If you are passionate about the environment or want to lower your electricity bills, then having an eco-friendly roof is a good option to consider. These types of roofs provide numerous benefits to homeowners. The benefits include reducing electricity bills, decreased carbon footprint, natural insulation, temperature regulation, and various tax incentives provided by the government, such as solar electric systems, including solar roofs.

With eco-friendly roofing installation, you get to choose from several materials. Depending upon your home’s architecture and budget, you can decide which material is right for you. To help you with your decision-making process, we have discussed some eco-friendly materials that you can consider.

Cool Roof

A light-colored roof, generally white in color, is called a ‘white roof’ or ‘cool roof.’ Having a light-colored roof reflects the sunlight away from the house, helping keep your home cooler. This can help reduce electricity bills, especially during the summer season. Any roof that is light in color can be termed a cool roof.

The only con associated with a cool roof is that it might not necessarily be made of eco-friendly materials. However, you can choose metal shingles for your roof instead of asphalt ones as they prove to be more environmentally-friendly.

Clay Roof

Clay has been used as a building material for centuries. Nothing suits a home better than classic red clay tiles. Clay is also an excellent eco-friendly material to use in home construction. Like cool roofs, clay roofs help keep the house cooler as it acts as an insulating material. Additionally, it is also longer-lasting than other roofing materials and is also highly-affordable in the first place.

You can purchase clay tiles in various colors, especially light-colored ones, which can further add to the cool roof benefits.

Rubber Roof

Old, worn-out tires can be recycled and made into roofing materials. Rubber is a great choice for roofs for people living in areas experiencing harsh storms. Why? Because rubber is highly durable and can withstand such adverse weather conditions.

Besides, rubber also has a long lifespan, ensuring that the roof will last for years and reduce your roof maintenance and replacement costs. The average rubber roof can last you for as long as fifty years without needing replacement.

Standing-seam Metal Roof

Metal roofs are one of the options that tick all the boxes when it comes to eco-friendly roofing options. They also provide a plethora of benefits to homeowners. For instance, metal roofs are highly durable and can withstand the harshest natural elements. Similar to rubber roofs, metal roofs can last up to fifty years and require minimum maintenance. Additionally, they are also highly reflective, helping reduce your home temperature and, in turn, electricity consumption on fans and air conditioners.

The only downside is that they are slightly expensive than asphalt shingles and require a substantial initial investment. But, if you factor in the maintenance costs, a metal roof proves to be a better option.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are increasing in popularity today. The reasons being that solar panels aren’t costly as they used to be, and the government providing incentives to solar panel users. The panels are also easy to install and can be fitted on the existing roof. They can easily help save hundreds of dollars on electricity bills in the long run. Many businesses provide solar panel roof installation. Depending upon your choice, you can get solar panels installed from either of the businesses.

The only major drawback of installing solar panels is that the initial investment cost is still high. It will take years to recover the investment costs. Thus, if you plan on moving houses in the near future, then solar panels are not the right choice for your current home. Rather, you should wait and have them installed at your new home.

Recycled Materials Shingle Roof

You can have your roof shingles made from recycled materials like plastic and wood fiber. Recycled shingles are the greenest roofing products that you can find. Since the raw materials required for making these shingles are already available, there will be a reduction in waste materials. Less energy will be used in the production of shingles. This will lead to less pollution. They are also highly affordable and can last for many years.

You can easily get overwhelmed by options when it comes to choosing the right material for your eco-friendly roof. Each of the materials discussed has its own set of pros and cons. It is important to select one that is best suited according to your budget, project timeline, and goals.