When you decide to put your family’s safety first and foremost, it may be the right time for you to find a roofing company that will help you choose the right kind of overhead protection for your home.
Aside from proper roof maintenance, having a sustainable roofing system is one way of ensuring that your house and the future of your family is secured. But how can you know if what you’re being offered is aligned with what you have in mind?
Sustainable Roofing Explained
There is no clear definition of sustainable roofing since the science of sustainability is still in the process of maturing.
In fact, according to Architect Magazine, sustainability can be difficult to assess as it will depend on a conscious choice to use resources that can achieve the goal. There are also different terms related to sustainability—some of which are contradicting.
But even with unestablished boundaries to its definition, there are dozens of establishments that have already implemented innovative and eco-friendly roofing systems to buildings featured in an article from The Guardian.
Some of these edifices utilized recycled and organic materials, others incorporated sustainable energy technologies into roofing systems such as wind turbines and solar panels. The bottom line is that these buildings not only state their sustainability, but they are also actually doing it.
5 Sustainable Roofing Materials and Their Benefits
Although sustainability is an undefinable term even as of this writing, a certain level of comprehension on the matter at hand can help you decide what materials can be used to achieve the goal for the sake of your family’s safety and future.
To help you decide, we have listed down 5 sustainable roofing materials and their respective advantages in relation to sustainability:
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Clay
Believe it or not, clay is the most sustainable roofing material is clay. Tiles made out of this material are known to last longer than other roofing materials and need very little of your attention for the maintenance.
However, its sustainability lies in its insulating properties. Since air is able to circulate underneath them, clay tiles can keep your home comfortably warm or cool, depending on the weather. This material is also manufactured using a naturally-occurring substance and can be recycled.
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Metal
Although metal doesn’t have as much insulation as clay tiles, it is also a great choice for people who want to stay cooler during summertime. This is because most metal sheets used for roofing reflect the warm rays of the sun.
It is also recyclable and has been developed to become eco-friendlier, with contractors using other metals instead of harmful lead.
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Concrete
The use of concrete for roofing systems is also becoming popular because of its durability and fire-resisting property. It can last almost as long as clay tiles and may even provide a slightly lower air flow, if not the same.
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Slate
Slate roofing is also a natural material that has been cut into “slabs” with a nearly uniform thickness. This roofing material is sturdy and can withstand harsh weather conditions and even fire. It has been used for housing since the 8th century and remains among the popular materials for use in the overhead protection of homes to this day.
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Polyurethane Foam
Houses and buildings with flat roofs may do better with a spray of polyurethane foam. Manufactured from a combination of polyisocyanurate and resin, this roofing material can help alleviate sound pollution.
Before you decide on a roofing material, you should always consider various factors like durability, maintenance, lifespan, and sustainability. Although it can be challenging to convert your home into an eco-friendly one, going “green” can benefit you and your family in the long run. How do you intend to save Mother Earth next?
