Top 5 Sustainable Roofing Materials
With green building trends gaining popularity across the country, its clear that homeowners care about the carbon footprint their homes are leaving on the earth. From tight-envelope homes to those that are built from sustainable materials, there are a variety of ways to incorporate sustainability into your homes build and design. If youre building a green home, or are looking for a way to make your existing home just a bit more environmentally-friendly, here are the top 5 sustainable roofing materials people use when trying to build a green home.
Eco Friendly Roofing Materials Benefits Durability & More
Homeowners throughout the country are choosing to implement green updates in the house, from better insulation to compact fluorescent lamps to composting bins.
In an effort to protect the environment, many homeowners are also turning their attention to their roof.
While neglected in the past, eco-friendly roofs are becoming a popular option for people that are becoming more conscious of their environmental impact. This is great news, as the roof offers valuable space that can easily support your efforts to protect the environment and lower your energy costs overall. This will help lower your bills, especially if you use a website like this one here that finds cheaper energy deals in your area.
Whether youre trying to do your part to protect the earth or simply want to reduce energy costs, an eco-friendly roof may be the solution youve been searching for.
To help you in your search for an eco-friendly roof, we are going to cover everything from defining eco-friendly roofing materials, to how to pick the right eco-friendly roof for you.
Lets dive in!
Environmentally Friendly Roofing Options
When it comes to roofing, there are plenty of eco-friendly options to consider and many benefits for your home and the environment to enjoy.
Innovative roofing design can impact positively on energy use, benefiting the environment at the design, manufacturing and installation stages. Similarly, certain materials and designs are more environmentally friendly, providing a range of advantages long after your roof has been installed.
Lets have look at the options and consider the situations where these roofing materials work best.
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Reduce Your Carbon Footprint With Eco
If youre interested in a sustainable or eco-friendly roofing material for your next roof replacement, our team at Christian Brothers Roofing offers plenty of choices, like standing seam metal roofing, stone-coated steel and more.
Learn more about our residential roofing materials to find the perfect match for your goals and budget for your upcoming roof replacement in Kansas City.
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Roofing Made From Recycled Materials
Recycling is one of the cornerstones of pro-active environmental resource management. With so many homes being built, roofing that makes use of existing materials dramatically reduces landfill and saves on the energy and materials used in production.
- Metal roofing is 100% recyclable and a great option for Australian homes
- Recycled shingles are also an option, making use of otherwise wasted materials. One drawback is their darker colour. Recycled shingles are not available in the lighter shades which more suited to heat management, making them less effective at naturally cooling your home.
- Sustainably sourced wood shingles are eco-friendly and look stunning. The drawback is that they are costly and not ideal in areas where bushfires pose a threat.
- Clay tiles are great for ventilation and reducing energy use, and theyre made from natural materials, meaning no toxic residue from production. Clay tiles can be costly, though, and are more easily damaged that metal roofing. They also require more infrastructures to support them as they are heavier than metal roofing.
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What Coating For Your Roof
There are many roofing materials. They have also evolved a lot over time. There are traditional, original, ecological, or even energy-producing precedents, here is a non-exhaustive list of the most common or remarkable materials.
- The terracotta tile is one of the most used materials in France. The tiles are relatively strong, rot-proof, and therefore durable, ecological, and frost-resistant provided that the roof is maintained . Aesthetically, terracotta tiles are very practical since they are found in different shapes and colors. In addition, the installation of a terracotta roof is economical, with an average price of 40 to 130 $ / m2. However, it does not withstand severe shocks during storms or in the event of falling hail.
- The Slate is also widely used. This black stone does not fade and is non-combustible, durable, and weather-resistant. This material is also natural and ecological because it does not undergo an energy-intensive transformation process. However, its cost is high and its weight must be taken into account.
- Aesthetically close to slate, the Shingle is often used because it is affordable. It is the most economical solution with an expenditure of 10 to 15 $ / m2. This consists mainly of fiberglass and bitumen. However, it is not durable. The shingle is to be changed every 25 years.
The 5 Most Environmentally Friendly Roofing Materials
Every day we are moving toward adapting to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Lots of households focus on recycling, low energy appliances, optimizing their heating and cooling systems, adding water saving devices. Some will even go as far as replacing windows but what about roofing materials?
A lot of the more traditional roofing options are less than friendlyto the environment, which can cause problems based on the fact that roof replacementsare at an all-time high.
Every year 7 million homes need a new roof in the United States whichputs 11 million tons of asphalt shingles added to landfills and they are anon-renewable, petroleum product. These shingles require replacement every15-20 years, increasing our dependency on fossil fuels.
Additionally, there is a fairly consistent maintenance and repair withtraditional shingle roofing. Often after high wind scenarios, shingles willneed to be repaired or replaced to protect the underlying wooden roof.
