As the ever-increasing issue of climate change looms, sustainable and eco-friendly roofing options are becoming more important for homeowners. Your roof plays a crucial part in the overall energy efficiency of your home, so considering options that reduce energy costs and benefit the environment is fast becoming a must for new home buyers and contractors alike.
Everything from the materials down to the color of your roof are central to sustainability, so let’s explore some of the most environmentally friendly and innovative roofing options available.
1. Recycled Shingles
Although asphalt shingles have long been a popular roofing material, they are far from environmentally friendly. If they are not properly recycled into pavement, decomposition can take hundreds years while carcinogenic chemicals potentially compromise groundwater supplies.
The availability of shingles made from recycled materials, however, is changing the game and significantly reducing the negative impact of their predecessors by reducing landfill waste and conserving natural resources. By utilizing recycled materials such as plastics and rubber, recycled shingles can match traditional singles in appearance and durability.
2. Metal Roofing
This popular and highly sustainable roofing option has been exponentially growing in popularity thanks to their recyclability and longevity. Metal roofs typically have a longer lifespan than traditional shingles. They are also, in many cases, already made from recycled materials.
If keeping your home cool during the summer months is a constant concern, metal roofs can substantially lower your home’s temperature and electric bill by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption.
3. Rooftop Solar Panels
Installing solar panels on your roof is not only a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, but they can actually protect your roof from damage, increasing its lifespan. Some homeowners actually worry about the extra weight solar panels add to their roof and if the structural integrity of their home will be compromised, but most residential roofs are perfectly capable of handling up to 100 pounds of additional weight per square foot.
Regardless of your existing roofing materials, installing solar panels on your roof is an excellent eco-friendly roofing option to consider.
4. Green Roofs
No, they are not just for the Shire. Green roofs are becoming an increasingly popular roofing option — particularly in urban areas — for their heat-reducing, air-cleansing, and aesthetically pleasing qualities. By incorporating soil, vegetation, and drainage on top of a conventional roofing structure, green roofs can absorb heat and act as a natural insulator.
While they may require more maintenance than conventional roofing materials, on average, a green roof can remain up to 40 degrees cooler than a conventional roof, so you will definitely see a desirable decrease in energy costs.
Summing Up These Sustainable Options
While these are all excellent options, selecting the roof that works best for you and your budget is the most important thing. You do not want to exceed what you can afford or reasonably maintain, so contacting roofing experts like Gurr Brothers Roofing for a consultation is essential. Their experienced staff of certified professionals can guide you through the best roofing options while answering any sustainability and eco-friendly questions you might have.
