Eco-friendly roofing shingles provide a higher resistance to heat gains and losses, which reduces a home’s energy bills. They also provide outstanding durability, lowering repair and replacement expenses. Several eco-friendly solutions are available, and you can choose one based on your budget, preferred material, personal preferences, and home style. Many environmental concerns must be considered while selecting eco-friendly roofing materials. In this post, we’ll look at different eco-friendly roofing materials and their importance.
What Is Eco-Friendly Roofing?
Environmentally friendly roofing materials that assist in minimising a home’s carbon footprint are also known as sustainable roofing. Eco-friendly roofing reduces waste and energy consumption during manufacturing and the roof’s lifecycle. Using eco-friendly roofing materials can help you save money on energy, reduce landfill waste, and lower your home’s total carbon footprint.
Types of Eco-Friendly Roofing Materials
There are a number of types of eco-friendly roofing materials available, each with its own set of advantages. The following are some of the most common eco-friendly roofing materials:
Cool Roofs
Cool roofs are one of the fastest-growing divisions of the roofing industry, made of a blend of white gravel and white adhesive. The mixture reflects the Sun’s rays, lowering the amount of heat that enters the house and the requirement for air conditioning. This reduces the demand for electricity generated by coal-fired power plants, reducing hazardous mercury, acid gases, and metal emissions. However, cool roofs have a high installation cost and only work in areas with a lot of sunlight and heat. Mould can grow on the cool roof in high temperature and humidity zones, potentially harming its appearance and integrity.
Standing-seam Metal Roofs
This roof is entirely recyclable, long-lasting, and reflects light. Metal roofs are useful for everyone wishing to invest in a good roof, not just environmentally conscious homeowners. Choose a metal roof that is lighter in colour and made from recyclable materials to improve the situation. Metal roofs have a 50-year lifespan, making them durable. The roof also resists fire. This roof is suitable for individuals who intend to collect rainwater for use in their gardens. The roof is also quite helpful for people in snowy climates because it prevents ice dams from forming by allowing snow to glide off.
Solar Roofs
Solar roofs come in different types, like solar panels and tiles. While solar tiles incorporate solar cells into conventional roofing materials like shingles and metal, solar panels require a suitable and sturdy roof to be placed on them. The Sun’s natural energy is transformed into useful power through solar roofing, which absorbs the Sun’s beams. It is an eco-friendly roofing choice that can significantly lower energy costs. They do not add to air pollution because they rely on sunlight to produce energy. Unfortunately, the price of a solar roof deters households from installing one, and it might take around 20 years to recoup the initial investment. Solar roofs similarly rely on sunshine, making them only suitable as a roofing choice in locations with enough exposure.
Corrugated Roofing
This concept for green housing is reliable and cost-effective. Roofs made of corrugated metal are strong and resistant to extreme weather. This roof does not come in a translucent plastic or wavy metal sheet shape due to modern technologies. There are many hues and styles available nowadays. Because of its adaptability, manufacturers may create a variety of designs. The roof looks tidy and lightweight. Repairing the roof is simple.
Shingle Roof From Recycled Materials
Most shingles on the market are now constructed from recycled materials like plastic, wood fibre, and rubber. Recycled slate and cedar shakes are imitated on the roof. The greenest roofing material is made of recycled shingles. For individuals who cannot afford the pricey slate roofs, recycled shingles are a great alternative because they are relatively economical. They have a long lifespan of around 50 years. This roof also has a lovely appearance; one would never guess it was constructed from trash. The utilisation of this roof will result in less waste and a decrease in the need to process fresh raw materials. As a result, less energy will be consumed, reducing pollution.
Clay Roof
One more eco-friendly roofing option to think about is clay tiles. Beyond being environmentally beneficial, these tiles are also energy-efficient, allowing air to circulate rather than being trapped. They come in a range of colours and patterns. Like metal roofing, clay tiles require little upkeep and are replaceable if they break. Unfortunately, clay tiles are neither one of the cheapest roofing materials nor inexpensive to install, like other environmentally friendly roofing choices on this list. Additionally, initial installation may be challenging. In order to prevent the house from collapsing or bowing under the additional weight of the clay tiles, additional structural support may be required due to the weight of the tiles.
What Should You Choose?
There are several things to consider when selecting a sustainable roofing material for your home. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:
Longevity
Select a roofing material that is long-lasting and durable. This helps to lessen the need for replacement and waste.
Energy Efficiency
Pick a roofing material that uses less energy. Look for materials that reflect light well and can lower your energy costs.
Recyclability
Select a roofing material that can be recycled once it has served its purpose. This will lessen waste production and your home’s total carbon footprint.
Cost
Analyse the material and installation costs for the roof. While sustainable roofing alternatives may be more expensive at first, they can save you money in the long run by lowering energy expenses and decreasing waste.
WABO Roofing in Houston Offer the Best Eco-Friendly Roofing Option
Choosing eco-friendly and energy-efficient roofing shingles for your home has numerous advantages. For starters, eco-friendly roofing is frequently more resilient and long-lasting, so your investment will last longer than the typical roof.
However, finding the ideal material for your eco-friendly roofing project might take time due to the abundance of available options. Choosing the solution that best fits your project’s schedule, finances, and home-related objectives is crucial. Get assistance from us if you need more guidance on which sort of roof is appropriate for your house.
