New and improved products are continually coming out that make homes more energy efficient and eco-friendly. Along with these products are construction materials that are becoming widely popular. Installing eco-friendly roofs and roofing materials can make a big difference that your home has on the environment. Here, we introduce a few different types of energy efficient, eco friendly shingles and the benefits of each.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles give a classic, rustic look. They are eco-friendly because of their ability to be recycled into reclaimed wood products. Wood roofing shingles are a very durable material, available in different colors and relatively easy to stain.
Conversely, wood shingles can be more costly than other options. Unfortunately, wood shingles have a much lower lifespan; they tend to need replacing after around 15 to 20 years. In addition, they may require more maintenance to ensure they don’t rot, grow mold, mildew, or any other sort of damage.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are also an eco-friendly roofing material. Clay tiles come in a variety of colors and styles. They are also very energy-efficient, allowing hot air to circulate rather than trapping it in the installation. Similar to metal roofing, clay tiles are also relatively low-maintenance, and the tiles can easily be replaced if they break.
Of all the eco-friendly roofing materials, they are, unfortunately, the most expensive. This is due to the fact that installation can be difficult initially. Due to the weight of the tiles, additional structural support may be necessary so that the home doesn’t collapse or bow under the added weight of the clay tiles.
Metal Roofing
Among the most popular of the eco-friendly materials is metal roofing. Metal roofs can be made using either new or recycled materials. Metal sheets, like tiles, have reflective properties that bounce the heat away from the home rather than trapping it. This helps to keep the home cool and make it possible to rely less on air conditioning. Metal roofs also have a long lifespan and come in a wide variety of alloys and styles, making them a versatile roofing option. It’s important to note metal roofing can run more expensive than traditional shingle roofing.
Solar Roofing
Solar roofing is one of the newer eco-friendly roofing options that can come in different forms: as solar panels installed on an existing roof, or as tiles that make up the roofing itself. While it may be initially expensive to install, it will save homeowners thousands in electricity bills over its lifetime. This is because, instead of reflecting the sun’s rays, solar roofing absorbs them and converts their energy into usable electricity. This kind of roofing is long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free, and can even earn homeowners tax breaks.
Living Roofs
Probably the most unique out of any roof types are living roofs. Instead of your regular tiles or shingles, living roofs are actual gardens planted atop your home. Not only do they make a statement to help a home to stand out, but they are one of the most eco-friendly options. Living roofs can have a longer lifespan, boost a home’s thermal performance, and help the overall air quality in the community.
The downside to living roofs is that they cost more to set up, since the roof requires preparation for the weight of dirt and plants, and the home needs to be able to handle the weight. Finally, a living roof requires maintenance?—even if the plants are mostly self-sufficient, they still may require watering and weeding. If a plant dies, it will need to be replaced to keep with curb appeal.
Slate Tiles
For an exceptionally durable roof, consider slate tiles. These sturdy tiles look great, have a longer lifespan, and are fire resistant on top of their overall eco-friendly design. Special tile coatings can also be applied to help make slate roofing even more energy-efficient.
While slate roofing is beautiful, it is difficult to install and requires an experienced professional so it is done correctly. In addition, like clay tiles, slate roofing is heavy and requires extra structural support to be installed safely.
There are many options for eco-friendly roofing. It can be difficult to choose which is best for your home or business. Contact our team at Centennial Roofing to have our experts help you decide. Centennial Roofing’s experienced contractors are now serving all of Okaloosa County. Our roofers continue to proudly serve homes and businesses in the Florida panhandle and up to Dothan, Alabama. If you are looking for a trusted roofing company in your area, visit our website to see if your community is covered by our contractors!
