3 Eco-Friendly Roofing Options To Consider For Your New Roof

Posted on: 7 January 2022

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A roof is a home's last line of defense against harsh elements. So, strong and durable roofing material is paramount, which is precisely what you get with an eco-friendly roof.  An eco-friendly roof not only contributes to a cleaner environment but also lowers your energy consumption. These roofs come in different materials and designs, so you can choose one that appeals to you.

Here is a closer look at the top eco-friendly roofing materials you should consider for your new roof.

Green Roof (Living or Vegetated Roofs)  

A green roof gives your home a lawn or a garden cover instead of the regular shingles or tiles. This roof usually features a synthetic waterproofing membrane and a growing medium that mainly contains a soil mixture and inorganic materials (like crushed clay and perlite). 

Although you have to pay top dollar for a new installation, a green roof offers superior insulation. So, your home will be cool when summer heat soars and warm when temperatures plummet in winter. Consequently, you will incur low energy costs. 

A green roof also absorbs rainwater effectively to avert a runoff. Better still, this roof offers you an extra gardening space where you can plant flowers or your favorite vegetables. With a shelf life of at least 20 years, you can't go wrong with a green roof even on a low-slope or flat roof design. 

Wood Shakes (Cedar Shakes)

Wood shakes will give your home a rustic look, with unrivaled beauty to boot. This roof is durable, thanks to the inherent preservatives in cedar that offer protection against moisture, UV exposure, and decomposition. 

Also, cedar shakes are pretty strong as they do not shrink or swell even in highly humid conditions. When properly installed and maintained, a quality wood shake roof boasts 20-40 years of longevity. 

As a natural insulator, wood makes your roof energy-efficient, which translates to money back into your pocket. A wood shake roof is also wind and pest resistant. So, you don't need to worry about wood-destroying pests such as termites. 

Clay Roofing Tiles

A clay roof is not only visually appealing and durable but also adds character to your home. Manufacturers usually shape and fire natural clay to make authentic clay tiles of different designs and colors. Thanks to clay roof insulation properties, you save significantly on energy costs. 

Clay tiles reflect the sun's heat easily, a quality that endears this roof to homes in hot climate regions. Although you have to break the bank to install a clay roof, the material is highly low-maintenance. Moreover, you can easily replace the clay tiles in case they break. Also, note that clay tiles are heavy, and you may need to install extra structural support to avoid the collapse of your home. 

A green, wood shake, or clay roof will fit the bill if you are on a hunt for an eco-friendly roof. Also, only enlist a professional to install your new roof to avoid failure down the line. If you have any questions, reach out to a company like Simtech Roofing.