Eco Roofing Products are the latest buzz in the housing market
What comes to your mind when we speak of eco roofing products?
You might think of a roof covered with solar panels, or maybe a garden atop a roof.
However, the range of eco roofing products is much more diverse than we think.
The fact is both manufacturers and consumers are acutely aware of their responsibilities towards the environment.
Consumers are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, expecting manufacturers to provide sustainable solutions.
Be it using solar panels, recycled metal shingles, or traditional slate roofing; people seek to help protect the ecology.
According to the New York Times, green roof system installations have increased by about 15 percent across North America since 2013.
That’s quite remarkable, isn’t it?
You see, this trend is just for green roofs, which are among nearly a dozen eco-friendly roofing systems.
As demand for eco roofing products rises by the day, their producers compete to increase variety and features.
Benefits of Eco Roofing Products
You might ask, what exactly are the benefits of eco roofing products?
As you know, almost half of your house is your roof.
Your roofing materials, as such, decide how environmentally friendly your home is.
There is a range of other benefits. So let’s see them in detail.
Protect and the environment with eco roofing products.
The primary objective of eco roofing products is to protect the environment.
By choosing sustainable roofing, you can help preserve entire ecosystems. Also, your home becomes eligible for the LEED rating system.
As per the US Green Building Council, buildings using the LEED system use 25 percent less energy and 11 percent less water than their non-eco-friendly counterparts. Also, these structures divert more than 80 million tonnes of waste away from the landfills.
You can compare it with the traditional asphalt roofs. According to a Vermont Agency of Natural Resources report, around 11 million tons of asphalt shingle waste are produced every year in the US alone.
The difference eco roofing products can make to the environment is for you to see.
Cost-efficient in the long run.
Compared with conventional roofing systems, the initial cost of eco roofing products can be higher.
Your investment, however, can be easily offset in the long run.
Let’s look at these numbers, for example.
As you know, eco roofing qualifies for LEED certification. According to the US Green Building Council, structures under the LEED system use 20 to 30 percent less energy and water than non-green buildings.
Some of them even reported 60 percent energy savings.
That’s huge, right?
House owners under the LEED system have also witnessed around a 20 percent decrease in operational costs and a 10 percent increase in property value.
There’s more to the story.
An analysis by the US General Services Administration shows that with eco roofing systems, you can have more than 200 percent return on investment, as you get endurance of up to 50 years along with savings on energy, maintenance, etc.
Now you must be amazed for sure.
Eco Roofing Products Promote better health.
There are numerous health benefits that you can avail of with eco roofing products.
Take solar roofing, for example.
As you know, our conventional energy sources cause pollution, leading to many health issues.
With solar roofing, you make sure your energy is clean and non-polluting.
The same applies to green roofs, which purify the air around them and help improve air quality.
Eco roofing solutions are recyclable
Did you know traditional roofing shingles, like those made of asphalt, end up in the wastelands at the end of their service life?
Not to forget the fact that these materials have a heavy presence of petrochemicals, among other pollutants, which means they end up polluting the environment.
But that’s not the case with eco-friendly roofing solutions.
Not only are most sustainable roofing products made from recycled materials, but they are also recyclable at the end of their lifespan. So taking these shingles to your nearest recycling unit is all you need to do to protect the ecology.
Unmatched fire safety standards
The worst thing about unsustainable roofing materials, apart from their impact on ecology, is their record with fire safety. Take cedar shakes, for instance, which is most prone to accidental as well as natural fires.
Thankfully, modern-day sustainable roofs feature the highest fire safety ratings, thus ensuring that they remain resistant to the worst of fires.
For instance, the eco-shake shingles come with a Class A fire rating, meaning they’ve been tested to withstand just about any fire.
With such standards of fire protection, you can rest assured of your roof’s (and your home’s) full-proof fire safety.
Eco Roofing Products: Best Picks For You!
Now that you’ve seen the immense benefits that you can unlock with eco roofing, you might well be considering them for your home.
However, with manufacturers racing to diversify their eco roofing products, we have a market with an extensive range of such roofing materials. As such, it becomes tough to choose the right roofing that best serves your requirements.
That is why we have compiled for you the best ten eco roofing products.
Let’s look at them in detail.
