Thinking of construction without considering sustainability is no longer a possibility. Eco-friendly roofs are part of that reality. There are a variety of options for you to choose from, depending on your personal preference, the design of your home as well as the cost.
They range from green, clay, cool, metal, slate, wood, and solar roofs. All make your home more energy efficient, lowering the bills and helping the environment. These eco-friendly roofing materials are smart because they have superior resistance to gaining and losing heat.
If you are willing to go green and want to find durable, affordable, efficient, and sustainable materials for your home, take a look at this list. You will be surprised by the options!
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Roofs
Before we go into details, know the benefits of having eco-friendly roofs installed in your home:
- it helps the environment;
- provides energy efficiency;
- saves money;
- it’s durable;
- improves the air quality; and
- adds home value.
If you want to have these upgrades in your home, take a look at this list to find the best eco-friendly roofing for you.
7 Best Eco-Friendly Roofing Options
There are several types of eco-friendly roofs to choose from. All of them have pros and cons, but the general goal is to be durable, efficient, affordable and stylish. The best eco-friendly roof designs are compiled in this list.
- Green
- Clay
- Cool
- Metal
- Slate
- Wood
- Solar
Continue reading and check the details of each of these options!
1. Green
Maybe the first thing you think about when talking about eco-friendly roofs is green or living roofs. This option has the nice advantages of providing purified air around the house and keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter.
It can be an extra garden space and give a unique look to your house. Its durability and ability to absorb rainwater are also great pro factors. The drawbacks are the cost of installing it and the maintenance effort.
2. Clay
Clay tiles are eco-friendly because they make an extraordinarily durable roofing option and let air circulate through them. Plus, its terracotta natural color is super elegant and there is a range of other colors available for you to choose the best for your house.
Negative side: its heavy weight requires additional structure and is also expensive.
3. Cool
Cool roofs are also known as white roofs. As the name suggests, the light color cools the home interior significantly, as it reflects the sunlight and reduces heat penetration. It is also a costly option and should be preferably considered in regions with considerable heat and sun exposure.
The downsides are: if you have cold winters, the heating bills can become higher as the roof will continue avoiding sun rays and heat.
4. Metal
Although manufacturing requires a great deal of energy, metal roofing presents durability and the possibility to be recycled. It also reflects light and reduces energy consumption.
Its initial installation requires a big budget. Another bad point is the noise it produces in heavy rain or hail storms – which can also damage the roof.
5. Slate
Slate tiles have a unique aesthetic and will make your home look unique. They are fire-resistant and extremely long-lasting – reaching, literally, centuries.
This natural roofing material option is complex to install and requires extra support in the structure to handle the weight.
6. Wood
Maybe the most sustainable option, wood shingles are made of natural and biodegradable materials. It also provides a rustic and elegant look to your house.
However, durability is not the strongest feature and it is susceptible to moisture, fire, and other damage.
7. Solar
Solar roof panels are the future. They are highly efficient, providing clean energy and reducing bills over time. As a technological feature, it increases the value of your home and even offers a sleek modern appearance.
Like other options, its initial cost can be appalling. Plus, its effectiveness will depend directly on the climate of your area.
To sum up, all of the options presented here as eco-friendly roofs are good choices for your home. After you decide on which one you will go for, reach out for our roofing contractors to have it well installed and maintained.
MORE FROM HOMEYOU
5 Elements to Build an Eco-Friendly Home
26 Health and Money Benefits from Being More Eco-friendly
10 Amazing Benefits of Eco-Friendly Living Wall Partitions