Every homeowner must replace their roof shingles at some point. You must keep this in mind if you are building a new home. Roofs are the “guardians” of your home. Their primary job to withstand harsh weather makes it necessary for you to select a high-quality roof for your home.
Climate changes have had a massive impact on the global environment, and every individual has some part to play. Several residential architects are now of the opinion that when looking for a new roof, homeowners could invest in a sustainable roofing system.
Building green is beneficial for the environment and a positive step towards reducing the carbon footprint. Climate change is perceived as a global threat, with the built environment being collectively responsible for almost 40% of the world’s combined emissions.
For years, those in the property sector have been conscious of their impact on climate change, but while most recognized their responsibilities, little or nothing was done to address the issue. Affordable remedies are now available to enable the built environment to leap towards climate-resilient building strategies as the industry is steadily shifting to renewable energy and a plethora of sustainable measures that could reduce carbon emissions and enhance adaptation efforts.
How to Proceed
Selecting the right kind of roof in the present could save you money in the long term. Roofs are now constructed in a way that helps reduce energy bills while retaining the energy in your home. Several advanced but expensive techniques allow the roofs to produce energy for your home.
These factors can be quite overwhelming and make the process tedious. However, most sustainable roofs have at least one of these factors, so you are good.
Let’s look at the sustainable alternative to roofing materials.
Solar Power Roof
Solar roofs are at the top of the sustainable roofing game. They are a long-term environment-friendly solution with multiple benefits.
Solar roofs allow homeowners to generate their electricity, thereby lowering their utility bills and giving them greater control over their energy consumption. Solar power has been consistently developing over the decades and is now becoming more affordable for the average homeowner.
Solar roofs create clean energy by eliminating carbon emissions, reducing the dependency on depleting fossil fuels. By installing a solar power roof, you will not only be playing your part towards saving the planet but also increasing the value of your property.
Corrugated Roof
Corrugated roofing is an economical green roof for your home. Corrugated roofing is one of the most used materials for average homes.
Owing to the advancement in technology, now this roof is not limited to just the wavy pattern and translucent colors. There are various styles and shades for you to select from. The versatility that corrugated roofing exhibits in addition to being a green option are one of the primary reasons for its popularity.
The fact that corrugated roofing is durable makes it a heavy-hitter in the list of sustainable roofing alternatives. The roof is easy to fix and install and exhibits a neat appearance on any structure.
Recycled Shingles
These roof shingles are a product of recycled waste material such as rubber, plastic, or wood fiber. Some are also the result of post-industrial waste.
Recycled shingles are not only durable but exhibit an aesthetic appearance. They are highly eco-friendly as they keep the waste out of the landfills and they do not require the processing of raw materials, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Although a frontrunner in sustainable roofing, recycled shingles have a low fire rating. This negative trait makes many residential architects skeptical about the long-term use of recycled shingles for homeowners.
Rubber Roofing
Manufactured from old steel tires, reinforced rubber shingles are a reliable sustainable roofing material. These are coated with ground slate to enhance their texture and durability.
The roof comes in a versatile range of colors and has a lifespan of about fifty years. Rubber roofing is highly resistant to storms and other harsh weather conditions.
Reclaimed Slate or Clay Roof
Since ancient times, slate and clay tiles have been in use for roofing and their presence is prevalent even today. Reclaimed tiles are a highly sustainable roofing option.
Clay tiles are a prominent roofing choice in Spanish villas and have been so since the earlier days. Slate tiles are a significate feature in historic homes and are even used by residential architects for homeowners who want a classic look for their homes.
Slate and clay tiles have a long service life lasting up to hundreds of years and are available in a series of color palettes.
Green Roof
Green roofs have become the most sought-after sustainable roofing option in residential as well as commercial buildings. It exhibits several environmental benefits at the micro and macro level.
The name itself means that the roofs are covered in vegetation and grass. The growing medium is planted over a waterproof membrane and consists of more layers such as drainage and irrigation systems.
By installing a green roof, homeowners could reduce the negative impact of construction while providing environmental, social, and economic benefits. Green roofs help reduce runoff during storms and reduce noise and air pollution.
Homeowners also benefit from lowered energy bills and a long-lasting roof membrane. Green roofs are highly prominent in the agricultural industry as they also provide a habitat for wildlife.
White Roof or Cool Roof
Any white roof or other light-shaded roofs irrespective of the material is called a cool roof. This roof has a cooling effect on the house as it reflects the sun’s rays.
Cool roofing systems are highly advantageous in hot climates because the air conditioning will not be used during the day. Thus, there will be a significant reduction in the summer energy bills for such homeowners.
Standing Seam Roof
This roofing system is entirely recyclable and long-lasting with an expected lifespan of almost fifty to sixty years. Metal roofs are not only beneficial as a sustainable roofing option but also to anyone who is looking to invest in a durable and reliable roofing system.
By selecting a lighter shade of the metal roof, you could reduce your summer energy bills while playing your role in the crusade for saving the environment. In addition, metal roofs are fire-resistant.
There You Have It!
When it comes to a roof, age is not just a number. You will have to replace the roof of your home at least once in your lifetime. And if that is for sure the case, why not go for a sustainable choice?!
The roof of your home requires maintenance and care in prolonging its life. And that is what every homeowner wants right? A hassle-free roofing system once installed, will be in place for at least half a century.
Your answer to the best-suited sustainable roof maybe with your local architect. Homeowners are now aware of the role they play in bettering the environment and are more than ready to invest in sustainable materials and circular buildings.
Lastly, sustainability drives results and there are no shortcuts to achieving it. So, the architects must connect with their clients in ways that appeal to them and their inner environment crusader. And why not start with a long-term investment in a sustainable roof?!