Eco Friendly Roofing

Every homeowner will most likely have to replace the shingles on their roof at some point. Asphalt roofs that are exposed to sunlight, heat, cold, rain, wind, snow, sleet and hail might last up to 20 years. There are a few options that you can use that will outlast a conventional asphalt shingle roof. Eco friendly roofing materials  like recycled plastic shingles, recycled metal roofs, even reclaimed wood, are viable options to pick from.  The best option for your home depends on the design of your home, local building codes, and price considerations.

The most popular and the “greenest” of all roofing products are shingles made from recycled waste materials, such as plastic, rubber, or wood fiber. Recycled-content shingles are amazingly durable, and they look good as well. There are many different reasons to pick a recycled roof. Recycled-content roof shingles help divert waste from landfills and reduce our need to extract and process raw materials, which lowers energy consumption and reduces pollution. Some of these products are recyclable, too, and many come with amazing 50-year warranties. A few even carry fire ratings that could lower your insurance rates.

Slate is a natural material and produces an extremely durable roof tile, that can last hundreds of years.

Metal roofing products include at least some recycled material. One advantage of metal roofing is that it can be recycled at the end of its life. Because metal roofs can last up to 50 years, roofing replacement is less frequent, which means less waste in the long run. They offer exceptional durability and fire-resistance, and they’re ideal for those who want to collect rainwater from their roofs to water gardens (or for household uses). You don’t have to worry about chemicals that might leach from a conventional asphalt roof. Standing-seam metal roofs work nicely as the base for thin-film photovoltaic panels, too.

There are lots of different eco friendly roofing options. Go to Mother Earth News HERE for more information