Environmentalism may just be the zeitgeist of modern times. Climate change and its global effects have certainly dominated the media in the past few years, so it should come as no surprise when building trades develop increasingly environmentally friendly practices. To this end, environmentally friendly roofing is changing the way we protect our homes.
Without question, your roof is a key feature of your home; it protects your family and belongings, and replacing your roof is a sizeable investment. In addition, roofing materials can have a significant impact on the environment. Asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material in North America, are typically very harmful to the environment. They are difficult to recycle and represent one of the main components of debris found in construction, demolition, and renovation products. Indeed, the most common method of disposing of old asphalt shingles is disposal in landfills. As such, when it comes to replacing your roof, you should take some time to consider environmentally friendly roofing alternatives.
Living Roofs
Many new building projects involve installing a living roof which features a layer of soil covered by actual, living plants. These roofs provide enhanced insulation, while also processing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Living roofs are becoming increasingly popular throughout Europe, and especially Germany, and many can even be seen in Canadian cities such as Vancouver. There are 2 types of living roofs: intensive and extensive. Intensive living roofs can be quite heavy and require a lot of support because they feature many species of plant, shrub, and even trees. Alternatively, extensive roof systems feature herbs and grasses so they are considerably lighter but will likely require more support than a traditional asphalt shingle roof.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs represent a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional roof systems as they are more sustainable and feature more recycled materials. Metal roofs last longer than asphalt shingle roofs, and when they do need replacement, their materials can be easily recycled. Moreover, metal roofs are fire resistant and they stand up well to strong winds. They do not rust or rot, they are light weight, and they do not need to be cleaned.
Cedar Shake Roofs
Cedar shakes feature untreated cedar and as such they stand up much better to rotting than other shingles. More importantly, cedar How Much Does A Drone Roof Inspection Cost shakes last longer than asphalt shingles while offering excellent durability and resistance to weather, mould, and mildew.
Solar How To Remove Moss From Roof Naturally Roofs
Solar roofs are gaining a lot of international attention because they not only provide an improved environmental impact compared to asphalt shingles, but they can also help provide heat and electricity to your home. In fact, a roof covered entirely with solar tiles can easily provide enough power for your whole home.
So, as you can see, there are many beneficial alternatives to asphalt shingles with respect to the environment. If you are in need of a new roof, be sure to speak to your roofing professional about what types of environmentally friendly alternatives they offer. While the cost may be more at the outset, these roofs generally last longer and can save you money over the long term.
