Re-roofing your commercial or residential property? You already know that the types of materials you choose now will impact the longevity and efficiency of your roofing system for years to come.
The term "sustainability" is a popular buzzword that gets thrown around a lot these days, often with little context on what it actually means or what it takes for a roof to be considered "sustainable."
For a roof to bear the title "environmentally friendly," the following considerations need to be taken into account:
- Where the material comes from (i.e., how is it sourced?)
- How the material is manufactured (does it use fossil fuels or mined materials?)
- How the material performs over time (does it require a lot of maintenance?)
- How the roof is disposed of at its EOL (are its materials recyclable?)
The truth is the majority of roofing materials undergo an intense manufacturing process that requires high amounts of energy to produce. After all, you want your roof to be waterproof and durable to protect you from the outdoor elements. Therefore, it's almost impossible for a roof to be 100% eco-friendly.
Nevertheless, the materials you choose can still be recyclable, long-lasting and resistant to UV radiation, allowing you to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your property, thereby making your home or office building more energy efficient.
This means that even certain asphalt shingle materials, depending on their design, quality, and color, can help you become energy efficient over time if they provide good ventilation, solar reflectivity, and are low maintenance.
Types of Sustainable Roofs
As previously mentioned, it's hard to find a roofing system that is 100% sustainable, but you can still choose a material that allows you to reduce your own carbon footprint.
Below, we've listed popular roofing materials that you may want to consider:
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are highly recyclable, durable, and help you reflect sunlight and retain less heat energy. They also require less maintenance than other roofing materials.
Because its material is sourced from the earth and a significant amount of energy is required to manufacture metal roofs, it is not "truly" sustainable. However, as noted, it will help you generate more energy efficiency and longevity over time, and once it reaches its EOL, it is 100% recyclable.
In fact, you can also choose to have your metal roof made using recycled metals vs. manufacturing it from scratch.
Composite Synthetic Roofing Materials
Plastic destined for the landfill is now turned into shingles? Brava roofing tiles are made of recycled plastic and formed in a compression mold making it stronger and more detailed than other types of roofing tiles.
Homeowners’ associations and historical landmark buildings choose Brava roofing tiles when they want the appearance of cedar shake without the maintenance and shorter lifespan of traditional wood. Brava tiles are also a more environmentally conscious option, using recycled materials while providing impressive performance ratings.
Brava roofing tiles maintain a class A fire rating and have the highest resistance rating against hail and storm damage. Along with a long warranty are some of the reasons that people choose to use composite synthetic roofing materials for their homes or buildings.
The All Elements Inc team are certified Brava contractors and can help your home or building become more sustainable and upgrade the look all in one! Give us a call or visit our website for more information on how these composite synthetic roofing tiles may fit for your next project!
Duro-Last® Sustainable Commercial Roofs
We wanted to save the best for last! A leading manufacturer and supplier of single-ply PVC roofing membranes, Duro-Last offers reflective and durable roofing systems that improve energy efficiency and reduce waste. By prioritizing their recycling efforts, Duro-Last is committed to manufacturing sustainable products using sustainable practices.
In fact, utilizing the post-industrial scrap from its manufacturing process, the company recycles this leftover material into new membrane, walk-way pads, concrete expansion joints and resilient flooring. As a result, the roof membrane they offer is up to 100% sustainable.
As professional installers of Duro-Last commercial roofs, we can help your company become more sustainable, starting with the roof over your head! To learn more about this option, contact us today!
Looking for Sustainable Roofing Materials?
In addition to becoming more sustainable, there are many other factors to consider when choosing the right roofing material for your home or commercial property. This may include your climate and geo-location, budget, your property's foundational structure, and so on.
At All Elements, Inc., our team can walk you through your roofing options, answer your questions, and help you find the best roofing solution to uphold the integrity of your roof. Whether you own a home or commercial building, we offer a wide range of professional repair and replacement services to keep your roof in tip-top shape.
To learn how we can help, contact us for a free consultation.