Sustainability is the trend in home design these days – and it’s not difficult to see why. Aesthetic value aside, green homes are energy-efficient; they use less energy and are much cheaper to run. Also, for a world that’s racing against the possible adverse effects of global warming, reducing a home’s environmental footprint is a big deal.
8 Sustainable Residential Roofing Options
Are you in the market for a new roof in Burlington or Oakville Ontario?
Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an outdated one, these innovative roofing options will keep you from spending an excessive amount of money to cool your home.
Just make sure to work with a reputable contractor with valid residential roofing insurance.
1. Metal Roof
There are plenty of reasons why a metal roof is one of the most popular roofing options today, but on top of the list is – of course – durability. Metal roofing is designed to withstand any weather condition. And with regular roof maintenance, it has the potential to last up to 75 years.
When it comes to sustainability, metal roofs are believed to be more energy efficient than their asphalt counterparts. They’re also recyclable, which is definitely good for the environment.
Metal roofs come in a wide variety of styles and colors. Whether your home has a more contemporary or classic design, you’re sure to find a metal roof that will fit its aesthetics.
2. Solar Shingles
The solar trend is a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, experts predicted that 20% of all electricity in the United States will be through solar energy by 2030.
Solar shingles may look exactly like asphalt shingles, but they’re packed with power – literally! Each shingle is capable of generating up to 63 watts of electricity. And though they’re thinner than standard solar panels, they’re also capable of withstanding strong winds and all kinds of harsh weather conditions.
Despite the high upfront costs, making the switch to solar shingles can result in enormous savings in your energy bills. It’ll pay for itself in no time at all.
3. Green Roof
No roof is deemed more eco-friendly than the green roof. But unlike most of the items on this list, green roof is not a type of roofing material but a term used to describe roofs that are partially or fully-covered in vegetation.
It was high-rises and commercial establishments that first adopted the trend, but green roofs are now slowly making their way to residential neighborhoods.
Green roofs are very distinct-looking because of the trees, plants, and other vegetation sitting on top of it. However, the flora isn’t just for aesthetic purposes. They also help regulate your home’s temperature, especially during the summer and winter seasons, which will help reduce heating and cooling costs.
4. Fiber Cement
Concrete roof tiles are some of the most durable roofing materials around. Just as durable as clay tiles, but more affordable. The thing with concrete roofing, however, is that they weigh a lot. Because of this, they usually take more time and manpower to install.
Fiber cement composite tiles are the perfect alternative to concrete roofing. Made from a mix of wood fiber, concrete, and clay, they pack the durability, longevity, and rustic appeal of concrete tiles, minus the weight.
5. Synthetic Wood Shakes
Standard wood shakes are another popular roofing option for homeowners who are going for a more rustic feel. However, traditional wood shakes aren’t so pocket-friendly. Not only are they expensive to install and maintain, they’re also vulnerable to fire, insects, and extreme weather.
Luckily, the market has introduced a much sustainable and less expensive alternative – synthetic wood shakes. Synthetic wood shakes offer almost the same design aesthetic and architectural advantages as standard wood shakes, while being cheaper and more resistant to fire, rotting, and insects.
6. Recycled Rubber
Another eco-friendly roofing material you can never go wrong with is recycled rubber shingles. When it comes to durability, a recycled rubber roof can compete with every other type of roofing system mentioned here. It’s long-lasting, waterproof, and resistant to harsh weather conditions.
One of the best things about recycled rubber shingles is the fact that they’re made from recycled rubber – specifically, old steel-belted tiles. Choosing a recycled rubber roof means choosing to protect the environment as well,
7. Cool Roof
Many people don’t know this, but the color of your roof actually impacts its sustainability. Light-colored roofs reflect the sun’s rays while dark-colored roofs absorb them.
Any roof that’s light or white in color is considered a cool roof. As the name suggests, these roofs have a cooling effect thanks to their color. So, if you live in an area that gets plenty of sun, a white roof would be an excellent idea.
Homes with a cool roof system tend to be much cooler, so the air conditioner isn’t used as much. This results in a significant reduction in energy consumption, especially during the summer.
8. Louvered Roof
Louvered roofs are made of – you guessed it – louvers. These angled slats, typically made from metal, wood, aluminum, and glass, are designed to let air and light through while keeping direct sunlight, rain, and noise out.
While louvered roofs aren’t meant for roofing the main structure of your home, they’re the perfect choice for decks and patios. On top of having great aesthetic value, they also allow for good ventilation and lighting. They can keep your outdoor living spaces up to 20 degrees cooler on a hot day.
Are You Ready for a Greener Home?
Deciding to go green doesn’t mean changing your home’s entire design. Every move towards sustainability can have a significant impact – and the best place to start is your roof. Use energy-efficient materials, buckle down on insulation, and – if possible – invest in solar power. Most importantly, work with a local roofing company you can trust.
Making these changes won’t come cheap, but they’ll pay for themselves in no time at all!