Are you facing major roof repairs? What if you need to bite the bullet and get your whole roof replaced? If you’re in either of these predicaments, now is the perfect time to switch to eco-friendly roofing materials.
According to commercial roofing Dallas experts, not only will an eco-friendly roof maximize your home’s ability to stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summertime, but your roof will also help the planet. Talk about a win-win situation!
Read on for the best eco-friendly roofing options available on the market.
Cool Roofs
A cool roof gets its name from the unique ability to keep your house cooler during hot summer days. These roofing tiles are made out of materials that reflect the sun’s rays. They are a light off-white or white and match almost any architectural design.
Cool roofs are especially useful in desert areas that reach high temperatures for prolonged periods each year. Cool roofs are known to dramatically reduce your electric bill, saving you money and conserving the planet’s energy.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are one of the most eco-friendly roofing options available. Shingles are crafted from recycled wood or responsibly forested frees. When they need replacing, your entire roof can be reused and recycled, making it one of the few 100% green options available.
Wood shingle roofs can last from 15-20 years, making it a worthwhile investment. Finally, by using recycled wood shingles, you reduce landfill waste as well.
One thing to note:
Wood is highly flammable, so you’ll want to check your county regulations to be sure you can install one.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs win the award for second-longest lasting roofing material. Metal roofs are incredibly durable and have a typical life-span of fifty years. They do an excellent job of reflecting the sun’s rays and keeping the interior of your house cooler during the summer.
If you’re into rainwater collection, metal is the way to go. Similar to wood, metal roofs are also 100% recyclable and reusable even after a lifetime of service on your house.
Should you live in an area where fire hazard is high, metal roofs can give you peace of mind and help preserve your structure from falling ash and sparks.
Clay Tiles
Popularized by Italian, Greek, and Spanish villas, clay roof tiles have withstood the test of time. For centuries, homeowners around the world have used clay tiles to keep their homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Due to their natural ability to insulate, clay tiles will keep your energy bills low and cut down on the need for conventional heating and cooling year-round. If used from reclaimed materials, your roof will also help reduce landfill waste.
Slate Tiles
Slate gets the most-durable award. Whereas metal can last up to fifty years, slate roofs can last for one-hundred! That’s right; if you put a slate roof on your house, your roof will be around when your children are your age.
If using salvaged slate, you’re helping reduce landfill buildup, making your roof even more eco-friendly. Due to the long-life of these roofs, they are a fantastic option for your forever home.
Green Roofs
While not for everyone, green roofs are a unique way to transform a regular part of your house into an eco-friendly area. What is green about them?
Green roofs enable you to plant a garden right on top of your home. Plants such as hedges, small crops, and flowers are perfect green roof options. While this roof does come with extensive maintenance, it’s an incredible energy saver.
Green roofs provide a reduction of energy costs year-round and contribute to the air quality where you live.
Recycled Shingles
Just like wood shingles, recycled shingles are eco-friendly because they are crafted from materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Recycled shingles can be made from wood, plastic, and rubber.
Recycled shingles often have a fifty-year warranty, making this option cost-effective and multi-generational.
Solar Panels
If you want to invest in your home and further reduce energy costs, solar panels are a great option. These panels collect the sun’s energy to run your home. Solar can fit on nearly any roof.
Not only will they keep your house running all year long, but if you have an excess of energy, the city will buy unused energy from you. Solar is a fantastic eco-friendly option that saves the planet and your wallet at the same time.
It’s Decision Time
Each of the above options is an excellent choice for going eco-friendly. What you decide comes down to several factors, including budget, location, and availability.
If you’re trying to be budget-friendly, slate should be canceled out; it’s the most expensive option there is. If you’re in a fire hazard zone, wood should come off the list, but metal or clay is a great option.
Finally, check with local contractors for available materials in your area. So, now that you know what your options are, which one will you choose?
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