incorporate a forced or radiant HVAC system during your renovation to keep guests comfortable year-round.

If you’re tired of suffering through scorched feet every summer, renovate your pool deck or rooftop patio to be cooler and more comfortable. With Tile Tech porcelain pavers, the whole family can enjoy the warm weather worry-free. We can help you choose the right paving tile for your renovation, and we have hundreds of product options that will suit every need. Give us a call at (888) 380-5575 to find out more, or fill out our online quote request form. We’re always happy to help in whatever way we can, whether that’s a free catalog or convenient product samples for you to try out at home.

Flooring can make a significant difference in the appearance of your new outdoor entertainment area, so choosing the right material for your project is crucial. Two of the most popular hardscaping choices are porcelain deck pavers and concrete tiles — a modern solution and a tried-and-true classic.

Porcelain pavers and concrete paving slabs both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks and depending on your project’s needs, you’ll find that one option is better suited for you than the other. To help you decide, here are the pros and cons of porcelain vs. concrete pavers:

Benefits of Porcelain Deck Pavers

Porcelain deck tiles are quickly become one of the most beloved hardscaping solutions on the market due to their durability, versatility, cost-effectiveness and visual appeal. They have several practical safety benefits for commercial projects, such as resistance to frost, fire, mold, salt corrosion and thermal shock. They can also withstand more than 2,200 pounds of weight per slab due to an advanced manufacturing process that involves high temperatures and incredible pressure. 

Porcelain pavers also boast anti-slip properties, which makes them the perfect choice for wet areas such as pool decks. Their nonporous nature also means that they never need to be re-sealed to prevent staining and other damage. In the case of spills or an accident, they’re extremely easy to clean and are one of the most low-maintenance exterior flooring options you’ll find on the market.

Benefits of Concrete Paving Slabs

Concrete paving slabs are one of the most popular paving products in the country, thanks to their universal appeal that makes them suitable for just about any exterior application. Concrete pavers can be used in a variety of applications, and they come in a wide range of colors and finishes that make them incredibly versatile. 

They’re also one of the most affordable materials to install, making them a popular choice among homeowners with a tight budget. However, this cheap price tag also comes with a lack of durability that can make them cost more in the long run compared to porcelain deck pavers. Although they’re fairly durable and weather-resistant, they’re susceptible to cracking and staining over time. Their porous nature also means that they require higher maintenance levels than porcelain pavers and can stain more easily.

Cost

Concrete paving slabs can be a tempting choice due to their cheap initial cost, but property owners are finding that porcelain paving tiles are a much better long-term investment due to their low maintenance costs.

While initially more expensive to purchase, porcelain deck pavers can actually help you secure a higher ROI thanks to their high durability, easy maintenance and innovative installation system. In the case that one of your tiles does become damaged, you can easily pop out and replace that single tile with Tile Tech’s easy-to-use adjustable pedestal system. If your concrete paving slab becomes damaged, by contrast, you may need to remove and re-pour a large area of your patio – if not the entire area.

Design Versatility

Both porcelain pavers and concrete paving slabs have numerous design options that make them suitable for a wide range of projects. Tile Tech’s Granite-Tech series, Stamp-Tech series, Oceanic series, and Recycled Glass series offer a wide selection of colors and textures for those seeking a more traditional concrete tile.

Porcelain pavers, however, have a remarkable advantage over concrete when it comes to their versatility. Porcelain deck tiles come in hundreds of colors, finishes and textures that make them suitable for just about any project you can dream up. They can even be customized to perfectly suit your one-of-a-kind landscape design. With porcelain pavers, you can even replicate the appearance of concrete, hardwood, slate, and natural stone pavers — but with all the enhanced functionality of a porcelain deck tile.

When contractors or property managers seek industry-leading deck tiles for their latest renovation — whether porcelain or concrete — they turn to the experts at Tile Tech Pavers. We have hundreds of unique paver varieties, including porcelain pavers, concrete pavers, roof pavers and more. With the Tile Tech paver system, you can create an elegant and elevated outdoor space that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of your family or your company. To learn more about our product options, give Tile Tech a call at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form today. We’re always happy to provide you with a free quote for your next residential or commercial project.

