The roofing materials you choose can have a significant impact on the environment. Sustainable roofing options are the best way to protect your home and the environment. Various environmentally friendly roofs are available, including reclaimed clay tiles, cool roofs (which reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it), and green or living roofs (which provide natural insulation).
Energy Efficiency
In a world where people are constantly looking for ways to lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint, it’s no surprise that more and more home renovations are being done with sustainability in mind. Roofing can have a considerable impact, and there are plenty of eco-friendly options for a roof replacement. Many of these sustainable roofing ideas focus on using energy-efficient materials, which can significantly reduce your energy bill and the overall environmental impact of a roof. One example is a metal roof, which is highly reflective and helps reduce the warming impacts of the sun. Another way to improve energy efficiency is by installing new attic insulation. This can help reduce air infiltration and keep moisture from entering interior structures, such as wood beams and drywall. This can also help regulate indoor temperatures, further reducing energy consumption. Lastly, it’s essential to consider embodied energy, which is the energy that goes into making a product or material. This includes mining and processing raw materials, production of building supplies, transportation, construction, and even disposal. This is why looking for sustainable roofing materials with low embodied energy is important.
Water Conservation
A new roof can help reduce your water usage and prevent the damage that often comes with frequent leaks. In addition, a new roof can protect your home from air pollution. Old roofs may trap polluted air and make it difficult to regulate temperatures, causing you to use more energy to cool or heat your home. Replacing your roof can eliminate these problems and save you money on your energy bills in the long run. Even when painted, metal roofs reflect the sun’s rays, reducing heat transfer and saving you up to 20 percent in cooling costs. They also don’t require the use of fossil fuels to manufacture like shingles do, which are made from petroleum and contribute to greenhouse gasses. They’re also 100% recyclable, which reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. When a shingle roof is replaced, it takes up to 11 tons of materials to dispose of, including insulation and underlayment. These materials are recycled when a metal roof is replaced, eliminating the need to transport and process this waste at landfills. Rooftop greenery systems, or green roofs, comprise environmentally friendly polymers and plant matter—the plants on the roof act as a sponge to collect rainwater and conserve it. The presence of plants also reduces embodied energy by reducing the impact of raw material extraction, processing, distribution, and construction.
Recyclable Materials
Roofing is one of your home’s most significant carbon footprint components. Using recycled materials is one of the best ways to go green on your new roof. This reduces the amount of waste in landfills, conserves energy during manufacturing, and cuts down on the need for raw materials. Most roof types can be recycled, so deciding how your roof will end its life is essential. Choosing a material that is easy to recycle is another good idea. For example, asphalt shingles can be turned into new roofing and other products when they are no longer usable. The same goes for metals, which can be repurposed again and again. The most sustainable roofing materials are wood shakes and shingles made from natural resources. They may require more maintenance than other roof types but are long-lasting and offer excellent heat reflectivity. They can also be made from sustainably harvested materials, which can help with the environmental impact. Clay and concrete roof tiles are another highly sustainable option because they are made from natural clay, a renewable resource. These tile roofs are also a good choice for hot climates because they are fire-resistant and durable.
Green Roofs
The soil and vegetation of green roofs are not only a source of natural insulation, but they also reduce air temperatures (reducing the Urban Heat Island effect) and create a peaceful retreat for birds, insects, and other wildlife. A green roof can be designed to support a variety of plants and may have a deliberately wild appearance or be more closely manicured like an urban garden. In addition, a green roof can filter pollutants and heavy metals from rainwater. The vegetation and growing medium on a green roof add much to the overall load of the system, so it is essential to have a professional engineer assess the structural integrity of the supporting structure, including load reserves for the plant material. Weeding and mulching are required to maintain the health of the plantings, while a regular inspection is performed for damage to waterproof membranes from falling plant debris. Extensive green roofs have a shallow profile, which limits the range of plant options to those that tolerate environmental stress and drought. However, even this limited selection can reduce energy demands for cooling, lowering the surface temperature, and slowing and reducing stormwater runoff. Green roofs can also contribute to carbon sequestration.
