Today there are many attractive, eco-friendly roofs available that are also affordable and fit most home renovation budgets. Here are several different types of eco-friendly options, along with some valuable information about how to choose the best materials for any project.

Different Types of Eco-Friendly Roofing

There are several varieties of products available that promote saving trees and the environment as a whole. These range from shingles made from recycled plastic to those that are made from recycled metal.

• Recycled Shingles – Considered one of the greenest and most popular types of roofing materials, recycled shingles are made from waste substances such as rubber, wood fiber, or plastic. Besides being durable, this product has such a pleasing presentation that it is not in any way obvious that it’s made from raw waste matter.

• Wood Shingles and Shakes – This roofing material has proven exceptionally popular with many homeowners and contractors. Wood shingles usually take less energy to produce; however, conventional wood shingles are made from western cedar trees which have taken a long time to grow in comparison to other types of lumber. Besides not being sustainable in the long run, they are combustible. The use of such a component is prohibited in areas where there is a high risk of forest fires. On the other hand, there are wood shingles made from reclaimed bridges, mills, and other sources of old wood found throughout the country. These materials are processed locally by manufacturers to help reduce energy in the cost of transportation.

• Slate and Clay Tiles – When it comes to durability, slate tiles can outlive most people. Slate tiles are best when purchased from a manufacturer that recycles used slate and clay tiles. Clay tiles do not last long when compared to slate tiles that can last for almost a century.

• Metal Roofing – Metal roofing offers not only exceptional durability but is also fire-resistant. Because of its longer lifespan, it will not have to be replaced as often. This translates to a decrease in the need for materials and a great amount of savings in the long run.

Two Key Dimensions in Eco-Friendly Roofing

Materials and color are the two key dimensions that are very important when considering the best eco-friendly roofing.

• Materials – A roof is the final layer of protection against outdoor elements penetrating the inside of a home and preventing indoor heated or cooled air from escaping. Therefore, choosing roofing supplies that have a high performance level, along with the installation of good insulation, will really keep a home at the desired temperature during any season. It is important to consider several aspects of different types before deciding what is the most environmentally friendly. These aspects include: source and composition of the raw materials; maintenance requirements; durability; method of disposal; and its ability to be recycled. Cost and installation procedures are two factors that should be taken into consideration even though they are not necessarily "green" attributes.

• Color – Surprisingly, the color of the roof can have a large effect on whether heat is reflected or absorbed into the structure. To reflect heat away from the house, the use of light-colored substances is recommended since they are considered to have high solar reflecting capability. It means that it not only helps reduce the outdoor temperature of the component but also reduces the heat transferred into a house. Dark-colored substances not only absorb heat but also contribute to raising the temperature indoors. If a home is located in an area where the weather is normally cold, dark-colored components are the best choice since it captures more heat from the sun. If the home is located in an area that experiences high temperatures most of the time, light-colored materials would be advised to stay relatively cool.

It is recommended that in order to get advice about the wide variety of roofing options available in green materials, the buyer should speak with a ‘green’ builder who is familiar with the Energy Star standards. Any buyer who wants to be eco-friendly should look for the best materials available for their needs locally and take the opportunity to help preserve the environment for future generations!