Nowadays, opting for an environment-friendly brand or even lifestyle is the trend, and most people try to follow it. That’s why the practice of recycling plastic, as well as conserving electric energy and water are prevalent.
Even so, most people aren’t aware that those methods aren’t the only ones they can adopt to care for the environment. They can choose environmentally friendly roofing for their homes to lower their energy consumption and contribute to a cleaner ecosystem.
Understand that most of these roofs are highly resilient. This is the reason they’re an excellent choice if you’re in the middle of constructing a new home or changing an old roof. Here, then, are the top five types of environmentally friendly roofing for families today.
1. Living Roof
First on the list is the living roof. The concept of this type of roof is to convert the cover of your home into a garden. When opting for living roofs, you optimize your home’s thermal efficiency and air quality.
A living roof absorbs air particulates, generates oxygen, and supplies shade. In a way, the plants and other materials covering your roof protect your actual roof from the damaging effects of the elements, as well as dramatic changes in weather. This can dramatically lengthen the lifespan of your actual roof.
However, you need to invest a substantial amount to set up a living roof, as your home will require structural evaluation to see if it can handle the weight of all the plants and soil. Moreover, once you have the plants on your roof, they will require regular maintenance, such as taking out weeds and watering the plants. If a plant rots or withers, you must replace it as you would in any typical garden.
2. Wood Shakes or Shingles
Wood shakes and shingles are among the most common green roofing options. However, the material can be a problem when the weather is warm.
To enhance the durability of wood shakes and shingles, you can ask roofing contractors to treat your roof with reflective pigments. Remember that you want your roof to reflect sunlight and not capture heat. Also, shingles that have many bumps can reflect sunlight in various directions.
To remedy this, paint your shingles white to make them more eco-friendly. If you live in a location with frequent downpours, be aware that your shingles can deteriorate quickly. Hence, you have to know what to do after storm damage.
3. Clay Tiles
Besides wood shingles and shakes, clay tiles are likewise eco-friendly roofing materials you can explore. This material is available in several forms and colors. Plus, clay tiles are energy-efficient products that allow warm air to flow instead of trapping it.
Clay tiles are pricey, but they’re easy to maintain and replace if broken. Keep in mind that tiles are also relatively heavy, and thus might require extra structural support so that your house will not break down under them.
4. Stone-Coated Metal Roof
On the other hand, beautiful stone-coated materials are an excellent lighter weight option for an eco-friendly roof. They’re affordable, sturdy and energy-efficient. Stone-coated roofs located in optimal climates can survive up to 70 years, as the material is designed to withstand eroding and algae.
A stone-coated metal roof can help minimize your energy bills and keep your home cool. In addition, it will shield your house from harmful ultraviolet light and adverse weather. And similar to other environment-friendly roofs, stone-coated roofs are straightforward to maintain.
5. Solar Roof
And finally, solar roofing is a modern type of eco-friendly roof you can choose for your home. Solar roofs comes in various styles, such as solar tiles that function like conventional shingles, or panels installed on top of your roof. Due to its technology, solar roofs are on the expensive side, although the price is decreasing all the time.
When considering the cost, it’s important to remember that installing them will allow homeowners to save on their energy budgets and make their investment back. Understand that this type of roof absorbs sunlight and transforms the energy into useful electricity. Moreover, the technology is durable and can endure powerful winds, plus it doesn’t require much upkeep.
Takeaway
Choosing environmentally friendly roofing for your home can give you many rewards. First of all, eco-friendly roofs last for a long time and are sturdier. The amount you pay is frequently worth the investment.
Furthermore, these types of roofs are energy-efficient and gentle to the environment. They keep your houses cool and reduce your air conditioning expenses. As a result, you’ll discharge less harmful gases into the atmosphere and limit your carbon footprint.
If you’re planning to install an environmentally-friendly roof, remember to verify if the company you’re buying it from offers a warranty. It’s also best to leave the roof installation to experts and check if the roofing contractor is insured to ensure the work is systematic and safe.
Feature image: Maria Orlova; Image 1: David Cashbaugh
