Eco-Friendly Roofing Options for Low Budgets and Up
Our house will need a new roof in the near future and we have a feature checklist of these importantitems that we hope you can check off. I am looking for a roofing material that is long lasting, energy efficient, environmentally friendly and relatively inexpensive.
Does such a roof exist? I started learning all I could about current options for green roofs and came away with 5 top contenders and 3 optional add-ons you can find here.
Learn more about the pros and cons of each green option to help you find a green roof that fits
your home and budget.
White Roof, aka 'Cool Roof'
Advantages
Light-colored or white roofs of any material are also known as “cold roofs” for a
reason. By reflecting the sun’s rays away from the house, it significantly cools the temperature of
the roof, keeping the inside of the house cooler. well. This helps reduce summer energy bills and
combats the city’s “heat island” effect. White asphalt shingles are priced similar to regular dark
shingles, making them one of the most affordable green roofing options.
Disadvantages:
A cool roof isn’t entirely eco-friendly. If made from asphalt shingles, they are still petroleum-based and nearly impossible to recycle. A white metal roof might be a better choice.
Learn more about energy star ratings for roofing materials. https://kdroofers.com
Standing seam metal roof
Advantages
Durable, long-lasting, light-reflecting and fully recyclable, metal roofs are a great
investment for anyone, not just green homeowners. You can increase the green factor by opting
for a metal roof made from recycled materials and lighter colors.
Disadvantages:
Although more expensive than asphalt shingles (cheaper than copper and slate), a standing seam metal roof has a greater initial investment. Additionally, homeowners in areas subject to heavy snowfall should include a snow management plan. Snow can slide right off the metal roof and create huge drifts around the house.
Advantages of a metal roof https://kdroofers.com
Sustainable wood shake or shingle roof
Advantages
Natural, biodegradable, sustainably managed wood shingles from wood shingles are
a good choice if you have your heart set on classic-looking wood shingles. Warehouse https://kdroofers.com carries FSC certified cedar shingles.
Disadvantages:
Wood shingles are flammable and can be controlled in some high fire risk areas.
They are also quite expensive (the cost is on par with metal roofs) and only last 15 to 25 years,
while metal roofs can last 40 to 50 years.
Reclaimed clay or slate tile roof
Advantages
Durable, natural clay and slate tiles have a long history in roofing and are still very
popular today. Nothing complements a Spanish-style home better than the classic curves of ocher
tile, and slate does an amazing job of enhancing the look of an elegant, historic home. Longer than
metal, clay and slate tiles can last up to 100 years. Clay tiles can also be found in light colors that
offer cool roof benefits. Reclaimed tiles are the greenest option and do not landfill usable tiles.
Disadvantages:
Clay and slate tiles are very expensive, typically twice as much per square foot as metal roofing. Tiles are also very heavy, so you usually need to reinforce the roof a bit, which adds to the cost. You can also expect regular maintenance costs to replace cracked and chipped tiles.
Recycled content shingle roof
Advantages
More and more shingles on the market today feature recycled content, from those
mimicking the shape of a cedar shake to recycled slate-like shingles (e.g., available at warehouse
https://kdroofers.com). These options offer an attractive low-cost alternative to expensive slate and
sustainable lumber, while offering green benefits such as manufacturer recycling programs and
50-year product life.
Disadvantages:
From what I’ve seen, recycled material shingles currently on the market are not white, so the cooling effect may not be optimal (this may change as new products are continually developed).
Find local loopers in your area https://kdroofers.com
Solar Panel
Advantages
Today’s solar panels are cheaper than they used to be, come in a variety of styles and
can be mounted on existing roofs (the southern portion of the roof being the most important),
potentially saving significant energy costs, long term.
Disadvantages:
Initial installation costs are still quite high, and energy savings are not effective
after many years. So, if you’re planning to move soon, it might be wiser to wait until you install
solar panels on your next home.
Hire a solar energy contractor https://kdroofers.com
Green Roof
Advantages
Adding insulation, cooling the home, purifying the air and reducing runoff are just
some of the benefits of adding a green roof to your home. Planting green roofs in urban areas Buffalo City can also help mitigate the heat island effect and add natural beauty to normally
neglected spaces.
Disadvantages:
In addition to the initial installation (which can be expensive depending on the
roof size and type of garden), green roofs may require structural reinforcement to support the
weight of plants and soil.
Maintenance can also be an issue. Automatic irrigation systems and natural gardens also require
maintenance from time to time, and other roof repairs can be more difficult when workers need
access to areas under greenery.
See more great rooftop gardens https://kdroofers.com
Roof Overhang
Advantages
Roof overhangs are a great way to passively cool your home. When properly
positioned, deep roof overhangs can shade your home from the sun and reduce energy and
electricity costs.
Disadvantages:
The cost of adding a roof overhang can be high, but adding a deep overhang is a
good idea if you’re already planning to restructure your home or if you’re building from scratch.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, I am amazed at the resource-saving options available on the market today. From recycled products to traditional roofing materials to simply bright color choices, there are eco-friendly options for just about any budget.
Consult your local roofing company for options https://kdroofers.com
Nitharsana
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