Tesla Solar Roof
Are you looking for an eco roofing product that solves your energy needs apart from being friendly to the environment? If yes, solar roofing is the ideal one for you.
When we talk of solar roofing, Tesla’s Solar Roof is what first comes to mind.
You see, Tesla has already revolutionized the automobile space. So it’s not hard to guess why their solar roofing has created a buzz in the market.
More so as Tesla offers integrated solar roofing, with their solar shingles mimicking the look of traditional roof tiles. That solves the issue of aesthetical damage that the older solar panels caused.
Also, Tesla’s Solar Roof tiles are made with tempered glass, making them more durable than standard roofing.
However, it is difficult to ignore the many drawbacks of Tesla solar roofs.
Let’s start with the pricing.
Tesla solar roofs may cost you a fortune. You’re required to replace your existing roof entirely to install these, even if your roof is in good condition and doesn’t need replacement.
You’ll end up paying for both a solar power system and a new roof.
According to EnergySage, “Tesla solar roof will cost nearly $25,000 more than installing solar panels, and yet will deliver only 77 percent as much solar electricity.”
Also, since Tesla solar roofs are new in the market, it’s still unknown how much it may cost you for maintenance.
You can see its shortcomings.
Tesla has even been very slow in manufacturing solar roofs, with only around 100 solar systems connected to the grid as per PV Magazine.
Apollo II Solar Roofing System (Our Top Pick)
Apollo II Solar Roofing offers both elegance and energy efficiency.
You may change your mind on solar roofing after seeing all the shortfalls of Tesla’s solar roof.
But what if you got an eco roofing product that has all its features and none of the shortcomings.
Yes, such a product exists.
Apollo II Solar Roofing offers all-black solar shingles that blend perfectly into your roofline and uniquely enhance aesthetics.
Unlike Tesla’s, you don’t need to look for roof replacement as you can easily install Apollo II shingles onto your existing roof.
Sounds interesting, right?
However, if you’re already looking to replace your roof or build new, choosing Apollo II solar shingles over traditional shingles is a good idea.
You’ll see why.
Apollo II solar shingles are durable, sturdy, and watertight. They can withstand up to 250 pounds of weight per square foot, and you can install them in any wind zone, including Florida’s high-velocity hurricane zone.
Also, Apollo II solar shingles are lightweight and easy to install. They weigh as much as standard asphalt shingle, and you can easily install them using deck screws, unlike the bulky solar panels that need rafters.
These shingles can last up to 25 years at maximum energy output in terms of longevity.
There you have it, a solar roof with maximum returns on investment.
DECRA Shingle XD
With DECRA Shingle XD you get wood aesthetics with the strength of steel.
Is a solid and long-lasting roof your ideal eco roofing choice?
If yes, DECRA metal roofing is something you should check out.
DECRA Shingle XD in particular, replicates the look of heavy-cut wood shingles. Meaning you get classical wood elegance in a metal roof.
It has its advantages.
With wood shingles, you’d need a replacement every 10-12 years. That isn’t the case here, as metal roofs easily last for up to 50 years.
DECRA Shingle XD offers you an affordable, sustainable, and low-maintenance alternative to wood shingles.
Its lightweight ensures you don’t need to invest in roof support systems. Also, you can install them on your existing roof.
There’s more to it.
With interlocking panels and superior steel strength, your roof remains protected from the elements.
Warranty from DECRA covers these shingles for wind zones up to 120 mph. They also come with Class 4 hail resistance, Class A fire rating, and high-end snow resistance.
So your roof will be safe even in a hailstorm, wildfire, and snowfall.
It can’t get better, can it?
Eco-Shake Roofing
Eco-Shakes are 100 percent recycled products.
Did you know that traditional asphalt shingles can cause significant environmental damage? They have zero recyclability and end up in dump yards.
You can, however, opt for an eco-friendly alternative with eco-shake roofing.
Eco-Shake roofing is one such eco roofing product made with 100 percent recycled materials. They’re also 100 percent recyclable, so you can rest easy as they won’t occupy any landfill.
In terms of design, eco-shakes replicate wood shingles, meaning you get a fully sustainable roof without missing out on wood aesthetics.
Eco-shakes also overcome the shortfalls of wood shingles. They are much more durable and come with Class 4 impact and Class A fire ratings, which means they can withstand extreme weather events.
