If you aren’t part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. That simple principle motivates many people to at least consider eco-friendly roofing materials. Furthermore, sustainable roofing material generates significant cost savings because it lasts longer and heats and cools your home more efficiently.
Since eco-friendly options are more popular, more materials are available. Most of them allow you to make a bold statement and install a roof that stands out but doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. More on that below.
Sustainable roofs are highly durable and also challenging to install. The Four Peaks Roofing team has the expertise to do the right job. So, homeowners should take full advantage of everything an environmentally friendly roof has to offer.
Some Pros and Cons of Sustainable Roofing
A sustainable roof is a significant investment, both in terms of money and time. Eco-friendly roofing materials are expensive and difficult to install. So, before taking the leap, consider some pros and cons carefully.
- Longer Lifespan: A rooftop is continually under attack from the elements, not just from sudden storms. Ultraviolet light and fluctuating temperatures often cause even more damage. A green roof may double or even triple the life expectancy of your rooftop.
- Help the Environment: A green roof makes a bold statement about your commitment to environmental quality. It’s visible evidence that you’re willing to put your money where your mouth is. This statement also has financial benefits. Green roofs reduce the need for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.
- Heavier: The weight of sustainable roofing materials explains much of the higher cost. Most roofs need additional structural support before they can handle the added weight. In some cases, especially if you have an older home, our team may need to retrofit your rooftop. The amount of additional work required significantly affects the cost.
- Additional Maintenance: Unfortunately, cost concerns don’t end after installation. Metal roofing and similar materials usually require additional maintenance. Sometimes, maintaining a metal roof is a weekend DIY project. Usually, however, a professional must handle this task.
No one can tell you what to do. But at Four Peaks Roofing, we can give you the information you need to make the best choice.
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Roofing Options
Given the advances in the green roofing industry, the possibilities in terms of materials are almost endless. Here are a few of the more popular and efficient choices.
Rubber
These shingles are mostly made from recycled content. The manufacturer starts with old steel-belted radial tires, reinforces them, and covers them in slate to enhance the texture.
Rest assured that your roof will not look like a giant Goodyear tire. Various colors are available. Since rubber roofing is resistant to storms and other harsh weather conditions, it can last up to fifty years.
Recycled shingles are also available. These shingles are affordable, making them ideal for homeowners who can’t afford the more expensive options. Furthermore, shingles made from recycled content, such as plastic, wood fiber, and rubber, are durable and offer green benefits. Finally, these roofs look nice. No one would ever think they were made from waste products.
Green Roof
A green roof, which resembles a rooftop garden that covers the entire roof, is a high-maintenance and high-reward option.
Like any other garden, it requires constant maintenance. Plants must be fed, watered, and protected from the heat and cold. A green roof probably has more benefits than any other environmentally friendly option. Plants have excellent water drainage and absorb the sun’s energy.
As a bonus, green roofs attract birds and other wildlife. According to a Swiss study, such roofs support more than 170 species of animals.
Reclaimed Slate or Clay Roof
Spanish/Southwestern tile roofs are prevalent in Phoenix. Tiles made from recycled materials might be the most eco-friendly option for roofing. Designs include curved red tiles and slate tiles that complement older homes well.
These roofing materials are natural and also very durable. With proper maintenance (the tiles often loosen or crack), a reclaimed slate or clay roof can last up to a century.
White Roof (Cool Roof)
Any roof with a light color or white shade, irrespective of the material, is known as a cool roof. As the name implies, the roof cools a house since it reflects most of the sun’s rays.
Because of this reflective quality, most homeowners don’t run their air conditioners as much during the day. Therefore, a cool roof usually means significantly lower summer energy bills.
Standing-Seam Metal Roofs
The Cadillac of environmentally friendly roofs is long-lasting, light-reflective, and completely recyclable. Metal roofs are advantageous to green homeowners and anyone wanting to invest in a good roof. You can improve it by selecting a metal roof manufactured from recycled materials and lighter colors.
Metal roofs are long-lasting, with an expected lifespan of fifty years. The fire-resistant roofs could also decrease homeowners’ insurance premiums.
Explore Green and Sustainable Roofing With Four Peaks
If this post piqued your curiosity about sustainable roofs, contact us to learn more.
