SUSTAINABLE ROOFING MATERIALS
Your home’s roof is a crucial part of your home that can make you feel comfortable and cozy. In fact, it even makes your home look attractive. Trends are changing quickly nowadays, as homeowners’ choice of material is moving towards sustainable options.
You are probably wondering what sustainable roofing is. The concept is simple. It involves putting up a roof that is green, durable, eco-friendly, and made with aesthetic materials. This helps provide sustainable and comfortable living in an era when pollution is increasing, and landfills are filling up.
WHY GREEN ROOF MATERIALS ARE THE PERFECT Choice
1. THEY CAN LAST LONGER
The first factor is that your options such as recycled materials, concrete tiles, clay tiles, and metal are durable. They can last up to 20 years. Roof materials such as lightweight aluminum and metal are not only strong but also easy to recycle. According to an automobile company, a metal roof is three times more durable than an asphalt roof. In addition, rubber and plastic-based roofs performed well in terms of sustainability and durability. Concrete tiles showed great performance as well since they are heavy but long-lasting and durable as well. A clay tile roof is pricier than a concrete one, but it can live up to 75 to 100 years.
2. COST AND ENERGY SAVING
A metal roof is more expensive than an asphalt one, but it is worth buying as it is fire resistant and energy-efficient. It can reflect sunlight, and because of that, your home will be cooler during the summer. With regular minor repairs, it will be able to protect your home from storms for many seasons. A clay-based roof also allows the moisture to stay out. Sustainable roofing is capable of circulating air, and it helps in removing the moisture from the clay. While this roof lasts a long time, it cannot control the temperature.
CHOOSING SUSTAINABLE ROOFING MATERIAL
The below-mentioned features are important to consider before choosing sustainable roofing:
1. RECYCLED CONTENT
You should ensure that the roofing material you select has a higher content of recycled materials. Generally, the more recycled content the roofing material contains, the more eco-friendly your roof will be. On the other hand, you should also consider the strength and weather-resistant capabilities. It becomes an even better choice when the overall material can be recycled at the end of the roof’s lifetime.
2. COATINGS
You should refrain from choosing materials with an unsafe coating, such as, copper and zinc. Not only do these coatings deteriorate and make your roof susceptible to collapse, but they also prove toxic to the aquatic ecosystem and the environment.
3. MAINTENANCE AND WEIGHT
When choosing a sustainable material for roofing of your house, weight is an important factor because green roof materials need proper support from the structure of your house. If the roof material is heavy, it can be very dangerous for your house wall and column. Other than that, roofing materials are heavy and are also expensive to maintain. The strength of roofing material is an important aspect that makes for an eco-friendly and energy-efficient roof.
4. SLOPE
The slope angle of your roof house determines what material is suitable for installing a roof. A few of these are flat roofs that require low-angled materials, whereas others are perfect for an extremely sloped roof.
5. COLOR & REFLECTIVITY
Your green roof materials’ color may change based on the options available in the region. A light-colored roof works well if you live in a region with warmer climates as they reflect the most heat.
SUSTAINABLE ROOFING MATERIAL
1. WHITE ROOF (COOL ROOF)
Any roofing material that’s light in color also makes for what many contractors call a cool roof. As you can probably guess from the name, these roofs cool down rooms as they reflect sun rays. When rooms stay cool, you don’t have to turn on the AC as often, and you will enjoy reduced utility bills.
2. METAL ROOFS WITH STANDING-SEAM
These roofs are 100% recyclable, reflect light, and are long-lasting. These roofs are advantageous for environmentally conscious homeowners. And, you can reduce the environmental impact of these roofs by manufacturing them in lighter colors and mixing them with recycled materials. These roofs can last up to 50 years. Furthermore, these are fire resistant and perfect for homeowners who want to save or harvest the rainwater to use it in the garden.
3. WOOD SHINGLE ROOF
Another name for this type of roof is ‘sustainable wood shake.’ If you are interested in opting for wood shingles from a highly managed forest, this roofing material is the best option.
4. CORRUGATED ROOFING
This is an economical design for sustainable homes and is very strong. These roofs are durable and can last in any sort of climate. Thanks to advanced technology, these roofs do not come in wavy sheets of metals or translucent plastic. And you can choose between different colors and designs. These roofs are lightweight and boast a good appearance. Installing these roofs is very easy. It is a fact that these roofs are a durable, strong, and ideal option for green homeowners.
5. CLAY OR RECLAIMED SLATE ROOF
Slate and clay tiles are becoming very helpful for roofing purposes as people can repair or replace broken tiles. Reclaimed tiles are sustainable and the best choice for roofing. A home, a clay tile with a perfect Spanish design, will be perfect, and slate tiles will look good on homes with a classy historical design. Green roof materials are durable and mainly come from natural sources as well. This roofing material can last up to 100 years. They come in different colors and are good for cooling off the house during the summer.
CONCLUSION
You will find a lot of sustainable roofing materials in the market. Just make sure that you compare your choices carefully and choose the best one that fits your needs. You also need to look at the storm rating, fire rating, and warranty.