Many people are becoming environmentally conscious these days and looking for new, interesting ways to go green. Pollution is a serious issue that we face and it’s negatively impacting our planet. Most people immediately think of recycling their plastic, using less energy, and cutting down on water waste. Another major way you can help the environment at home is through building with eco-friendly materials. If your roof is in need of replacing or if you’re considering building a home, there are some great green options available to you.
Use Wooden Shingles
Wood is the most environmentally friendly building material because it can be sustainably sourced. Wood is a naturally occurring material. Every tree we cut down to make shingles can be replaced by simply planting another. Shingles can be made from reclaimed or recycled wood. It’s a durable material that will last you decades. Once the time comes for replacing shingles, or even the entire roof, all of that wood can easily be recycled.
Consider Clay Tiles
If you’re going for an art deco look but still want to be green, clay is completely recyclable. They are a great roofing material for warmer, sunny climates because they reflect heat and are extremely durable. This material can also help save you money in the long run since clay protects from both heat and cold, which means you won’t have to spend as much during the winter or summer temperature regulating.
White Roof
Also referred to as a cool roof our friends at SOMD Roofing, a white roof uses a mixture of white glue and gravel which work together to reflect the sun’s rays. This great reduces the amount of heat that will be absorbed into your home, cutting down significantly on electricity bills. You’ll be using less air conditioning since you’ll have a naturally cooling roof. This would be a great building material for any homeowner living in warm climates.
No, we’re not kidding, and yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. Depending on where you live, this may not be the most practical roofing option available, but it is literally the most green you can get here, and we had to include it on our list. A green roof is made with a waterproof layered base topped with a thin layer of soil. Plants and other greenery are planted and grow, creating a garden on the roof. This is a popular roof type in Europe and it seems to be catching on in parts of the US. It can be expensive to get started, as it will require a lot of materials and regular maintenance. However, these roofs are extremely durable, offer good insulation, cool down the house (reduce air conditioning use) and prevent rain runoff.
There are a lot of eco-friendly building materials available on the market today. A little research goes a long way, and even if choosing one of the options above may seem costly, we’re sure that it will pay off in the long run. Pick a roof that would be best suited for the environment you live in. If you notice that you are constantly running your air conditioning, a cool roof might be a great option for you. If you live in a dry desert area, a green roof may not be best suited unless you’re willing to do a lot of maintenance to ensure your greenery is properly hydrated.
Being able to reduce your electricity use will go a long way in the fight to save our planet. You’ll be doing good and cutting your electricity costs, all at the same time. Is that a win-win or what?