More people are starting to adopt more environmentally friendly lifestyles. Many households focus on recycling, low-energy appliances, optimizing their heating and cooling systems, as well as adding devices that can save on water consumption. Some will even go so far as to replace windows, but what about your roof? A lot of the more traditional roofing options aren’t too friendly to the environment, which can be a problem (especially since roof replacements are at an all-time high). There are many options when it comes to eco-friendly roofing. Each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, but which one is right for your home will depend on your specific circumstances.
Here are some eco-friendly roofing materials that may work for your home.
Cool Roofs
Cool roofing is an extremely popular choice. It combines a mixture of white glue and gravel that can reflect the sun’s rays, which may lower the amount of heat getting into your home. This will reduce your need for air conditioning and electricity to keep your home cooler. Because of the unique materials it uses, it will last much longer than many traditional roofing options. However, they’re only useful in areas that are exposed to large amounts of heat and sunlight. The cost of installing a cool roof can also be quite high. If it’s installed in an area that experiences high temperatures with a great deal of humidity, mold can grow. This can reduce the aesthetics of your roof and can even cause damage.
Wood Shingles
If you want your home to have a classic or rustic look, wood shingles can be a great choice. They’re not only durable but are also available in a variety of colors and stains. What makes wood shingles an eco-friendly roofing option is their ability to be recycled into reclaimed wood, which can be used in and around people’s homes. However, they can be quite costly — especially if you live in an area where wood mills are nearby. Plus, they don’t last very long. They need to be replaced after about 15 or 20 years, and they need more maintenance to make sure they don’t rot, get mold and mildew, or suffer from any other damage.
Metal Roofing
Metal is another popular choice when it comes to eco-friendly roofing materials. Like cool roofs, metal sheets or tiles can reflect the sun’s rays. This can keep your home cooler and makes it possible for you to rely less on expensive air conditioning. Metal roofs also have a long lifespan and can come in a variety of styles, which makes them one of the more versatile eco-friendly roofing options. They can be made out of a variety of alloys and can be manufactured from new or recycled metal. While metal roofs are one of the more popular options, it’s not necessarily the cheapest. It can also be noisy, especially during hailstorms when it can even become dented or damaged. The color of metal tiles will also change as they become more weathered. This can make it more difficult to replace damaged tiles if you want to keep a certain level of visual consistency.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles can come in a variety of colors and styles. They’re also energy-efficient because they allow hot air to circulate rather than remain trapped. Like metal roofing, clay tiles don’t require a lot of maintenance. They can be easily replaced if they break. Like many other eco-friendly roofing materials, clay tiles aren’t cheap to install. The initial process can be quite difficult. Because of their weight, they will require more structural support so the home doesn’t bow or collapse.
Slate Tiles
If you want an eco-friendly roofing option that’s exceptionally durable, you don’t want to forget about slate tiles. Not only are they sturdy, but they also have a stunning look, long life, and a great deal of fire resistance (all in addition to their eco-friendly design). You can also apply special tile coatings, which can help slate tiles to be even more energy-efficient. But, while they’re beautiful, they’re also hard to install. In fact, they require someone with the right experience to do it correctly. Like clay tiles, slate is heavy. So, they need more structural support to be installed safely.
If you’re looking for one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi that’s qualified to perform eco-friendly roof installations, be sure to get in touch with Bayfront Roofing.
