Today, we don’t have to wait long to get a new technological advancement in construction, especially when it comes to products that boost energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. Roofing is an industry that offers various eco-friendly solutions, each one unique with its own pros and cons. If you have a chance, don’t hesitate to invest in eco-friendly roofing material and shingles because it can really make a big difference on the environment, as well as your energy bills and comfort at home. Do you want to know which sustainable material to choose for your new roof? It does depend on your circumstances, but the following ones are almost always a good choice:
Wood shingles
Wood shingles have a very classic look perfect for rustic homes. Wood has always been a pretty eco-friendly material that’s also durable and available in different styles (easy to stain). The thing that makes wood shingles so eco-friendly is that they can easily be repurposed or turned into different products in and around the house. Sure, wood shingles are not the cheapest option for roofing, especially if you live somewhere without forests and wood mills, but they look truly stunning and organic. They do need replacing after 15 to 20 years, longer if you practice proper maintenance that ensures there’s no rot, mold and mildew in the shingles.
Clay tiles
This is another classic roofing material that’s also eco-friendly and durable. Clay tiles today come in different shapes and colors, and besides being eco-friendly, they also allow great air circulation instead of leaving hot air trapped inside the roof. Tiles are also quite low-maintenance and broken parts can be easily swapped.
However, clay tiles are not all that perfect, mainly because of their price. Installation is quite difficult initially, but the biggest issue is the weight. If you consider adding clay tiles, it might be necessary to invest in additional structural support for your roof.
Metal cladding
Metal roofing is a great option for everyone looking for an eco-friendly solution. Metal cladding is good for the environment for many reasons. Firstly, it’s possible to recycle metal and reuse it for many different things. Secondly, metal roofs are quite durable and have a long life expectancy which means you don’t have to invest in new materials every few years. Thirdly, metal is reflective so your home’s interior will be cooler and you’ll get to waste fewer resources. Metal roofs are an especially good option for hot climates with a lot of sun that can be reflected back, like in Africa or Australia. It’s possible to get all sorts of metal roofing supplies in Sydney as well, which will perfectly fit your metal roof and give your home that finished look. If you buy metal roof tiles and cladding, expect durability, comfort and reduced electricity bill.
Cool roofs
Similar to metal roofs, ‘cool roofs’ are also a popular choice for hot climates. Cool roofs reflect the sun using a combination of gravel and white paint which causes the heat to stay away from your interior. A cooler interior means less reliance on AC and lower energy consumption which is always good for the environment and your wallet. These cool roofs also last longer than traditional materials, but they might lack something in style.
Again, just like metal roofs, cool roofs only come in handy in warm climates with a lot of sun. Another con to cool roofs is the initial installation cost that can’t be neglected. However, if you get a lot of sun throughout the year and want to keep your interior pleasant, cool roofs might be a great option for you.
Synthetic shake shingles
Synthetic shake shingles are one of the newer eco-friendly roofing materials out there. These shingles can be made with different materials, but the most popular ones come in polyurethane, which is a durable, fire-resistant and impact-resistant material. Besides being durable, it also has great insulation properties so you don’t have to fire up your HVAC system that much. Maintenance is minimal and the price is reasonable, but they can’t be found in all parts of the world.
Eco-friendly roofing today comes in many varieties, from natural wood to synthetic shingles. If you study your situation and your house, you’ll get to choose the best one for you and bring many benefits to the environment and your budget.
