Environmentally-minded homeowners may wonder what type of shingle is the greenest option for their home. The good news is, there are several roofing options that are environmentally friendly. Here are a few of the environmentally friendly roofing choices we recommend to homeowners in the Cincinnati area.
Recycled shingles
Recycled asphalt shingles are made from waste material. Buying recycled shingles is a green option, because it reduces waste material that would have otherwise gone to landfills while maintaining the quality of the end product. It’s a green way to keep your home’s appearance consistent with other houses in the neighborhood.
Wood shingles or shakes
Wood shingles are a green option for homeowners for several reasons. One, wood shingles can be made from recycled or reclaimed wood. Two, wood shingles can be recycled at the end of their life. Wood shingles can last up to twenty years with proper maintenance and are zero waste when recycled or reused at the end of their life span.
Metal roofing
Metal roofing can last upwards of fifty years. What’s more, metal roofs contain recycled materials and are recycled at the end of their long life span. While metal roofs are pricey to install, their longevity makes up for the initial expense.
Slate or tile roofing
Slate and tile are considered environmentally friendly choices for roofs because they’re made from natural materials. Tile can last for 50 years and slate can last 75 years with minimal maintenance needs (typically, replacing a few broken shingles).
Cool roofs
So-called cool roofs, which can lower air-conditioning bills, represent the fastest-growing category of roofs. Cool roofs rely on white gravel to reflect the sun’s rays back to the atmosphere, decreasing your home’s solar heat gain. Just as you are cooler in hot weather wearing white than wearing dark clothes, which absorb heat, your home is cooler with a light-colored roof to block the sun’s rays. Since your home stays cooler, you can run the air conditioner less frequently. This saves money on monthly utility bills. As you consume less electricity, you will decrease your home’s carbon footprint and curb dependence on coal energy.
If you are interested in these environmentally friendly roofing materials, the first step is to get a quote for installation on your roof. Contact us today to obtain a roofing quote or to learn more about any of these environmentally friendly roofing options
