With much of the world going ‘green’, the roofing industry has been taking steps to provide eco-friendly roofing too. The roof of a building adds to the value, so the more sustainable it is, the better off owners will be. You can now choose from several different styles and materials that are durable, long-lasting and environmentally friendly.
Eco-Friendly Roofing
- Cool Roofing: A cool roof is one that is white or another light color and it helps to reflect the sun’s heat away rather than absorb it. What this means for you is that you will not need as much air conditioning to get a comfortable inside temperature. If you live in a hot and sunny climate, cool roofing is the way to go to help you save on energy costs. To get the most out of a cool roof, you want to use light colors.
- Metal Roofing: These make a very economical investment and since they are made from recycled materials, metal roofing is definitely a ‘green’ way to go. Standing seam metal roofing delivers the best longevity at one of the lowest prices and compared to asphalt roofing, metal roofing can last 50 years, which is a good 30 years longer. Metal roofing comes in several colors and designs so you can get a style that best suits your need and building. If you choose a light color, you also get the added benefit of reflective power.
- Wood Shingles: Wood is popular because of the classic look it gives and because it is biodegradable and eco-friendly. Wood today comes from sustainable forests since the old-growth cedar wood that was once used is becoming scarce. Sometimes you can find wood roofing systems made from claimed materials that once were bridges, water tanks, and mills. Despite their beauty, wood shingles are not fire resistant so you want to use a protectant or coating to protect your roof.
- Clay and Slate Tiles: Tiles have been used in roofing for centuries because of their durability and because they can last for up to 100 years. Clay tiles are made from natural materials so are eco-friendly in many ways; rot-resistant, fire-resistant, insect-resistant and virtually maintenance free. The drawbacks include being very heavy and very costly. You may need additional support for your roof to handle the weight. When it comes to pricing, your initial output may be high, but the longevity of clay and slate tiles more than makes up for this cost in the long run.