As we move towards an environment-friendly lifestyle, the demand for sustainable building materials has risen considerably. Eco-friendly roofs are durable, energy-conserving, and affordable, making them a smart addition to modern homes.

There’s a wide range of eco-friendly roofing options available on the market for you to choose from. Keep reading this article to learn more about them.

How Does Your Home Benefit from Eco-Friendly Roofing?

Durability

When searching for suitable roofing materials, keep in mind that the top of your home must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Most eco-friendly roofing options such as metal, rubber, clay, and slate tiles can endure extreme climatic conditions and still last a long time.

Recyclability

There are quite a few eco-friendly roofing options that recycle and repurpose residential and industrial waste. Metal, rubber, and recycled shingle roofs are some examples that come to mind. Redirecting waste from roofing installations and construction efforts helps reduce landfill waste and lowers carbon footprint. Recyclability is what makes eco-friendly roofing truly appealing to environmentally-conscious homeowners.

Long-Lasting

What sets apart eco-friendly roofing options from their synthetic counterparts is their longevity. For instance, metal roofs endure harsh conditions and can last up to 50 years. Clay & slate tiles outlast even metal and can function well for over a century. Eco-friendly roofs require less frequent replacements and repairs than synthetic roofs. In the long run, they’re the more pocket-friendly alternative.

Light Reflecting

Eco-friendly roofing reflects light and does not absorb heat. They keep your interiors well-ventilated, especially during the summer months. Clay roofs provide insulation against heat and cold, making them ideal for all weather conditions. With eco-friendly roofing, you can cut back on electricity spending.

Eco-Friendly Roofing Options

Clay Roof

Historically, clay and slate tiles were popular roofing choices, and they continue to be in vogue today. They can insulate against hot and cold temperatures, keeping your interiors well-ventilated and helping you save on electricity costs.

Clay roofs have an earthy appeal that can give your house a classy, distinguished look. They help complement the elegant curves of Spanish-style homes or historical residences. They’re also a popular roofing material in desert climates as they can redirect heat and maintain comfortable temperatures indoors. Today, light-colored clay tiles are available on the market, providing the benefits of a cool roof system.

If you’re looking for old-school, long-lasting roofing material, clay tiles may be the right fit for you. They are affordable, recyclable, and highly durable, lasting up to a century.

Rubber Roof

Reinforced rubber shingles made from old steel-belted tires or rubber roofs are also a great eco-friendly roofing material. They’re coated with ground slate to enhance texture and durability and require less maintenance and upkeep.

Rubber roofing is resistant to stormy and harsh weather and can withstand hail and extreme weather conditions. They’re highly durable and can last up to 50 years without ever needing to be replaced.

If you live in a place prone to storms, consider rubber roofs for your home.

White Roof

A white roof, also called a cool roof, is any white or light-colored roof. As the name suggests, a cool roof reflects most of the sun’s rays, thus reducing the amount of heat that invades your home.

White roof systems keep your house well-ventilated and cool, especially during the summer months. They also reduce the need for air conditioning during the day. As a result, your energy consumption reduces significantly. White roofs are thus a smart and budget-friendly option for your home.

Standing-Seam Metal Roof

If you’re considering eco-friendly roofing options, don’t forget about metal roofs. Thanks to their reflective nature, metal roofs absorb less heat and help maintain comfortable temperatures indoors.

Metal roofs are fire-resistant and have exceptional durability, lasting up to 50 years. The need to replace them is minimal, and thus, they can help reduce waste in the long run. If your area receives a lot of snow, metal roofs would be a good choice for your home. Their smooth surfaces make it easy for snow to slide off and prevent ice dams from forming.

Recycled Shingle Roof

The greenest and most popular roofing products are shingles made from recycled waste materials, like plastic, wood fiber, or rubber. Clean factory waste and post-consumer waste (i.e., waste from homes) are recycled to produce shingled roofs.

Roof shingles made out of recycled content divert waste from landfills and reduce the need to extract and process raw materials. As a result, they help lower energy consumption and reduce pollution. Most shingles sold today are made from recycled materials and made to mimic the look of recycled slate and cedar shakes.

If you love a classic wooden look to your home, sustainable shingle roofs are the way to go. They are highly durable with over a 50-year life span.

Getting the Perfect Eco-Friendly Roof

Roofing is not a one size fits all kind of situation. There’s a wide variety of eco-friendly roofing products available on the market. So carefully consider your options before finalizing one. Take your home’s structural design, local building codes, and price estimates into consideration while making your decision.

If you’re looking to replace your roof, you will need to obtain a building permit and pass an inspection. Don’t invest in a new roof without ensuring that your building department approves the eco-friendly material you pick.

Bear in mind that some eco-friendly materials, like clay or slate tiles, require a strong, solid frame to support their substantial weight. If you’re unsure about the strength of your frame, consult a structural engineer or your building department. They’d be able to provide quick answers.

Finding the best eco-friendly roof for your home can be overwhelming. Our roofing specialists at Matera Roofing Inc. are here to help you out. We’ll find the perfect eco-friendly roof that complements your home design and fits your budget. If you’d like to discuss more roofing options, contact Matera Roofing in Florida. We have over 30 years of experience and strive to deliver quality results to our clients. Call us at (813) 971-2527 or contact us online to request an estimate today!