Sustainable Roofing Materials
Tips for Choosing a Sustainable Roofing Materials
Now that you have a feel for the types of materials available, consider these factors before making your final choice:
Recycled Content. Check to see if the roofing material contains recycled content. Generally, the higher the percentage the better, although durability wins out in the end. Also confirm that the material can be recycled again at the end of your roof's lifetime.
Coatings. Avoid copper and zinc coated roofing materials, which can wash into water sources and are dangerous to aquatic life.
Maintenance. No one wants to spend a lot of time or money maintaining their roof every year. Be sure your roofing material is durable and that no toxic products are required to maintain it.
Weight. In theory, it seems like the heaviest roof would be the best-both highly durable and unlikely to tear away in high winds. However, you must be sure that your home's existing structure can support the weight of a new roofing material.
Roof Slope. Is your roof nearly flat, low-slope or high-slope? Some roofing materials perform much better than others, depending on the application.
Color and Reflectivity. If you live in a particularly hot climate, look for roofing materials that are light in color and have high reflectivity. They will bounce more of the sun rays rather than heating your home like an oven.
Warranty. Select roofing materials with the longest warranty possible.
It's true, you get what you pay for, and though you may have to fork over more upfront for a sustainable roof, it will pay for itself overtime.
Aesthetics. Although this has nothing to do with sustainability, be sure to choose a roofing material that enhances your home's appearance. Make sure it is period-appropriate if you have a historic home.
A Truly Green Roof
You could choose a green-colored metal or shingled roof, but why not go literally green? Also known as "living roofs," green roofs are flat or low-slope roofs that are partially or completely covered by vegetation, either in the form of grass or other small plants, preferably species native to your area. They also consist of a growing medium and a waterproof membrane.
Although green roofs can be high maintenance and expensive upfront, they offer several benefits, including the absorption of rainwater to prevent runoff; insulation for your home; as well as reducing the heat island effect in urban environments. If you have a small yard or none at all, your green roof can provide outdoor space and raise the value of your home.
Now that you have a feel for the types of materials available, consider these factors before making your final choice:
Recycled Content. Check to see if the roofing material contains recycled content. Generally, the higher the percentage the better, although durability wins out in the end. Also confirm that the material can be recycled again at the end of your roof's lifetime.
Coatings. Avoid copper and zinc coated roofing materials, which can wash into water sources and are dangerous to aquatic life.
Maintenance. No one wants to spend a lot of time or money maintaining their roof every year. Be sure your roofing material is durable and that no toxic products are required to maintain it.
Weight. In theory, it seems like the heaviest roof would be the best-both highly durable and unlikely to tear away in high winds. However, you must be sure that your home's existing structure can support the weight of a new roofing material.
Roof Slope. Is your roof nearly flat, low-slope or high-slope? Some roofing materials perform much better than others, depending on the application.
Color and Reflectivity. If you live in a particularly hot climate, look for roofing materials that are light in color and have high reflectivity. They will bounce more of the sun rays rather than heating your home like an oven.
Warranty. Select roofing materials with the longest warranty possible.
It's true, you get what you pay for, and though you may have to fork over more upfront for a sustainable roof, it will pay for itself overtime.
Aesthetics. Although this has nothing to do with sustainability, be sure to choose a roofing material that enhances your home's appearance. Make sure it is period-appropriate if you have a historic home.
A Truly Green Roof
You could choose a green-colored metal or shingled roof, but why not go literally green? Also known as "living roofs," green roofs are flat or low-slope roofs that are partially or completely covered by vegetation, either in the form of grass or other small plants, preferably species native to your area. They also consist of a growing medium and a waterproof membrane.
Although green roofs can be high maintenance and expensive upfront, they offer several benefits, including the absorption of rainwater to prevent runoff; insulation for your home; as well as reducing the heat island effect in urban environments. If you have a small yard or none at all, your green roof can provide outdoor space and raise the value of your home.
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