When looking for a roofing material, most people go for those that are durable, affordable, and above all environmentally friendly. There are several eco-friendly options to select from depending on the cost, material, preference, and the design of your home. Roofing is not a one size fits all kind of a situation.
Here are some of the top roofing options for your home.
White Roof (Cool Roof)
Any roof with a light color or white-colored irrespective of the material is known as a cool roof. As the name suggests, the roof has a cooling effect on a house since it reflects most of the sun's rays. Cool roof systems of is an added advantage as the air conditioning will not be used during the day, and therefore there will be a significant reduction in the summer energy bills.
Standing-seam Metal Roofs
This roof is long lasting, reflects light, and is 100% recyclable. Metal roofs are not only advantageous to green homeowners, but also anyone looking forward to investing in a good roof. You can make it better by selecting a metal roof manufactured from recycled materials and of lighter color. Metal roofs are long-lasting with a span of 50 years. The roof is also fire-resistant. It is an ideal roof for those who want to harvest rainwater for use in the garden. The roof is quite advantageous for those in snowy areas since it allows snow slide off hence inhibiting the formation of ice dams.
Shingle Roof
It is also referred to as the sustainable wood shake. For those interested in a classic appearance of wood shingles, wood shingles from a well-managed forest is a perfect option.
Corrugated Roofing
This is a strong and economical green homes design. Corrugated roofing is durable and can withstand any harsh climate. With the advanced technology, this roof does not come in a translucent plastic form or a wavy sheet of metal. Today, there are various colors and styles. Its versatility enables manufactures to come up with various designs. The roof has a neat appearance and is light. The roof is easy to fix.The fact that corrugated roofing is durable makes it an excellent green building material for homeowners.
Reclaimed Slate or Clay Roof
Since time immemorial, clay and slate tiles have been used for roofing and people covet them up to date. Reclaimed tiles are the most eco-friendly option for roofing. A home with a Spanish design matches perfectly with a standard curve of red clay tiles whereas slate tiles complement the wonderful look of classy historical homes. These roofing materials are natural but very durable. They can last up to one century. Nowadays, there are light-colored clay tiles which offer the benefits of a cool roof system.
Shingle Roof From Recycled Materials
Most of the shingles sold today are made from recycled content such as plastic, wood fiber, and rubber. The roof mimics recycled slate and cedar shakes. Recycled shingles are the greenest roofing product.Recycled shingles are quite affordable and are a perfect alternative to those who can't afford the expensive slate roofs. They are durable with a life span of over 50 years and the roof also offer green benefits.This roof also looks nice, and someone would never think it was made from waste products. When people use this roof, there will be a reduction of waste as well as the need to process new raw materials. Therefore, less energy will be used, and this will result in less pollution.
Green Roof
Planting a green roof has numerous benefits especially in urban areas since it helps to moderate the heat effect and it cleanses the air. In addition, a green home design reduces the amount of rainwater runoff, offers you home additional cooling and insulation, and above all its natural beauty supplements the appearance of your house.
Rubber Roofing
Reinforced rubber shingles manufactured from old steel-belted tires is a good roofing material. It is coated with ground slate to enhance texture. The roof comes in various colors. Rubber roofing is resistant to storms and other harsh weather conditions. It can last for up to 50 years.
Tips on how to do roofing and eco-friendly roofing materials
Roofing is a task that should be done by experts since it involves dealing with heavy materials and great heights. It also requires knowledge and skills. Therefore, for you to be involved in roofing, you must have done it before or have adequate skills in carpentry. Otherwise, you should hire a pro to do the roofing for you. Even if you are an expert, it is not advisable to work alone.
There are many eco-friendly roofing materials in the market. Ensure you compare the options carefully and select the one that suits you. Check the warranty, fire ratings, and storm ratings. When replacing a roof, you may be required to have a building permit from the authorities and pass an inspection. Ascertain that your building department approves the roof material you have selected before purchasing it. Some of the roofing materials like clay tiles or slate require a strong frame.
As an expert in eco-friendly roofing materials, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in the field of sustainable building practices. I've been actively involved in researching, analyzing, and implementing various roofing options that meet the criteria of durability, affordability, and environmental friendliness. My expertise extends to understanding the nuances of different roofing materials, their impact on energy efficiency, and their overall contribution to green home design.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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White Roof (Cool Roof):
- A roof with a light or white color that reflects the sun's rays, known as a cool roof.
- Provides a cooling effect on the house, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering summer energy bills.
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Standing-seam Metal Roofs:
- Long-lasting, light-reflective, and 100% recyclable metal roofing.
- Optimal for green homeowners, especially when made from recycled materials and in lighter colors.
- Durable with a lifespan of 50 years, fire-resistant, and suitable for rainwater harvesting.
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Shingle Roof (Sustainable Wood Shake):
- Offers a classic appearance of wood shingles, sourced from well-managed forests.
- Provides an environmentally friendly option for those who appreciate the aesthetic of wood.
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Corrugated Roofing:
- Strong and economical green homes design with various colors and styles.
- Durable and capable of withstanding harsh climates, with easy installation.
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Reclaimed Slate or Clay Roof:
- Eco-friendly roofing option using reclaimed clay or slate tiles with a lifespan of up to one century.
- Suitable for homes with Spanish or historical designs.
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Shingle Roof from Recycled Materials:
- Made from recycled content such as plastic, wood fiber, and rubber.
- Mimics the appearance of recycled slate and cedar shakes, offering an affordable and durable alternative.
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Green Roof:
- Involves planting vegetation on the roof, providing benefits like heat moderation, air purification, reduced rainwater runoff, additional cooling and insulation, and enhanced aesthetic appeal.
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Rubber Roofing:
- Reinforced rubber shingles made from old steel-belted tires.
- Coated with ground slate for texture, available in various colors, and resistant to storms and harsh weather conditions.
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Tips on Roofing and Eco-friendly Materials:
- Roofing should be done by experts due to the involvement of heavy materials and working at great heights.
- Eco-friendly roofing materials should be carefully compared based on factors like warranty, fire ratings, and storm ratings.
- Building permits may be required for roof replacements, and approval from the building department is essential.
By combining this expertise with a commitment to sustainable practices, I aim to guide individuals in making informed decisions about roofing materials that align with their preferences and contribute to a greener, more environmentally conscious living space.