Did you know that crowded cities tend to have higher temperatures than the surrounding rural areas? This is due to a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. Concrete, asphalt and other dark building materials soak up the sun’s rays and become notably warmer, causing temperatures to rise more steeply in areas with more concrete. 

Luckily, some of this heat absorption can be offset by adding green spaces throughout the city. However, space is often at a premium in dense, urban areas, leaving little room for new park development. One innovative solution to this problem is the installation of green roofs — a rooftop design incorporating plants, flowers and other vegetation. By installing a green roof on your residential or commercial building using just two roof paver products alongside our porcelain pavers, you can not only mitigate heat absorption but also add beautiful vibrance to an otherwise unused rooftop space.

What Is a Green Roof?

Green roofs, also known as living roofs, are essentially rooftop gardens. The rooftop can be completely covered in vegetation, or you can combine greenery with hardscaping deck pavers to create a pool deck, rooftop bar or other entertaining space.

By adding a vegetative layer to your rooftop, you’re essentially shading the building below, thereby helping to cool the surrounding air and reduce the temperature of the local atmosphere. Having abundant plant life on your rooftop will also reduce the heat flux through the roof, requiring less energy for cooling or heating the building, which saves you money on utility bills. This shading also protects your rooftop from UV rays and extreme temperature fluctuations, extending the lifespan of your roof and any waterproofing materials underneath your green roof deck.

What Is the Urban Heat Island Effect?

Since buildings absorb and hold onto heat, urban areas retain more heat than rural areas. This phenomenon is what’s known as the urban heat island effect. This phenomenon occurs specifically because dense cities contain more concrete and asphalt than rural areas, and these dark-colored materials store a lot of heat, resulting in higher temperatures in the city.

Not only is the heat island effect more uncomfortable for the city’s residents during the summer, but heat islands also have proven detrimental effects, including increases in energy demand, air pollution, water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and instances of heat-related illness.

Using Green Roof Pavers to Reduce the Heat Island Effect

Installing a green roof is a great way to reduce the urban heat island effect and create a healthier and more vibrant environment. With two best-selling Tile Tech products, plant trays and Cool Roof pavers, you can achieve a verdant rooftop oasis with surprising ease. 

Our modular plant trays can be used on roof decks to easily create an outdoor garden. These plants and flowers absorb and store heat, which they then use to release moisture. By using heat in this way, they reduce the temperature of the surrounding area and help create cooler, cleaner air on your rooftop. In fact, shading the outer surface of the building in this way has been shown to be even more effective than internal insulation. Protecting your building from direct solar heat and minimizing heat loss during winter will conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save you hundreds of dollars on electricity bills every year.

Cool Roof pavers similarly help you conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gasses. Created with premium, ultra-white raw materials, Cool Roof deck pavers utilize heat-reflective technology to reduce rooftop temperatures and meet LEED certifications standards. The light-reflecting colors of Cool Roof deck tiles emit absorbed radiation back into the atmosphere, helping the roof stay notably cooler. This also reduces the amount of heat transferred to the building below, which makes it more energy-efficient and lowers utility bills.

Both Cool Roof deck tiles and plant trays work seamlessly with our adjustable pedestal system to quickly and easily create an eco-friendly green roof. Not only can you do your part to reduce the heat island effect in your city, but you can also see immediate benefits through conserved energy usage — especially important as energy costs are expected to steeply rise over 2023.

Here at Tile Tech, we have everything you need to create the ultimate green roof. Our unique plant tray system is engineered to be used in conjunction with our adjustable pedestals and porcelain deck tiles to create a stunning urban oasis for your residential or commercial project. To find out more about our complete product selection as well as installation services, give Tile Tech a call today at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We would be more than happy to send you a free catalog, quote or product sample upon your request.