How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Roofing Material

Choosing a roofing material is a daunting task. There are many important factors to consider, like the cost of materials, aesthetic appeal, and the durability of your roofing system.

However, have you ever considered choosing a roofing material based on its eco-friendliness? Sustainable roofing materials are great for the environment, but they also offer significant advantages for your home, like long-lasting performance, energy savings, and low-maintenance upkeep.

Learn what makes a roofing system eco-friendly and discover the best sustainable roofing material you can install with American Way Exteriors!

What Makes a Roofing Material Eco-Friendly?

Roofing systems are primarily considered to be eco-friendly if they include the following three attributes:

Sustainability

One of the primary characteristics that makes a roof eco-friendly is its sustainability. Roofing systems are considered sustainable when they are made with sustainable materials—meaning the material is made without damaging or diminishing natural resources. Ideally, when the material is sourced, it shouldn’t cause any irreversible damage to the environment.

Roofing systems made from recycled materials are especially sustainable, since they’re not only sourced without causing damage to the earth but also give new life to used materials.

Performance

Roofing systems are also considered eco-friendly by the way they perform over their lifespan. The most notable performance factors are durability and energy efficiency.

Durable roofing materials require less upkeep and fewer repairs, which results in less waste. Additionally, durable roofs tend to last longer, reducing the need for an early replacement and minimizing the usage of natural resources and landfill space.

Energy-efficient materials typically can reflect heat away from your home, keeping your house cool without using your air-conditioning unit. This energy-saving feature is excellent for the environment, but it’s also great for your wallet—you’ll save considerably on heating and cooling costs!

Recyclability

The way your roof is discarded at the end of its (hopefully long!) lifespan impacts its eco-friendliness. Materials that you can recycle, like steel, aluminum, or wood, are excellent, and green shingles already made from recycled materials are even better.

Materials that end up in the landfill, like asphalt shingles, aren’t considered very eco-friendly.

Comparing the Eco-Safety of Different Types of Roofing Materials

Wondering which of the most popular roofing materials are sustainable and environmentally friendly? Keep reading to find out!

Asphalt Roofing Shingles

Despite their popularity, asphalt roofing shingles aren’t very eco-friendly. They’re made with toxic chemicals, fossil fuels, and mined materials, like petroleum and lead, that cause irreversible damage to the environment, so they’re not considered sustainable.

Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt shingles aren’t as durable and long-lasting. They typically go straight into the landfill when discarded since they’re so difficult to recycle.

Verdict: If you’re looking to replace your roof with eco-friendly roofing, steer clear of asphalt roofing shingles.

Wood Shakes

Wood shakes are one of the most sustainable roofing materials available to homeowners. They’re not produced using greenhouse gasses, and at the end of their lifespan, they’re able to be recycled, reducing landfill waste.

However, wood shakes must be sourced responsibly to be completely sustainable. Wood sourcing of mature trees in ample supply, like cedar, benefits the environment, but sourcing young trees can lead to deforestation. Before purchasing wooden roofing shingles, ensure the manufacturer responsibly sources the trees.

Despite their eco-friendliness, wood shingles are extremely laborious to keep in great shape. Wood is prone to mold, mildew, rot, and moisture damage, and because of this, wood roofing shingles don’t last as long as other roofing materials, and they require frequent repairs and replacement.

Verdict: Although wood shakes are decently eco-friendly, they’re costly to maintain, making other eco-friendly roofing materials more appealing.

Synthetic Roofing Shingles

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, long-lasting, and easy-to-maintain roofing material, look no further than synthetic roofing shingles.

Synthetic shingles are made from recycled materials, like rubbers and plastics, so they don’t use essential resources like wood or stone. Synthetic roofing can last anywhere from 20-50 years, and at the end of its lifespan, it can be recycled, keeping waste out of landfills.

Synthetic roofing is entirely resistant to weather, moisture, impact, pest, and fire damage, making this roofing material extremely easy to upkeep.

Verdict: When it comes to eco-friendly roofing materials, synthetic roofing shingles check all the boxes—they are sustainable, recyclable, and long-lasting!

Enhance Your Home’s Eco-Friendliness with Synthetic Roofing Shingles

American Way Exteriors stands behind synthetic roofing shingles as the most eco-friendly roofing material on the market. Plus, synthetic roofing is durable, stylish, and comes with an excellent warranty in addition to its green qualities!

Learn more about the excellent benefits of synthetic roofing to determine if this eco-friendly roofing material is the right fit for your Dayton home.