Nowadays, with quickly depleting natural resources, homeowners must find better ways of living and work on reducing their carbon footprint. Sustainable choices are very important—including in your home construction and roofing options.
In this brief guide, we will share the top four energy-efficient roofing materials you should consider for your home.
1. Clay Tiles
Roofing contractors will agree that clay tiles offer an elevated aesthetic to a construction project. An excellent bonus is that clay is one of the most sustainable materials used for roofs. After being found in clay pits, fired, and glazed with a cover, clay tiles will be ready for use. What makes clay tiles perfect for roofs is their durability—they have been found to last as long as 75 years, even outliving most humans. Plus, it is 100 percent recyclable, offering a zero-waste solution.
Another way clay can help is through its thermal efficiency. Clay tiles are perfect for keeping cool air inside and keeping hot air away, helping you save on your utility bills!
2. Concrete Tiles
Though concrete is usually used for roads, sidewalks, and other infrastructure, it can also be used to create roof tiles. Compared to other roofing materials, concrete tiles may be a bit thicker, but it is close enough to clay that it will be as good.
Concrete tiles can last for a very long time, and they are easy to customize if you have particular designs in mind. But it doesn’t end there—these tiles are popular as they are more affordable than clay, so they can be a good pick if you want to be more sustainable without breaking the bank.
3. Green Roofs
If you love green things and gardening, you will love green roofs—also known as living roofs. Using this type of roofing adds a layer of a refreshing accent to your home, which will definitely catch the eye of passersby.
Green roofs are simply plant-based roofs, so they shine as an eco-friendly alternative to the usual roof. Aside from bringing fresh air to your home, living green roofs can also be designed to handle water and rainfall retention concerns. Finally, green roofs also shine in cooling and insulation, as the soil and flowers on your roof will be absorbing the heat of the sun and keeping it from penetrating your home.
Opting for this type of roof will surely boost your curb appeal. And most importantly, it will help you decrease your carbon footprint.
4. Slate Roofs
If durability matters a lot to you (think up to 200 years), then you will surely appreciate getting slate roofs. They are waterproof, fire-resistant, and durable enough to withstand cracks and chips. You can opt to get soft or hard slate roofing—the differences are based on the processing the products went through. But they are both still impressive regarding their lifespan, with soft slate roofs lasting for 100 years and the hard ones doubling that!
However, slate roofs aren’t the best pick if insulation is in question. But, it can do aid an insulation system if you decide to install one.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re installing a new roof or replacing your old one, selecting more sustainable materials is something you should definitely consider. These options offer unique curb appeal to your residential property. Most of all, going this route will help the environment in a simple, straightforward way.
If you’re ready, contact one of the leading roofing contractors in Birmingham, AL, 5 Star Roofing and Restoration. Our experienced team of roofers only works using high-quality materials and promises excellent service for your home and commercial properties. Call us today for a free quote.