Unique Eco-Friendly Roofing Alternatives

As people become more and more environmentally aware, eco-friendly building materials are getting added attention. Specifically, eco-friendly roofing alternatives are on the minds of residents and business owners as it comes time to invest in roof repair or installation. Homeowners want to invest in a material that is long-lasting, environmentally conscious, and also affordable. But with so many options, it can be difficult to weed out the best choice.

What are some of the most unique eco-friendly roofing alternatives? And what are their pros and cons? We’ll lay it all out for you so you can make the best choice when it comes time to invest in your new eco-friendly roof.

Living Roof Eco-Friendly Roofing Alternatives

Living roofs are the epitome of green or eco-friendly roofing alternative options. What exactly is a living roof? It’s a roof that is made up of soil and living plants. While it’s not a great idea to let plants grow directly on your rooftop, living roofs are first protected by a layer of HDPE or thermoplastic sheeting. Then soil and plant matter are placed on top of the protective layer and allowed to grow, attracting birds, bees, and other wildlife.

Living roofs are truly beautiful to look at, and they also help to reduce greenhouse gasses, heepe your home cool, and purify the air. The main drawback of a living roof is the extensive maintenance they require, such as watering, planting, and sometimes replacement.

Pros:

1. Beautiful to look at
2. Good for the air
3. Keeps home cool

Cons:

1. Require extensive maintenance

Solar roofs are not only an eco-friendly roofing alternative, but they’re a source of renewable energy for your home. While solar roofs are not actually roofs (they go on top of your existing rooftop), they do aid in adding shelter, shade, and energy for your home or business. Many people shy away from solar rooftops because of the cost (which is high if you purchase the system outright). However, many companies are now installing solar roofs and allowing users to rent them in exchange for monthly discounts on their existing energy bills.

Pros:

1. Renewable energy source
2. Can be rented for cheaper

Cons:

1. Expensive to purchase and install
2. Difficult to use in snowy climates

Recycled Shingles

Enviroshake and Ecostar are some notable names in the recycled shingle industry. These shingles are made of mainly recycled materials, and are constructed to closely resemble the traditional cedar tile rooftops we are used to. Enviroshake comes with a lifetime warranty, and boasts a long-lasting, low maintenance eco-friendly roofing alternative. The initial installation fee for recycled composite shingles can be high, but you get what you pay for in terms of longevity and looks.

Pros:

1. Long-lasting
2. Low maintenance
3. Lifetime warranty

Cons:

1. Can be expensive

Copper Roofs

Did we say copper roofs? Yes, we did. Copper rooftops offer a luxurious look for your home – and at a premium price. Copper rooftops are expensive, but they are made of 100% recyclable materials that are definitely eco-friendly. Zappone, a leader in copper and aluminium rooftops, boasts that copper roofs never need to be replaced, making their initial cost well worth it.

Pros:

1. Recyclable
2. One of a kind
3. Aesthetically pleasing

Cons:

1. Expensive

As always give Element Roofing a call for any roofer in Pleasanton, roofer in Livermore, and roofer in Castro Valley needs.