Eco-Friendly Roofing

With the current environmental state of the world, more and more people are making a conscientious effort lower their carbon footprint. This same objective is being adopted in the building industry with the use of energy-efficient materials, solar panels, plastic composite wood substitute and, of course, eco-friendly roofing.

What is eco-friendly roofing?

An eco-friendly roof is one that is friendly to the environment. It is also sustainable. This means that it avoids the depletion of the earth’s natural resources to ensure an ecological balance is maintained.

Why is a sustainable roof important?

A sustainable roof is a roof that is carefully designed, constructed, kept in good condition and destroyed or demolished at the end of its life, all while using natural materials and conserving the environment.

Sustainable roofs are not only about where their material comes from, but how they perform over their lifetime and how the materials are disposed of at the end of its life.

What materials are used for an eco-friendly roof?

Specific materials are used to create an eco-friendly roof. Each is durable, affordable, and, eco-friendly.

White roof – also known as a cool roof. This type of roof uses a highly reflective building material and is a great way to improve its environmental performance. Like the name says, it provides a cool roof because it reflects the majority of the sun’s rays.

Rubber roofing, called EPDM rubber, is one of the most eco-friendly roofing materials available. Most of the rubber used is recycled. It is also long lasting.

Metal roofing. Made from at least 25% recycled metal, it is also 100% recyclable. It is also regarded as a cool roof, and is energy efficient.

Reclaimed clay or slate. Both clay and slate tiles have been used for decades as roofing material. The great thing is that they both do not emit harmful gases during manufacture. Moreover, they can be recycled (again) into new bricks and tiles.

Recycled shingles. These are typically made from recycled products like wood fiber, rubber and plastic. The shingles resemble wood or slate. Durable, and affordable, they make an excellent choice for an eco-friendly roof.

Green roof. This is perhaps the most eco-friendly type of roof. What it is, essentially, is a layer of plants or vegetation that has been planted on a waterproofing system that is on top of a flat or slightly sloping roof. A green roof is an excellent way to reduce energy costs, and help reduce the amount of CO2 in the air.

Benefits of an eco-friendly roof

· Environmental benefits – the CO2 and other harmful gas level in the air is lowered. These roofs can help minimize the use of natural resources and use less energy the production of materials. Urban heat island effect can be controlled.

· Economic benefits – along with an extended roof life, an eco-friendly roof will also provide energy efficiency, thus lowering energy costs. They also potentially increase property value.

· Health benefits – they improve the quality of the air. Moreover, eco-friendly roofs, especially green roofs, play a role in helping to reduce stress.