Environmentally-Friendly Roofing Options

Mindfully choosing environmentally-friendly roofing options can minimize the impact on the planet. If you want to do your part for the environment without affecting the quality and safety of your roof, there are several roofing options to consider.

Along with roof slope, budget, and load capacity, homeowners can also consider the following factors when choosing a new roof material:

• Home energy use: Roofing materials vary in heat absorption and retention, which can affect home energy efficiency.
• Durability: Choosing a durable roofing material will lead to less waste. Replacing a roof every 10-15 years uses more material versus replacing a roof every 30-40 years.
• Ecological impact: Recyclable roofing can escape the landfill, and avoiding toxic materials could improve water quality.
• Long-term costs: The upfront cost of durable roofing materials may seem like too much, but homeowners should also consider the savings of not replacing or repairing their roof as often. Another consideration is how a roofing material will save on everyday energy costs.

Let’s review some popular environmentally-friendly roofing materials:

Metal

Metal is a popular choice for any homeowner. It’s durable and has a long service life. It’s also one of the few roofing options that can be fully recycled after use. Another benefit of metal roofing is its light reflection which can make a home cooler during the summer months and reduce the energy bill.

Homeowners can take this a step further by choosing a metal roofing made with recycled materials.

Steel and aluminum are the most common metal materials used.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material, but it’s not recyclable or reusable. If homeowners choose asphalt material for their roof, they should consider choosing an option that comes with a 30-50 year warranty. An extended warranty indicates the asphalt shingles are durable for long-term use which means homeowners won’t have to worry about replacing their roofs in 10-15 years.

Homeowners can also look into asphalt shingles made from recycled content to minimize their impact. They can also consider asphalt shingles with UV resistance to help keep their homes cooler during the summer months.

Slate

Slate goes from quarry to roof with minimal processing, which makes it an eco-friendly option. Like clay tiles, slate can last for several decades with proper care. But it’s also an expensive option best-suited for homes with the roof reinforcement needed to support the heavy tiles. Homeowners may want to look into salvaged or antique slate tiles to reuse for their home roof.

Cool Roof

While not strictly a roofing material, homeowners should consider the cool roof concept. Light-colored or white roofing materials can significantly cool down the roof’s temperature since it reflects the sun’s rays. This enables the entire home to stay cooler on the inside and use less air conditioning. The energy efficiency of cool roofs is a factor for many homeowners looking for a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Solar Panels

Solar panels use sunlight to generate electricity. This can result in many benefits for homeowners, including lower electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

Solar panels are still quite an investment for homes, and it may take many years to see the investment pay off. However, it’s an eco-friendly way to turn your roof into something better for the environment.

Ask your local residential roofing company for advice

Residential roofers can advise homeowners on which roofing materials make sense for their home, budget, and overall desires. Homeowners can also ask if their area has an option to recycle old roofing materials when they replace their roof.

At Best Contracting in Lancaster, PA, we pride ourselves on high-quality workmanship and materials. If you find your roof needs repairs or replacement, contact us today at 866-748-3031 to discuss your options. We look forward to hearing from you soon!