Eco-Shake roofing is a low-maintenance alternative, so you stand to save maintenance costs. That, however, isn’t possible with wood or asphalt shingles.
Want more?
A 50-year transferable warranty covers Eco-Shake roofing.
That’s much more than what you get for any other roofing option.
DECRA Villa Tile
Don’t miss on the classical Mediterranean look with DECRA Villa Tile.
This one is yet another unique eco roofing product from DECRA.
DECRA Villa Tiles replicate the glamor of classical Italian clay tiles. It extends the beauty and luxury of old Italian mansions to your roof without the deficiencies of clay tiles which easily crack and are vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Elegance apart, the sturdiness and longevity of metals are extended to your roof.
You see, clay tiles are expensive both upfront and in the long run. They absorb water which increases weight over time. Apart from roof support, you also end up spending on tile replacement and overall maintenance.
You stand to save big here with metal tiles.
Like its counterpart, DECRA Villa Tiles also come with features like element protection, Class 4 impact and Class A fire rating, snow resistance, and a wind warranty up to 120 mph.
Thus, you have a roof system that combines luxury and strength while ensuring sustainability.
You sure would like to invest in such roofing, won’t you?
New England Slate
Can your roof reflect the finesse of craft?
Moreover, do eco roofing products offer that?
The answer is yes.
New England Slate offers slate roofing crafted to beautify your roof in an eco-friendly way.
Slate is an entirely natural material with longevity like no other.
The fact is slate roofs can last over 100 years.
That must have wowed you.
Roofing slates are extracted from the ground, fabricated, and installed by artisans using methods passed down through generations.
Slate roof tiles can be custom-made to suit your preferences and style of architecture.
But what about safety?
New England Slates are rated Class A for fire resistance and have Class 3 and Class 4 ratings for hail resistance.
Meaning your slate roof will stay safe no matter what weather outside.
As you can see, slate roofing is a project of quality and tradition. It combines modern-day safety features with the old roofing art culture.
ATAS Metal Roofing – CastleTop
ATAS CastleTop is a lightweight and easy to install option.
Can any eco roofing product beat the strength and longevity of metal roofing?
No, right?
CastleTop metal shingles from ATAS International take this feature of metal roofing to another level by offering much easy installation.
You will see how.
CastleTop shingles diamond-shaped flat roof tiles that extend a unique appearance to your roof.
You can easily install them eave to ridge using concealed fasteners.
These are lightweight shingles that you can easily install over your existing roof. So you don’t have to tear-off and replace your roof entirely.
It can’t be any easier.
You can use different color combinations on your roof.
Also, CastleTop shingles are available in different metal types, including zinc, aluminum, and copper.
Do you get to choose your preferred metal type with other products?
Probably not.
Hand-split Shakes from Imperial Shake Co.
Are classical cedar shakes your preference for roofing?
Wood shakes from sustainably managed forests can be the right option for you.
Western red cedar hand-split shakes have been used extensively for roofing across North America for more than a hundred years.
Imperial Shake co.’s Hand-split Shakes are first naturally hand-split and then re-sawn.
That makes your roof sheathing flat and adds a rustic appearance to it.
Your biggest concern with wood shakes can be fire safety.
However, these hand-split shakes come with fire resistance, ranging from Class B to Class C ratings. That means your wooden roof would fare better than any other on the safety front.
There you are with an elegant wood roof that is safe too.
ATAS Metal Roofing – ScanRoof Panels
ATAS ScanRoof offers beauty of a tile roof with the sturdiness of metal.
ScanRoof metal roofing panels extend the beauty of clay tile roofs along with the strength of steel.
Few eco roofing products offer old-style elegance and modern-day durability in one.
Like its ATAS International counterpart, ScanRoof panels are also lightweight and easy to install. So you can easily install them over your existing roof without incurring extra expense on roof reinforcement.
ScanRoof panels are made with galvalume steel, meaning they remain protected even during extreme weather events like hurricanes and storms.
Here we are, with a roof that features a style with the muscle of American steel.
Englert Standing Seam Metal Roofing
As you know, metal roofs are synonymous with strength and durability.
In particular, Englert’s standing seam metal roofing is known for its aesthetics and long-term performance.
