Sustainability is important year-round, but it’s also the reason for the Earth Day season, so to speak. Earth Day is a time to consider making eco-friendly decisions in as many areas of our lives as possible, from the food we put on our table to the modes of transportation we use. But what about roofing? As it turns out, some of the most common roofing materials aren’t always sustainable. This can be true of traditional asphalt shingles, for instance, as this material is often difficult to recycle. At Elite Roofing & Solar, people often ask us about what eco-friendly roofing options are available to them—and which options do a good job of balancing sustainability with affordability. So, in celebration of Earth Day, we’re sharing a handful of our favorite eco-friendly roofing materials to consider next time you’re in need of a new roof.
Wood Shakes
We’ve long loved the look of wood shake here at Elite Roofing & Solar, but this material has emerged as a favorite for those in search of an eco-friendly roofing material that won’t break the bank. Wood shakes are a readily biodegradable and natural material, so long as they’re sourced sustainably. The major drawback of wood shakes is that they are, of course, more flammable than many other kinds of roofing materials, and they can be less durable than other options. Even so, they’re one of the most frugal eco-friendly roofing materials available, and it’s hard not to like the aesthetic of wood shakes.
Metal Roofing
Metal is an incredibly eco-friendly roofing option as it is fully recyclable. While more expensive than wood shakes or asphalt shingles in the short term, the impressive durability of a metal roof makes this a surprisingly cost-effective roofing option. Depending on the color of the metal, this material can also be used for a “cool roof” system, an additional layer of sustainability that also saves home and business owners on energy costs if they live in an area with hot summers. The primary drawback of metal roofing is its higher upfront cost, though its durability will mitigate this over the long term. To avoid potential problems with installation, you’ll also want to find a professional roofer with experience installing metal roofs. Overall, though, metal roofing is one of the most eco-friendly options out there.
Clay and Slate Tile
While clay and (especially) slate are among the highest-cost roofing materials, both are extremely durable and eco-friendly roofing options. This is true particularly when using reclaimed tiles. Clay and slate are both natural materials, and while slate won’t do your roof any favors in terms of cooling, clay is available in lighter colors if desired. The main drawback of clay or slate is the cost, as these materials are much more expensive than metal roofing. These materials may even require installing additional roof support due to their weight. However, clay or slate tile roofs can last as long as 100 years or more with proper maintenance, and these elegant roofs are unparalleled in terms of the beauty they can add to your home.
Synthetic and Recycled Shingles
If you’re set on shingles, there are alternatives to the traditional asphalt shingles that are so difficult to recycle. For example, there are many “fakes” out there made to look like traditional roofing materials such as asphalt, slate, or wood shakes. These can often be much cheaper than their counterparts (as in the case of slate), but they can also be made more sustainable (such as fakes made to look like asphalt). Newer on the market are shingles made from synthetic or recycled materials, such as rubber shingles made from recycled tires. The main drawbacks of many options in these categories, however, is that there’s simply less known about them due to how recently many eco-friendly roofing materials have been introduced.
Elite Roofing & Solar Offers Eco-Friendly Roofing Options
Our team at Elite Roofing & Solar in Denver strives to be conscious of how the work we do affects the environment around us. Whether it’s a residential or commercial roofing project, we want to be sure our clients know about all the eco-friendly roofing options available to them, as these materials can provide excellent cost- and energy-saving benefits while looking great in the process. We hope everyone takes some time on Earth Day to consider what kinds of sustainable choices they might start making. And, if you’re thinking one of those choices might be to install more eco-friendly roofing on your home or business, contact Elite Roofing & Solar in Denver today!
