Key Takeaways
- Sustainable roofing is a a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and decrease your dependency on fossil fuels.
- Sustainable materials are eco-friendly and eco-conscious, like clay, ceramic, and cement.
- Choose your roofing material based on the size, aesthetics and durability best suited to your needs.
- Sustainable roofing materials include mental, slate and clay.
- Living roofs, solar roofs and painted roofs are also types of sustainable roofing.
Sustainability is all the rage these days, and rightfully so – it is undoubtedly, vital for the future of our planet. Did you know that the construction and roofing industry, in particular, makes up 16% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is the main reason for global warming?
Burning fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases, and doing so to generate electricity is a practice we are slowly and steadily unlearning. The less we rely on fossil fuels, the fewer greenhouse gases emitted. Fortunately, there are several alternatives we can employ to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, enabling us to fight climate change.
Sustainable roofing is one way to combat the burning of fossil fuels, and sustainable roofing materials are readily available. If you’re unsure where to begin regarding sustainable roofing, don’t worry – here is a comprehensive breakdown of all the materials you can choose from for sustainable alternatives.
What Are Sustainable Materials?
True sustainability is achieved only when every product is eco-friendly and eco-conscious. In roofing products, you can use several sustainable materials, suited to different environments and situations. Not only will using these materials help the environment, but they can also elevate your house design.
Clay tiles are a great option, for example, since they absorb water and reduce water damage. Ceramic tile is also recyclable and eco-friendly but must be disposed of safely since it is flammable. To choose a sustainable roofing material, you must know what you’re looking for.
For example, a simple and traditional option would be cement tile; it doesn’t wear out the same way wood and metal do and is very long-lasting, making it a great choice for homeowners who want a long-term roofing material that looks great as well.
Another fairly new but well-known sustainable technology is solar power generation. A great option for homeowners, solar power panels only require a little maintenance and generate electricity without sunlight. You’ve probably seen houses with solar panels on their roofs, and they are a great option if you live in a sunny area.
Choosing A Sustainable Roofing Material
When choosing a sustainable roofing material, you should consider a few factors, like the size of the area, the aesthetics you’re looking for, and the material’s durability.
Size
Before anything else, consider the patch size you need for your roof to avoid water damage. Your roof type also matters here – for example, small tiles and metal panels work best with flat roofs, while larger tiles and shingles are better for full or pitched roofs.
Aesthetics
Next, consider how the material looks aesthetically and whether it goes well with your home design. Some materials have a nasty way of looking dirty or poorly maintained as time passes, even if you take care of them, because of water and sun damage.
However, materials like clay and ceramic are the opposite – they look great with most home designs and do not require frequent maintenance. Remember to clean them regularly if you don’t want them to stain or get dirty.
Durability
Last but not least, if you’re looking for a long-lasting and durable material, consider cement tiles and asphalt shingles. These materials are professional-looking and trustworthy; they’re guaranteed to last years. So if you want an eco-friendly and long-lasting roof, these are great options for you.
However, if you live in an area with a dry climate, make sure that your roof surface is waterproof before using cement or asphalt – especially if you plan on using oil-based paint for your house interiors.
Types Of Sustainable Roofing Materials
Some sustainable roofing materials are the most common, with various options for their installation and styles.
Metal Roofing
Metal is a roofing material quickly gaining popularity, with several developments in recent years. Made of sustainable and recyclable materials, metal roofing usually lasts over half a century and can be recycled at the end of its life. It comes in various styles, colors, and builds, enabling you to customize it according to your home design.
Slate Roofing
Slate is mined from rocks, making it an entirely natural and sustainable material. Though slate roofing has been used on homes for centuries, it is notably very heavy and expensive. That said, it can also last for over 100 years – so forking out big bucks for such a long-lasting roof isn’t so unbelievable.
Clay Roofing
Clay tile is a natural element used for roofing, most commonly in southern areas, since they match the overall aesthetic of the surroundings while holding up well in hot climates. Clay tile roofing can also last from 50-100 years, depending on the environment of the area and the type of clay tile used.
Types Of Sustainable Roofs
There are different types of green roofs you can choose from, and they are as follows:
Living Roof
A living roof is a type of green roof with soil and vegetation growing on it, making it like a garden patch but on your roof. There are a few types of living roofs: intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive. They are categorized based on time and effort you need to maintain the roof.
Solar Roof
A solar roof is one with solar panels installed on it. As mentioned before, installing solar panels reduces your electricity bill and provides a green and sustainable alternative to decrease your carbon footprint. Additionally, solar panels maintain 80% efficiency for at least 30 years.
Painted Roof
A painted roof is a white-painted roof; the white color deflects the sun’s rays, making your house cooler. On the contrary, darker-colored roofing materials absorb the sun’s heat. White roofing material can help combat climate change and give you a cooler home interior.
Conclusion
Choosing a sustainable roof for your home is a big step you can take towards a more eco-friendly and eco-conscious lifestyle. The benefits of sustainable roofing often outweigh the expenses you need to install and maintain them.
At CMC Construction and Roofing Services, we encourage our customers to opt for sustainable materials when building their homes or re-roofing. If you’re unsure about what roofing material best suits your circumstances, don’t worry – our team of certified experts can guide you through everything you need to know.
Visit us at 11496 Luna Rd, Suite 100, Farmers Branch, TX, or check out our services on our website.
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