It doesn’t matter if your goal is to save the planet or to save on your energy bill, an eco-friendly roof is a smart investment. So if you’re planning to re-roof your home and a durable and environmentally friendly roof is high on your priority list, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many options available. From clay tiles to wood shakes and shingles, you can find eco-friendly roofs in a variety of materials and styles.
The good news is that many of them are affordable and are quick and easy to install. For this article, we’ll help you learn about the different types of eco-friendly roofing options available and how they can help you save money and the environment.
What is an Eco-Friendly Roof?
When you hear the word “roof,” you probably picture a flat, hard surface that covers your home. You probably do not think of it as a living, breathing structure that is made up of materials that can be recycled and reused. But that is exactly what a roof is.
Roofs are made up of a variety of materials, including asphalt shingles, metal, wood, and tile. Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in the United States. They are durable, inexpensive, and easy to install. However, they are also petroleum-based and are technically not environmentally friendly.
Over the past few years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of building materials, including those involved in roofing. Thankfully, there are many eco-friendly roofing options available, including:
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles, as their name suggests, are made from clay, which is a natural, non-toxic, and renewable material. They are a durable and long-lasting roofing option that can be used in a variety of climates.
One drawback is that clay tiles are not among the cheapest roofing materials, or the easiest to install. Indeed, the extra weight of the clay tiles may require extra structural support to prevent the roof from collapsing.
Wood Shakes
Wood shakes are one of the most popular eco-friendly roofing options today. They are made of wood, which is a renewable resource. They are also fire resistant and can be installed quickly and easily.
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Wood shakes are available in a variety of styles and colors, and you can choose from a variety of wood species, including cedar, redwood, and oak. They can last for decades when regularly maintained, which brings us to one of their drawbacks: their relatively high maintenance requirements. Certain treatments and protective coatings can protect it from rot and algae, but this process will require regular application.
Metal Roofs
Metal is energy intensive to produce, but it is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials, and it can be installed quickly and easily. Metal is also fire resistant and can be recycled if need be. Metal roofs are made from a variety of metals, including aluminum, copper, and steel. They can also be made into a variety of styles, including shingles, tiles, and standing seam.
Metal roofs are generally more expensive than other roofing options. However, they are extremely energy-saving and recycle, making them a somewhat eco-friendly option.
Rubber Roof
Rubber roofs are a relatively new roofing option. A feature that sets this material apart from other specialty roofs is its primary manufacturing content, which is rubber waste. Moreover, all scraps and pieces left after manufacturing and installing the roof can be recycled instead of thrown away. This makes rubber roofing among the most eco-friendly options available.
Additionally, rubber roofing contains no chemicals or contaminants that can seep into the ground as rain washes over it.
Apart from being eco-friendly, rubber roofs have many other advantages, including the fact that they’re inexpensive and require minimal maintenance. If there’s one glaring disadvantage to rubber roofs it’s that its color can fade over time.
Solar Roofing
Solar roofing is a relatively new roofing option that has been gaining popularity over the past few years. It is made from a combination of materials, including glass, metal, and polymers. Solar roofing is also highly customizable, and it can be designed to fit any style or shape.
Installing a solar roof may be expensive at first, but over its lifetime, it can save homeowners thousands of dollars on electricity bills. This is because solar roofing absorbs the sun’s rays instead of reflecting them, enabling it to convert the energy into usable electricity.
However, solar roofing has the disadvantage of being one of the most pricy roof materials, as well as one of the most expensive to install. In addition, it relies on sunlight, which restricts its usefulness to places that receive adequate sunlight.
The Benefits of An Eco-Friendly Roof
The benefits of an eco-friendly roof are numerous, but they can only be fully realized if you make the right choice. When it comes to roofing, it’s important to consider the benefits of an eco-friendly roof. Not only can an eco-friendly roof save you money on your energy bills, but it can also help the environment.
In fact, eco-friendly roofs are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. They are made from a variety of materials, including recycled products, which can be reused instead of thrown away.
Of course, while eco-friendly roofs are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to reduce their bill and carbon footprint, they are not without their drawbacks. Some of the disadvantages of an eco-friendly roof include the fact that they can be more expensive than other roofing options. In addition, they can be a tad more difficult to install, and may require additional maintenance. To be sure, most of these drawbacks are more than offset by the savings you get on your energy bill as time passes.
In conclusion, an eco-friendly roof is a great choice for those who are concerned about the environment, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
If you’re interested in learning more about eco-friendly roofs, or are looking for a contractor to install an eco-friendly roof for you, contact us today.
