When you think of eco-friendly home products, eco-friendly rooftops may not be the first thing that comes to mind. You may have never seriously considered investing in one or know very little about them. If so, allow us to fill you in on a few things.
Interstate Roofing has been supplying rooftops to residents of the Pacific Northwest for more than three decades. We’ve seen how rooftops have evolved over time, including how they’ve evolved to become more environmentally friendly. Here are five facts about eco-friendly rooftops you should know.
1. Eco-Friendly Rooftops Can Save You Money
Did you know that going green could actually save you some green? While an eco-friendly rooftop may cost more up front, it’s an investment that could pay dividends down the line. Eco-friendly rooftops offer a great return on investment by increasing a home’s property value, for instance.
Not planning on selling your home anytime soon and wondering whether an eco-friendly rooftop could really benefit you? The short answer to that question is yes. Eco-friendly rooftops typically require less maintenance and have a longer life span than conventional rooftops. In fact, an eco-friendly roof that is well-maintained can have a life span that is more than double that of its conventional counterparts.
2. Eco-Friendly Rooftops Are Highly Durable
In addition to having a longer life span, eco-friendly rooftops tend to be more durable than traditional rooftops. If you live in a climate with extreme weather conditions and have a roof made of traditional materials, you could find yourself making constant repairs.
For example, have you ever seen the shingles fly off a roof in strong winds? Anytime a blizzard, hurricane, or strong thunderstorm passes through your area, you run the risk of having to make costly roofing repairs.
But eco-friendly rooftops are generally able to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. If you live in an extreme climate, an eco-friendly rooftop may be the best option for you. Though the initial investment will cost more, you will likely find yourself spending less money on maintenance and repairs long-term.
3. Eco-Friendly Rooftops Can Improve HVAC Efficiency
Eco-friendly rooftops also help to improve HVAC efficiency, resulting in additional cost savings. Whereas traditional rooftops are typically made with heat-absorbing materials, eco-friendly rooftops are made with light-reflecting materials. So rather than absorbing heat and trapping it inside your home, eco-friendly rooftops reflect heat away, making your home feel cooler and much more comfortable.
This means your HVAC equipment won’t have to work as hard to cool your home during the warm summer months. If your HVAC equipment needs less energy to operate, your annual energy bill will be much lower. While eco-friendly rooftops are typically a long-term investment, you should start seeing increased energy savings from your eco-friendly rooftop relatively early on.
A cooler roof can also increase your comfort level in areas of your home that are not air-conditioned. For instance, if you’re trying to repair a car or complete a DIY project in the garage, you’ll feel much more comfortable doing so under an eco-friendly roof.
4. Eco-Friendly Rooftops Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Eco-friendly rooftops will certainly benefit you and your family, but they’ll also benefit your neighbors and community. When a roof made of asphalt shingles reaches the end of its life span, it most likely winds up in a landfill. If you’re removing an asphalt roof, check to see if your roofing contractor can recycle the old shingles. Since asphalt is a petroleum product, replacing a roof can increase our reliance on fossil fuels. Most human-caused greenhouse gas emissions within the US come from the burning of fossil fuels, which can be harmful to our environment.
On the other hand, eco-friendly rooftops are often made from recyclable materials. When an eco-friendly rooftop reaches the end of its life span, it can typically be recycled again. This prevents waste from clogging up our landfills, reduces pollution, and improves air quality within our communities.
5. You Have Options
Some people mistakenly believe there is only one type of eco-friendly roof available, but you actually have several options when it comes to selecting eco-friendly roofing materials. Some, as we mentioned, are made from recycled waste materials. Others are made from metal and reflect heat, helping reduce your home energy costs. Slate roofs are another option and are among the most durable. In fact, some slate roofs have been known to last more than a century.
Other eco-friendly roofing options include clay tiles and “cool roofs.” Clay tiles provide aesthetic appeal because they evoke an earthy, rustic feel, but they have many practical purposes as well. Clay is a highly durable, 100 percent recyclable material that keeps your home well-insulated from both the heat and cold, reducing your overall energy costs.
There are many types of “Cool roofs.” As the name suggests, they help reflect the sun’s rays so that both your roof and home remain cool during the summer months. Some are made from white glue and white gravel and can reduce a roof’s temperature by as much as 50 degrees. Some are made of asphalt but contain special reflective granules. A downside of some cool roofs, though, is that they can be more susceptible to mold and algae growth. The Department of Energy has more information to help you determine whether a cool roof is a viable option for you.
Impact of Eco-Friendly Rooftops
Going green has many benefits, not only for the environment but also for your family and your wallet. When you choose to invest in an eco-friendly roof, you can save money by reducing your energy use while also protecting the environment and improving air quality within your community.
If you want to learn more about eco-friendly rooftops, give Interstate Roofing a call. There may be additional economic advantages, such as tax benefits, you could qualify for by installing one. We’ll make sure you have all the relevant information to help you decide if installing an eco-friendly roof is the right option for you.