You can have the benefits of a cool roof to bring down your energy consumption and also quality for LEED certification.
They can be custom designed in panel profile, width, finish, and color, to suit your taste.
That’s interesting, isn’t it?
Some tips before you buy eco-friendly roofing products:
Tip #1. Go for a low-maintenance solution
The roofing on your home is something that calls for frequent maintenance to remain durable and last for decades.
However, you’ll agree when we say that maintaining the roof can be a task. That’s because it calls for time and effort, apart from the cost of upkeep that you’ve to incur.
So why not invest in a low-maintenance eco roofing solution?
Yes, there are sustainable materials for roofing that need little to no maintenance. Take metal roofing shingles, for example, which call for almost zero maintenance throughout their service life.
Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?
Tip #2. Consider lightweight materials
While one might assume that the heavy roofing shingles are solid and sturdy, too, it isn’t always the case.
In fact, you can easily find such lightweight, eco roof materials on the market that have more sturdiness and durability than their heavy-weight counterparts.
A major problem with heavier shingles is that they increase the overall weight of your roof. As such, you need roof reinforcements and other support systems, and that only increases the overall cost of roofing.
Also, the heavy weight of roofing components means you’ll need the help of roofing experts to install them.
On the other hand, the lightweight materials not only save you on additional roof support but also on labor charges by allowing for DIY installation.
Tip #3. Recycled materials are solid too
Contrary to the belief about recycled materials, in particular roofing shingles, lacking strength, they’re actually very solid.
In fact, most recycled roofing materials feature a Class 4 impact rating. And that means you need not compromise on the strength of your roof when opting for a sustainable solution.
Tip #4. Choose reflective colors
A light and reflective color on your roofing can actually extend the features of a cool roof, thus keeping your home naturally cool.
So which shingles are apt for reflective coating, you might wonder?
You see, while light and reflective shades can be extended to any roofing material, they’re most impactful on metal shingles.
Since metal is most prone to heating, a reflective white or similar color coating can help it keep cool even on warm days. As a result, it will reduce the drag on your home’s HVAC systems and lower your utility bills.
Eco roofing materials: Frequently Asked Questions
#1. What is the most sustainable roofing material on the market?
Even though most eco roof materials fall in the sustainable category, their level of sustainability can differ.
You can determine how sustainable a shingle is based on factors like the materials used, emissions caused during manufacturing, recyclability, and more.
And if there’s one roofing product that has the highest standards of sustainability based on all the said factors, it’s the eco-shake or the eco recycled roof shake.
How?
Well, eco-shakes are made with entirely recycled natural materials and are also recyclable at the end of their lifespan. So instead of discarding, brand-new shingles can be made out of old eco-shakes every time their service life comes to a close.
#2. Can wood be considered sustainable?
Wood has been used for roofing purposes since ancient times.
And while the demand for wood shakes has been replaced by other roofing materials, they’re still used by many modern homes. The result: they get vast swathes of forests wiped off and hence cannot be considered sustainable at all.
Nevertheless, sustainably sourced wood shakes are also available on the market. These shakes or shingles are made using naturally fallen timber, which means they have no negative impact on the ecology.
#3. Which colors make your roof cool?
If you’re looking to have the features of a cool roof, we suggest you paint your shingles using a bright white color.
Also, you can go for other bright colors like the lightest shades of gray, yellow, blue, etc. Proper paint disposal is essential for environmental responsibility. Emphasizing sustainable solutions, consider eco-friendly options when disposing of old paint.
However, it’s important you avoid the darker colors, as they’ll make your roof absorb more heat and make your home warm.
#4. How to know whether or not your roof is eco-friendly?
The best way you can learn about your roofing materials and their sustainability is by getting in touch with a local roofing contractor.
Also, you can reach out to our team to know if your shingles are indeed eco roof materials. We can even assist you with choosing the right sustainable roofing and other building materials for your home.
You may also want to read: 7 Best Green Building Materials To Make Your Home Sustainable.
Conclusion
You see, choosing the best eco roofing product can be very tricky.
In the eco-friendly housing sector, you’ve got such a diverse range of choices that choosing the right option to meet your retirement can get extremely difficult.
You can, however, compare from the above compilation of market-leading eco-friendly roofing options and pick the right one for you.
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