Green building trends are gaining popularity in the country. It’s evident that homeowners are concerned about how their homes impact the environment. There are many ways to integrate sustainability into your home’s design and build. If you’re building a green home, or are looking for a way to make your existing home just a bit more environmentally friendly, here are the top 5 sustainable roofing materials people use when trying to build a “green” home.
#1 Metal Roofing
Metal roofing will be one of the most cost-effective and sustainable roofing options you’ll see on this list. Metal roofs are second only to asphalt roofing. They are extremely durable and long-lasting and require little maintenance. They are also very energy-efficient.
Metal roofs are made of aluminum, which can be recycled and is a natural resource. Metal roofs last for more than 50 years and don’t need to be replaced. They also require very little maintenance which reduces the overall cost of a metal roof.
#2 Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is a classic choice. While you won’t find it as often in the US it’s still a popular option across Europe, particularly on older buildings. Slate is a type of rock that’s cut into pieces and then placed directly on a roof. Slate is a durable roofing material because of its long life span.
Slate roofs can be made for over a thousand years. Many have been proven to last hundreds of years without any maintenance. Slate’s exceptional longevity is not only due to its natural origin, but also because it doesn’t need any chemical processing that could contribute to air pollution.
#3 Clay Tile Roofing
Clay tile is natural, recyclable roofing material. Clay tile, which is made from materials from clay pits and clay sands, is another durable roofing material that has been around for hundreds. Clay roofs are more prevalent in the US, and they are most common in the southwest due to their extreme heat resistance.
Clay tiles can be used as a sustainable roofing material. However, clay tiles are heavier and more expensive than other roofing materials. Although clay roofs may be more expensive upfront, clay roofs are often covered by warranties for up to 100 years. This upfront investment can help you save money in the long term.
#4 Wood Shakes And Shingles
Because wood is renewable and sustainable, wood shakes and shingles make up the only sustainable roofing material. While all other roofing materials can be recycled, slate and clay cannot be. However, we have the option to plant more trees.
There are many benefits to wood shakes and shingles. Wood roofing is a sustainable and green roofing option. Some wood species are also naturally resistant to pests.
Wood shakes and shingles offer many benefits. However, they are more costly to install and won’t last as long. Wood shakes and shingles are preferred by some homeowners for their natural beauty. However, it is important to remember that you will need to maintain them.
#5 Green Roofs
Living roofs, also known as green, are a new and unexpectedly sustainable roofing material that is rapidly gaining popularity. These roofs are made up of grass or other vegetation. Green roofs can be difficult to calculate because they have many benefits, including excellent insulation and adsorption rainwater. However, there are also some drawbacks.
These roofs are very heavy and require additional reinforcements. Rubber membranes are made from petroleum and do not offer the same benefits as green roofs.
This post was written by a roofing professional at KCG Roofing. KCG Roofing is a premier roofing contractor that does roof repair in Sarasota! KCG Roofing has the experience and expertise to replace or repair your roof with quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. All our roofs are backed by a 15-year leak-free guarantee, the highest in the industry. We have been family-owned and operated for over 40 years.
