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Take The Myster Out of Green Roofing

One of the hottest trends in residential roofing is going green. Homeowners not only want to find ways to save on costly utility bills, but also conserve the environment. Green roofing has been slow to take off in the residential sector, but has recently been gaining steam. The main reason homeowners have not converted to green roofs is many of them are not aware of all the benefits. One of the main questions is what exactly is a green roof? Another point of contention is that people are not sold on the savings a green roof claims. Despite naysayers, green roofs truely are an excellent way to save money and clean up the environment.

Green roofing materials are any product that is made using green technologies. When people think of green roofs they often think of roofs with grass, plants and trees. Roofs with vegetation are a type of green roof and are referred to as ‘living’ roofs. Living roofs are seldom used as a residential roofing alternative because there is a lot more work, planning an expense that goes into a roof installation. Luckily, there are other alternatives to achieving a green roof without having to have a garden as a roof. If you are in the market for a new roof then recycled synthetic shingles, cedar shake, tile and metal roofing all have the potential to be a green roof option.

If the objective is to have a new roof that is not only eco-friendly and green, but also easy on the wallet, then the following are a few things to consider. First, make sure that whichever roofing material is selected fits the following criteria to ensure it has a minimal impact on the environment. Next, homeowners should look for durable roofing materials. A durable roofing material will last a long time and hold up to the elements, meaning a longer lifespan. Buy locally available roofing materials. The overall transportation expense and pollution from transportation will be lower if the roofing materials are bought locally. Look for roofing materials that use minimal energy and chemicals, recycled materials and emit minimal pollution. Manufacturers have become more conscious of the demand for green roofing products and have taken measures to meet consumers’ needs. Finally, the last things to consider when looking for a new roof are heat reflecting abilities to reduce unwanted heat, high UV resistance to slow down roof decay and added curb appeal.

Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roofing material because it is very cheap. On the downside, they are the least environmentally friendly roofing product. With a 15 year lifespan, asphalt shingles have the shortest lifespan of all the roofing options. They are prone to rapid deterioration from UV-rays and in hot weather they release poisonous gases into the atmosphere. Likewise, when it rains asphalt shingles release toxic chemicals. They are rarely recycled and account for roughly 11 million tons of waste in U.S. landfills. However, it should be noted that there are some composition asphalt shingles that have a 50 year lifespan, but they share the same downsides as traditional asphalt shingles.

Cedar shakes are another popular yet expensive roofing choice. They are sought after because they add a hint of rustic charm. While they are very pretty they make a very poor roofing option. For starters, cedar shake roof installation is a very tedious and time-consuming process that requires expert installers to ensure they are properly installed. Another major issue is cedar shingles are very flammable and are outlawed in many counties. Another problem is that the best type of cedar shingle is crafted from old-growth trees, which is a non-renewable resource becase of the long time it takes to mature. There is also considerable maintenance that must be upheld to keep them in good condition. A great substitute is recycled synthetic shingles, which are composed of recycled plastic and wood fibers. They are light weight, fire-resistant and long lasting. With proper care, they can last 40 plus years.

The best residential roofing alternatives are metal and tile roofing. Both materials are extremely durable and very long lasting. With proper care and maintenance, they both can last over 100 years. During their manufacturing process there is little waste, pollution and energy use. They are typically made from recycled products and offer good air circulation and insulation. Tile and metal roofing products come in many different styles and types. They also are available in numerous colors and have UV-reflective properties. On the flip side, a major low point is both materials are expensive compared to other roofing alternatives. The main reason they cost considerably more is because they weight a lot more which requires more structural support. That is why professional installers are highly recommended for any roof installation dealing with metal or tile roofing.

Before tackling a new roof installation, check with the local hardware store for information on which green roofing option is best for your home. Going green will make a substantial impact on the environment and move the world in the right direction of a cleaner tomorrow.