Knowing this information, it is important to be aware that there areplenty of roofing alternatives that will not destroy the atmosphere aroundthem. Here are 5 options and some details supporting their invention andrenaissance:
Wood Shingles AKA Cedar Shake Roof
Concerns about where your roof comes from? As a consumer, you can ensure that your cedar shakes are coming from a sustainable forest, one that is certified by the Forest Steward Council or other forest organizations.
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How Eco Friendly Roofing Can Benefit Your Home
Eco-friendly roofs come with a number of benefits for homeowners. First, the primary appeal of eco-friendly roofs is the amount of money saved on monthly bills.
Next, is being able to reduce your carbon footprint. Many homeowners find it rewarding to know that they can contribute to creating a better planet for future generations.
Many states also offer an added tax incentive for those who choose eco-friendly resources for their home. Nothing like receiving extra money for making smart environmental choices!
Cool Roofs That Reduce Air
Consider a cool roofing material if you live in a hot, sunny climate. Cool roofs reflect heat instead of absorb it, which helps make your home more comfortable and reduce air conditioning costs. Check with your local building department or neighborhood association for possible roof color restrictions. For more information, check out Why a White Roof Is a Cool Roof, for the Planet and Your Pocketbook and the Cool Roof Rating Council.
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How To Know If Your Roof Is Sustainable
If youre talking to a roofing company about getting a new roof and youre curious about either your new roof or the old one, start asking questions.
If your roofing contractor is a professional company and has been around for years, theyll know the differences between the different roofing materials.
Theyll be able to explain how different roofing materials are made and how they can be reused once torn off and recycled.
How To Make An Informed Roofing Choice
The EcoWatch team spoke with Todd Miller, a roofing and HVAC expert that has been in the first for over 35 years. Heres what he had to say about eco-friendly roofing materials.
A homes roof provides a lot of things for a home. It provides protection from all types of severe weather, whether that be rainstorms, heat, windstorms, firestorms or snow and ice.
A homes roof can also provide beauty. On a lot of homes, the roof is 50% or sometimes even significantly more of the homes visible exterior, so the roof is a really nice open palette to add beauty and looks to a home.
I think that homeowners are increasingly starting to think about how their roof impacts their homes energy efficiency. Theyre looking at that not only from an operational cost standpoint but from doing the right thing for the environment as well.
And another thing is that oftentimes, a roof is really great real estate to put solar on up on a home. It usually doesnt have as much obstruction and shadowing to it, and its often well-angled for the sun. So, roofs are increasingly thought of as being a great place to locate solar panels or a solar array.
My advice really is to start out by setting your criteria what it is you want to accomplish with your next roof. Once you set those criteria, you can use that to help you go out and use the internet or other resources to find a product that meets those needs.
Copper, which is a fairly high-end roofing material typically has around 35% recycled content.
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What Color Roof Is Best For The Environment
Colors for your roof come as a debated topic.
Darker or black roofs are typically best for environmentally friendly roofing systems in the winter because they help keep your home warm and negate the increase in heating costs.
On the flip side, cool roofs would typically be the most environmentally friendly roofing material in the summer and would be your lighter colors such as a Shasta White roof.
You can find more information about black metal roofs and how the suns rays affect your home on our blog.
If youre most interested in the most energy-efficient roof then speak with a sales representative who can give more information.
But when it comes to which color is best for the environment, the results are mixed and theres no one answer.
Cool Roof: Best For Minimalists
Lets face it: You will be the talk of your street with a bright, white roof.
A cool roofoften simply called a white roofkeeps your home cool by using reflective color in its design. Though you may not often see white roofs, theyre becoming increasingly popular as an energy-efficient alternative to dark, asphalt roof shingles.
You can install a cool roof using a wide variety of materials, such as metal shingles for steep roofs or reflective dark gravel in gray slag for low-sloped roofs. The lighter colors reflect light to keep your homes interior temperature coolerand your summer energy bills lower.
If you own a home in the city, a cool roof could also help reduce the effect of so-called heat islands, where buildings and other infrastructure absorb more heat and raise surrounding temperatures by 1 degree F to 7 degrees F.
A cool roof doesnt have to be whiteyou can use any light-colored paint to help keep your home cool, reduce your use of air conditioning, and keep your carbon emissions in check. As long as you dont mind the extra attention to this bold choice, a cool roof is an excellent eco-friendly choice.
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The Cost Of A Metal Roof Vs Other Options
Eco-friendly roofing products typically cost more than asphalt shingles sometimes two to four times more but you most likely get a product that will outlast two or three conventional roofs, saving you substantially over the long term. You may also qualify for lower insurance rates. These benefits add value to your home, whether you stay there or sell it, and youre also helping promote a healthier, more sustainable world.
