Sustainable roofing materials are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners look for ways to reduce their environmental impact. There are a number of different sustainable roofing materials available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Before we run through the types of sustainable roofs, it’s helpful to know what can make a product sustainable or if your home is a good candidate, so here are some definitions to get you started.
- Energy-efficiency: By reducing heat gains and losses (sometimes so much that you will see a decrease in your bills), some of these materials contribute to the sustainability of your home. In general, 10 to 15 percent of household heat losses go through your roof.
- Durability: Sustainability is also created by using materials that are very durable and withstand a lot of abuse, so you don’t have to replace your roof as frequently.
- Embodied energy: This term means the total amount of energy it takes to create, transport, install and use the product. All of the roofing materials on this list have low embodied energy levels.
- Reusability and recycling: As much as possible, sustainable roofing materials should use and reuse recycled materials. When choosing eco-friendly roofing products, the less space used in landfills, the better.
- Contributing to healthy ecosystems: If a product like roofing material is called sustainable and eco-friendly, then it should harm the ecosystem as little as possible.
If a roofing material factors in all of the qualities above, it is considered by most to be a sustainable choice. Here are some of the top sustainable roofing materials and their benefits.
Metal roofing
Metal roofing is made from recycled materials and is highly durable. It can withstand extreme weather conditions and is resistant to fire and hail. Metal roofing is also energy-efficient, as it reflects heat away from the home.
Some naysayers cite the fact that metal roofing takes a lot of energy to produce, so it shouldn’t be considered sustainable. Others counter that the roof is long-lasting and largely recyclable at the end of its life as your roof. This is compounded by the fact that metal is mined directly from the earth, so it cannot be considered sustainable.
Since metal is highly conductive, you have to make sure your new metal roof is insulated properly to make sure your house doesn’t get overheated. The most common metals that are used in roofing are aluminum and steel.
Solar shingles
Solar shingles are a type of solar panel that is designed to look like traditional roofing shingles. They are installed in the same way as traditional shingles and provide a clean, renewable source of energy. Solar shingles can save homeowners money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
There is another option that can help produce energy: installing solar panels on top of your existing roof structure, which will make the roof last longer by protecting it from the sun and elements.
Solar shingles and solar panels are not cheap, plus it’s not easy to install them. If you have the right kind of solar exposure, however, they can pay you back tenfold in a short amount of time.
EPDM rubber roofing
A great option for areas that experience consistently strong weather events is rubber roofing, which can withstand high winds and intense weather events like hail storms.
EPDM rubber roofing is made from synthetic rubber, sometimes recycled tires, which is highly durable and long-lasting. It is also resistant to extreme weather conditions and is easy to install. Since the material can last a lifetime, it costs very little effort on your part for upkeep.
Wood shingles
Wood shingles are a traditional roofing material that is made from sustainable wood sources. They are a natural and attractive roofing material that can add value to a home and come in a variety of hues. Even better, many shingles are reused as reclaimed wood for other projects after their lifespan on your roof.
Wood shingles are also energy-efficient, as they insulate the home and help to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They don’t last very long — only 10 to 20 years — but they are easy and cheap to replace. However, do need to keep an eye on your wood shingles to make sure that there’s not rot or mildew forming.
Tile roofing
People have been using tiles made of clay or slate to build homes for centuries. Tile roofing is made from a variety of materials, including clay, concrete, and slate. It is a durable and long-lasting roofing material that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Initially, roofing with tile, no matter what they are made of, can necessitate structural additions, as the tiles can be very heavy. If your new roof is too heavy, you may need to add extra fortifications to your house before putting it on.
Tile roofing is also energy-efficient, as it insulates the home and helps to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter by circulating air well. No matter if you’re roofing in tiles of slate or clay, you can choose from a slew of colors to match your aesthetic exactly.
Green roofs
Green roofs are roofs that are covered with vegetation. Also known as living roofs, this plant-based roofing option can only be pulled off on low-slung or flat roofs. Your roof is covered with grasses or local plants, beneath which is a layer of soil and inorganic matter, and then a watertight layer.
Living roofs or green roofs are a sustainable roofing option that can help to reduce energy costs, improve air quality and provide habitat for wildlife. Green roofs can also add value to a home.
These types of specialty roofs are tricky to install and require some maintenance, but they collect runoff and provide excellent insulation. If you live in an urban area, a living roof can reduce the heat island effect, which is the accumulated heat from the concrete and asphalt.
On the downside, green roofs can be as heavy as clay or slate tiles — so you need to check if your home can withstand the added weight or if you need more structural aids to support the new roof.
Here are some factors that influence your choice of sustainable roofing material for your home:
- The climate in your area: Some roofing materials are better suited for certain climates than others. For example, metal roofing is a good choice for areas with high winds or hail, while wood shingles are a good choice for areas with mild climates.
- The style of your home: The style of your home will also affect the type of roofing material you choose. For example, if you have a traditional home, you may want to choose a traditional roofing material, such as wood shingles or tile roofing.
- Your budget: Sustainable roofing materials can range in price from affordable to expensive. Choose a material that fits your budget and your needs.
- Your energy efficiency goals: If you are looking for a roofing material that will help you save energy, choose a material that is energy-efficient, such as metal roofing or solar shingles.
- Your environmental impact: Consider the overall environmental impact of the roofing material you choose. Then, select a material that is made from sustainable materials and that is recyclable or reusable.
Ultimately, the best sustainable roofing material for your home is the one that best meets your needs and budget. Contact At Home Pros for the first step to a new, sustainable roof: finding licensed, insured roofing experts in your area.