Are you thinking about re-roofing your house? Maybe you are building a new house, or just interested in options for a future project. As asphalt roofs come under scrutiny, they are revealed as inefficient and not environmentally friendly. Not only do asphalt shingle roofs need to be replaced every 10-15 years; they also absorb heat, and some sources claim that asphalt roofs leach chemicals into rainwater that runs over them.
No matter what your goals are for your roof, there are lots of eco-friendly roof options available. Here are some ideas.
Metal (steel, copper, tin, and aluminum)
Often associated with old-fashioned buildings, metal roofs are making a comeback as an environmentally friendly roofing material. It lasts so long that it is considered sustainable; metal roofs can last 50 years. It is recyclable when it does need to be removed and replaced, and some metal roofing material is made from already-recycled metals.
Metal roofs are also energy-efficient, adding to their standing as a green roofing material; they reflect heat in the summer and, when coupled with proper attic insulation, do well in the winter too. Finally, metal roofing can be installed over your existing roof, cutting down on labor and waste (no old shingles to tear off and throw out).
Fiber-reinforced concrete
This material consists of fibers mixed with concrete. The kinds of fibers used may be glass, steel, and various other natural or synthetic fibers. Fiber-reinforced concrete is much lighter than concrete alone, and very durable, making it a low-waste option for roofing.
Grass and earth (“green roof”)
This kind of roof is literally green. Soil and vegetation compose a sod-like roof, with a membrane to protect your building from moisture and soil, and composites to carry the run-off away from the building. Such roofs help keep the building cool in summer and warm in winter.
Sustainable wood shingles
Wood shingles used to be manufactured exclusively from old-growth trees, but today, some roofing companies offer wood roofing shingles from sustainably-grown cedar. These shingles, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, are made from cedar that is grown and harvested responsibly. Cedar is naturally insect-resistant, but as with any wood, susceptibility to fire and warping should be considered.
Clay or ceramic tiles
While subject to breakage of the individual tiles, these roofs are non-toxic and durable. The occasional broken tile can be replaced. Ceramic tiles are fire-proof. However, it takes a great deal of energy to bake and harden these tiles.
You will find that there are quite a few options available for eco-friendly roofing materials. Hopefully, you will be able to find one that fits your needs.
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