Going green is trendy right now – besides the major benefit of being kinder to the environment, an eco-friendly roof can end up saving you money. They often last longer than roofs constructed with conventional roof materials, they keep your house cooler so you won’t use your air conditioner as much (saving on spend and pollution), and they can be designed to generate heat or collect rainwater. All cost-effective aspects that are kind to the environment as well.
If you’re designing a new roof, use these 5 tips to make it a green one:
You don’t have to use straight shingles: Conventional asphalt roof shingles last a maximum of 20 years before they will need to be replaced. When you do replace them, consider using eco-friendly materials that are still able to stand exposure to sun, rain, wind, and hail. There are a variety of green materials out these, from recycled plastic to metal to wood. Ask your building contractor to advise you on the best option.
Keep things cool: If you live in hot climate and your house gets lots of sun, consider a ‘cool’ roof. A white roof will absorb less heat than a dark one and keep the inside of your house cool, reducing the need to use energy-guzzling air conditioners. Metal or steel roofs are another good option if you want a ‘cool’ roof – metal reflects sunlight, is durable, low-maintenance, and recyclable. You can even opt for white metal for a super-cool result.
Try a natural option: While it can be more expensive than other roofing options, wood is an eco-friendly alternative to a traditional shingle roof. Wood is natural and biodegradable, and it can improve air circulation in your home. While wood is resilient, it is important to have your timber properly sourced and treated to counteract mould and rot.
Slate – a worthwhile investment: Expensive and needing regular maintenance, slate tiles are an eco-friendly option. They’re natural, biodegradable, durable, long-lasting, and improve ventilation in your home. They also look great.
Get some sun: Solar panels are an increasingly popular way to green your roof and your household. They can be added to any kind of roof. The biggest benefits? They decrease your impact on the environment and reduce your electricity bill.
Kind to the earth, kind to your pocket
High quality, eco-friendly roofs don’t need to be replaced as often as their traditional counterparts. This is a huge cost-saving and will also spare you from a major house project for a little longer than expected. Replacing an existing roof with a green version means less greenhouse gas is emitted, less material is produced, and less waste is generated. Even better if the materials are recyclable or recycled! Chat to your roofing specialist, contractor, and builder to find out which roof best suits your needs.
If you’d like to get in touch with us for some professional advice, be sure to visit our website today and enquire online.