Metal roof cost estimate: Installation of standing-seam metal roofing on 2,500-squarefoot, two-story house , does not include cost of removing old shingles:
Cost for materials only: $6,300
Contractors total, including materials, labor and markup: $9,800
Other options, per square foot installed:
Laminated, asphalt, 30-year shingles: $3.15
Cedar shingles: $6.65
Costs are national averages and do not include sales tax.
Clay Or Terracotta Tiles
These green roofmaterials are popular in warmer climates.
Their weight and heft indicate sufficient thermal mass to keep the air inside a home cool even on a very hot day.
The usual clay tile curved shape may also help with ventilation throughout the roofs surface.
Salvaged orreclaimed terracotta tiles in lighter colors are best for theenvironment.
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Ideas For Creating An Eco
Looking into renovating your home and curious about eco-friendly roof material options?
Residentialre-roofing is a serious project. After all, the roof is one of themost visible and exposed parts of your home. The materials you chooseshould be as durable as they are attractive.
Roofing design determines your homes internal temperature, too. Sunlight hitting the roof is one of the main causes of heat buildup in houses. Roof materials should also be as energy efficient as they are affordable.
Is it possible to have long-lasting, heat reflective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable roofing?
Lets find out together.
Below is a primeron eco-friendly roof insulation and other components: everything fromdefining important terms to discussing roof material options.
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Slate Or Stone Roofing
Like clay, slate or stone is a long-lasting material. If used as roofing, it may outlast the rest of the house.
While slate tiles or stone roofing isnt toxic or harmful to the environment, its worth noting that it is one of the least sustainable options listed.
Mining,processing and transporting stone takes a significant amount ofenergy. Slate or stone roofing is also very heavy and expensive. Youmay have to make structural adjustments to accommodate the weight ofthis material.
Again, theeco-friendliest way to go about creating a stone roof is to look forreclaimed components.
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Searching For The Best Eco
Northface Construction is the premier leader in roof replacement, repair and rehabilitation. Well make your home beautiful and functional once again with our comprehensive eco-friendly roofing services. We know that the roofing process can be a stressful experience our team wants to make it easier for you. Its our commitment to always provide our clients with the highest level of customer service, working as a partner to bring your vision to life.
Our small but dedicated team of experienced craftsman works with only the highest of quality materials. Let us know how we can support your efforts to implement a more environmentally-friendly roof. Get in touch with our dedicated team of construction specialists today!
What Is The Most Sustainable Material For My New Roof
If youre planning to install a new roofing system in the next few years, youre likely searching for a product that will enhance your homes beauty, durability, and long-term performance.
However, as a responsible homeowner, youre likely also on the hunt for a material thats sustainable, eco-friendly, and good for the planetand you may be discovering they are harder to come across than you previously thought!
In this post, were breaking down the sustainability of the most popular roofing materials so that you can choose the perfect material for your home, budget, and the environment.
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Never Neglect Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is a necessary component of any functional roof. Not only does it allow cool, fresh air to enter and hot, stale air to escape, a ventilation system extends the life of your asphalt shingle roof by years or even decades.
With better air circulation underneath the roof, it reduces humidity throughout the house, minimizing mold-causing condensation. An estimated nine out of 10 homes do not have proper roof ventilation systems. As a result, the average roof lasts only 10 to 12 years, when it should last for at least 25 years. In addition, manufacturers shingle warranties are generally voided if a proper roof ventilation system is not installed.
The Basics: Metal And Tile Roofing
Metal roofs are among the most durable roofing choices, which means reduced waste and little need for replacement. Recycled metal materials can include steel, aluminum and copper. If your customers are looking to go green without sacrificing quality, remind them of these benefits:
- Metal roofing reflects sunlight and helps maintain a cool household temperature during the summer months.
- Metal roofing is fire-resistant.
- In winter months, snow slides off metal roofs, reducing the formation of ice dams.
Tile is another fairly standard material in a contractor’s offerings that is considered among the most environmentally friendly choices. Salvaged or reclaimed tiles might be a good choice for a historic restoration or architecturally unique home, and can last up to a century. However, your residential contracting business should only offer this eco-friendly roofing option if you have experience installing tile safely and correctly.
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Consider The Cost Of An Eco
Like most environmentally-friendly products, an eco-friendly roof is usually more expensive than regular materials. However, the upfront cost may be worth bearing. With eco-friendly materials, your roof is much more likely to outlast conventional roofs sometimes up to three to four times. Additionally, many insurance companies offer homeowners a discount when a more secure roof is installed. Other opportunities include an increased curb appeal and resale value of your home, while still promoting a more sustainable way of living.
