Environmentally Friendly Roofs

When deciding on the details of your new roof, there are many factors to consider, especially if having an eco-friendly roof is a priority for you. Environmentally friendly roofs are typically more expensive than choosing regular asphalt shingles, but the long-term benefit of added savings and fewer repairs continue to convince homeowners to make the switch.

Many eco-friendly shingles out there in the market today are made from recycled materials such as plastic, wood, and rubber. There are also other eco-friendly alternatives that use new materials but still produce fewer emissions than traditional asphalt shingles.

Asphalt shingles are cheap to install but they’re not very sustainable. They’re almost impossible to recycle and release carcinogenic contaminants into the air when burned. On top of that, asphalt shingles require regular maintenance and repair because they’re easily susceptible to wind damage such as folds, cracks, and blisters.

Choosing to install an eco-friendly roof will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your home and allows you to contribute to a healthier ecosystem, but those aren’t the only perks. Here are other factors that might persuade to switch to eco-friendly roofing materials:

• Recyclability
• Long lifespan
• Durability
• Improved air quality
• Reduced energy use and utility costs

When choosing the best eco-friendly roof option for your home, it’s important to know and understand when each type can be used most effectively.

Here are the best options for environmentally friendly roofs for your home:

Cool Roofs

Cool roofs are roofs that have light-colored shingles. The light roof color reflects sun rays away from the foundation below, resulting in a reduced cooling load in the warmer months and lower utility costs. This type of roof is great if your home is exposed to large amounts of sunlight because it will prevent your home from absorbing too much heat.

Check out which roof colors are best suited for your home.

Clay Roofs

Roofing tiles made from clay are known to boost a home’s curb appeal but they can also help you save money on your power bills. Clay roofs provide adequate insulation for the home and can reflect heat from the sun. Air is free to circulate underneath clay tiles which helps regulate your rooftop temperature and maintain a comfortable temperature inside the home. 

Another eco-friendly point is that clay tiles are completely recyclable if properly salvaged. They are also extremely weather-resistant and durable. However, because of its heavier weight, you must ensure a qualified and expert roofer does the installation for you. If the job is not done properly, you might be left with structural damage that can be not only expensive but dangerous as well.

Wood Shingles or Shakes

Wood shingles and shakes can easily be recycled and repurposed into new and usable products. This is why wood is an eco-friendly choice. These roofs also provide natural insulation that will help keep your home at a comfortable temperature, also making it an energy-efficient choice. 

Wooden shingles or shakes are constructed with fire-resistant cedar or redwood and last between thirty to fifty years. Additionally, the authentic appearance and texture of wooden shingles can increase the home’s curb appeal. However, it’s important to note that wooden roofs require regular inspection to ensure it is free of rot and mold.

Rubber Roofing

Rubber shingles are made from recycled tires (95% recycled material) and all scraps left from manufacturing and installation are reused at the roofing material factories.

These types of roofs protect the home from heat, low temperatures, and harsh weather conditions. You can also get energy-saving perks with rubber roofing as it can insulate your home more effectively and efficiently. Since rubber shingles are highly resistant to water and ice, they are also crack-free which eliminates the chance of leakages. 

Installing rubber shingles can have a higher upfront cost, but it is typically more affordable when you compare them to other eco-roofing materials. Additionally, the installation process is fairly easy and requires little to virtually no maintenance.

Metal Roofs

Metal shingles are made from at least 25% recycled material and are 100% recyclable themselves. Similar to cool roofs, metal roofs have reflective properties that deflect sunlight away from the home and can reduce cooling costs by as much as 25%.

Metal roofs are extremely durable, fire- and weather-resistant, and come with an approximate life expectancy of 50 years. Metal shingles come in a variety of alloys and styles, making them extremely versatile and they look great on any type of home. Additionally, they are 100% recyclable, giving your home that extra eco advantage.

Solar Roofing

Solar Roofing involves placing solar panels on an existing roof. Unlike metal and cool roofs, solar panels absorb sun rays and convert that energy into usable electricity. 

Although the initial installation can be expensive, homeowners can expect to save thousands in utility bills throughout the roof’s lifetime.

It’s also worthy to note that the U.S federal government provides a 26% investment tax credit for home solar power systems. 

The only issue that can arise with solar roofing is that it requires adequate amounts of sunlight to run efficiently. If you live in an area without widely available sunlight, solar roofing might not be the best option for you.

Green Roofs

A unique eco-friendly roofing option is non-other than a green roof. Green roofs transform the top of your home into a garden landscape. This type of roofing can provide extra cooling and insulation and can reduce the amount of rainwater runoff within your home’s exterior.

A green roof is one of the most environmentally friendly roofs available, however, it requires adequate maintenance. Plants on the roof require watering, feeding, and weeding. Poor maintenance keeping on green roofs can result in overgrowth or decay and become unsightly.

B&M Roofing Expertise

There are obvious benefits to choosing an eco-friendly roof for your home. Not only is it better for the environment. Eco-friendly roofing options tend to be cost-effective, energy-efficient, and durable.

Contact B&M roofing and request a free consultation. We are a trusted Colorado-owned company known for our commitment to excellence. Fill out this form online or call us today to start your eco-roofing project.