Just because roofing must be tough and durable does not mean that it cannot be eco-friendly. Some traditional roofing materials come from renewable or recycled sources while emergent roofing options offer even more ways to preserve natural resources. Contemporary homeowners are tapping into a wealth of options for roofing their homes effectively while treading lightly on the environment.
Sustainably grown building materials are primarily wood products that are harvested and reseeded so that the supply remains robust. Although most cedar shakes and shingles are cut from old-growth red cedar, wood roofing made from sustainably grown Eastern white cedar is now available. This product is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Interested homeowners should call Cherry Hill roofing professionals to check on availability.
When using natural wood roofing, environmentally-conscious consumers should make sure that the product is preservative-free. Such common wood additives as copper chromium arsenate contain toxins that will spread to landscaping via rainwater runoff.
Terra cotta tile is a traditional roofing product that has always been eco-friendly. The raw material occurs naturally in the earth. Processing involves extrusion, molding and then baking at high temperatures. Clay tiles are naturally resistant to fire, corrosion and decay, and are extremely durable. They are recyclable too.
Natural slate tiles have some environmental benefits and some drawbacks. Like clay, they are quite long-lasting, so homeowners probably won’t need to replace them often, if at all, and this saves on manufacturing pollution. However, the equipment required to quarry the slate is energy consumptive. Slate tiles are one of the most-recycled roofing materials, meaning that once they are quarried, they perform for a very long time.
Roofing made from recycled tires and plastics is becoming more common and represents an eco-friendly choice for the homeowner on budgets. Some of these shingles resemble slate tiles yet are lighter in weight, putting considerably less stress on the roof structure as well as the environment. Other materials look like wood shingles but are far more durable and far less costly. Roofing made from recycled rubber has good sound insulating properties too.
Cement tiles are a relatively new innovation in the roofing industry that represent an eco-friendly option to consumers. Manufacturers mix cement with various fibers to produce different appearances. When mixed with cellulose, cement shingles look like wood but are more durable and resistant to insects and vegetative growth. The downside of cement roofing tiles is the large amount of energy expended during their production.
Savvy consumers can also conserve energy by purchasing roofing that helps lower their home heating and cooling bills. Residents in hotter climates should opt for cool roofing products that have earned the Energy Star certification. Cool roofing reflects solar heat away from the structure, keeping interior spaces and roof surfaces cooler.
In cold locations, heat-absorbing roofing cuts energy consumption. Asphalt shingles retain heat well, but are not particularly eco-friendly due to manufacturing processes and materials. Homeowners must weigh the environmental cost versus durability and energy savings to determine the best roofing materials for their locations. The roofers at Fortified Roofing of Cherry Hill NJ can assist you with any questions regarding skylights or gutters.
Common term explained by the roofers of Fortified Roofing of Cherry Hill NJ:
Forest Stewardship Council
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit organization that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. The FSC is in charge of setting standards, certification and labeling of forest products.
Cherry Hill NJ roofers FAQ of the day:
Can asphalt shingles be recycled?
Asphalt shingles are more recently being recycled. Used asphalt shingles are being repurposed in asphalt hot-mix for use as a sub-base for road and driveway construction and road repair. Asphalt shingle recycling is being adopted in more areas but may not yet be available in all markets. Some issues still exist with recycling used asphalt shingles such as removal of nails, bits of wood, etc.
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