If you’re someone who enjoys contributing to the well-being and sustainability of the environment, then making eco-conscious roofing decisions is a great way to continue this positivity-laden hobby. Fortunately, there are several options for green roofing systems. Your choice will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and a few other factors.
By speaking with a professional roofing contractor, you can learn about all the green roofing options that will best suit your home’s unique needs. You can also review many of the possibilities beforehand to prepare for your final decision.
Read on to learn about some of the most common and famous green roofing materials, as well as some tips for improving energy efficiency and more.
Ecological roofs:
The most common green roofing systems include some of the most popular in the commercial and residential markets. Below is a list of these systems and the qualities that make them safe for the environment and surrounding ecosystems. This list includes recycled asphalt, metal, clay shingles, concrete shingles, slate, wood shingles, fiber cement, and roofing.
Asphalt shingles – This is one of the most profitable and common options for residential roofing. They are considered the least attractive and do not last as long as other roofing materials, but they are made from natural materials, which makes them perfectly eco-friendly.
Metal – Metal is 100% recyclable and can be reprocessed over and over again. Recycling of metal reduces the need to extract more, which reduces the depletion rates of natural mineral deposits. An old metal roof is still useful and valuable, and can be endlessly reused. Steel and lightweight aluminum are the most common metals used for metal roofing.
Board – Slate is a natural element of the earth and very durable. It lasts a long time, but it comes at a high price. It is one of the most attractive roofing options. Slate is also 100% decomposable and recyclable.
Clay – Clay tile roofs are called “terracotta” in the industry. They are made from natural resources, mainly clay and water, which are 100% natural. However, you must be careful when choosing the coating, as some are slightly toxic if they run off into natural water sources.
Concrete – Concrete tiles are similar to clay tiles in terms of environmental friendliness and natural composition. Concrete is made from natural aggregates, such as cement, stone, gravel, and sand.
Wood shakes – Wood is a natural element that comes from trees, which makes it 100% ecological and safe for the environment. Cedar is the most common material used for wood roofing systems, but other types of wood are also frequently used. Just be sure to choose FSC certified wood.
Asbestos cement – Fiber cement board is an excellent option for green roofs since it is mainly composed of cement and cellulose fiber, both of which are biodegradable.
Recycled roofs – Using recycled products is excellent green practice, and roof systems are no different. Plastic and rubber roofs are recyclable and can be manufactured to look like high-quality materials, such as wooden shingles and shingles.
Additional tips:
- Choose materials that are high in recycled content.
- Avoid copper and zinc coatings.
- Avoid materials that require the use of chemicals for maintenance.
- Choose light-colored roofs in hot climates to increase reflectance from the sun.