In the past several years, there’s been a significant increase in awareness for eco-friendly living. People around the world and within the United States are turning to options that are better for the environment and humanity as a whole. Have you changed your any aspects in your life that help the environment? Have you considered roofing options that are good both for your house and your environment? There are many eco-friendly roofing shingle options that you can choose for your home.
Solar Panels
One of the more popular energy-based roofing options today is via solar panels, a renewable resource that generates a flow of electricity from sunlight. Solar panels are one of the most eco-friendly roofing resources on the market and will keep producing electricity for 30-35 years. For more information about solar energy installation, check out our blog post from 2019.
Wood Shingles
Generally lasting 15 to 20 years, wood shingles can be manufactured from reclaimed or recycled wood and then recycled themselves once the time comes to replace the roof.
Metal Roofs
The efficient durability of metal shingles are similar to wood shingles: they can be produced from recycled metal products and then recycled after replacement. Unlike wood shingles though, metal shingles can last 50 or more years, reflect heat from the sun, and keep energy costs significantly down for homeowners. There are also several eco-friendly and metal-based roofing products available for homeowners with non-metal shingles who might want to switch to the metal option.
Clay Tiles
Common in desert climates for their ability to reflect heat, clay tiles are completely recyclable shingle options and have a strong reputation for being very durable. In addition to reflecting heat, clay tiles also insulate against cold above and below the tiles; this saves homeowners electricity costs.
Slate Tiles
Slate tiles are one of the most durable and sturdy roofing material. With a lifespan of several centuries, slate tiles can be repurposed from multiple houses and recycled at the end of their life.
Rubber Shingles
Manufactured from used steel-belted tires, rubber shingles offer homeowners a reinforced roofing option with a lifespan of up to 50 years. The shingles are coated with ground slate to enhance texture and come in a variety of colors depending on the style of house or ideal design of the homeowner.
White Shingles
Most clothing, paint, or other resources that are white are often praised for being reflective against the sun and offering cooling benefits: the same goes with white shingles. On days where the temperature is incredibly high, your white shingles will reflect the sun’s rays, keep the heat out of your house and help your air conditioning system. In addition to saving electricity costs of your house, white shingles will help prevent problems associated with excessive heat, such as mold and mildew growth from moisture problems.
Wind-Based Roofing Materials
Often used as a home’s primary power source, wind turbine panels are creative resources for your roof. Miniature wind turbines are embedded inside the panels to harness wind blown over the roof and provide electricity for your home. Turbine panels are especially resourceful roofing materials for homes in windy states.
Plant Roofs
Plant roofs are an excellent option for those of you who enjoy planting gardens and utilizing your spaces. Using a “horticulture roof,” you can create a habitat of shrubs, mosses, flowers, crops and more on the roof of your home. The roofs usually consist of a few inches of sealed roofing material, then up to two feet of soil in which you put your plant of choice. If a horticulture roof peaks your interest, you’ll want to make sure your roof is easily accessible as this roofing option will be very high maintenance.
Are you interested in having a roofing professional inspect, patch or repair your roof? Contact Exterior Remodel & Design today by phone at (402) 861-0000, by email, or by contact form.