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11 Types of Eco-Friendly Roofing Materials

June 3, 2022

Choosing roofing materials for your home is essential in order to have functional and structural protection of the house. As such, you may also want to consider having eco-friendly roofing.

In this blog, you’ll learn about:

  • Eco-friendly roofings and how useful they are
  • 11 Types of eco-friendly roofing materials
  • Should you go for eco-friendly roofing in Maryland

Eco-Friendly Roofings and How Useful They Are

Eco-friendly roofing materials are a great option for any homeowner. These green products are beneficial both to your home and the environment.

By using recycled materials, they reduce the amount of waste that is disposed of in landfills, which results in fewer emissions into the atmosphere.

Additionally, these eco-friendly options will help you lower your utility bills by reducing energy costs. Furthermore, choosing an eco-friendly roofing material is an easy way for homeowners to do their part in helping save our planet.

11 Types of Eco-Friendly Roofing Materials

If your looking for any eco-friendly materials for your roof then here are a few options for you:

1. Recycled Rubber Roofing

Recycled rubber roofing is made from recycled tires. It has the same durability and strength as traditional asphalt shingles, but it's more eco-friendly because it reduces waste and saves energy.

Additionally, recycled rubber roofing is much more affordable than traditional shingles in addition to being good for the environment. By reducing the amount homeowners spend on heating and cooling their homes, they can save significant amounts of money on their energy bills.

2. Cool/White Roofs

Cool/white roofs are specially designed to reflect sunlight, which means they're cooler and more energy efficient. Cool roofs reduce the amount of heat absorbed by direct sunlight, keeping your home or business cooler.

Cool/white roofs can be installed on new or existing roofs; they're durable, long-lasting, and work well with all types of roofing materials (asphalt shingles, concrete tiles, etc.).

Commercial buildings are ideal candidates for cool/white roofs because they get so much sun exposure throughout the year—and residential homes benefit too.

3. Green Roofing

Green roofs can improve the air quality of your home, reduce heat gain, and make your home more energy-efficient. They are also a great way to reduce the urban heat island effect.

Green roofs can be used on any roof type and can be installed on new or existing roofs.

Green roofing materials include:

  • Sedum - Sedum is a low-growing succulent plant that has been used for hundreds of years as ground cover for gardens all over Europe and North America. It provides excellent insulation for homes in cold climates because of its thick matting-like leaves that retain moisture even during dry winters.

4. Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are made from recycled wood, which means they're an eco-friendly choice. They can be used on any type of roof and are a good option for homes with trees or other vegetation that might interfere with the installation of a metal or slate roof.

However, wood shingles tend to be more expensive than other materials and require regular maintenance (they should be cleaned periodically).

Wood shingles come in different grades depending on their thickness, durability, and appearance. The most common types are cedar shakes and redwood shakes. Cedar is softer than redwood but lasts longer; redwood holds up better against weather damage but costs more money. Both types have an expected lifespan of 25 years or more when properly maintained.

5. Aluminum Coated Shingles

Aluminum-coated shingles are made from recycled aluminum, which means they're an eco-friendly choice. They also have a high reflectivity, which helps reduce cooling costs.

Asphalt or metal shingles are available in a variety of colors to match your home's exterior. There is a downside to these materials, however, as they are more expensive than other options—especially for those with a limited budget.

It's also worth noting that aluminum-coated shingles aren't recommended for areas with high winds or snow loads (if you live in an area susceptible to tornadoes, hurricanes, or blizzards).

6. Slate Roof Tiles

In the roofing tile market, slate roofing tiles are among the most popular options. Slate roofing tiles provide a unique look to any home. Slate roofing tiles are made from either clay or concrete and come in a variety of colors and styles.

There are many benefits to using slat roofing tiles. One benefit is that they are very durable and can last for many years. They are also fire resistant and do not rot or decay like other types of roofing materials.

Additionally, slat roofing tiles can help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. If you are considering installing slat roofing tiles, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

In order to select the right tiles, you must first make sure that they are suited to your climate. Second, you will need to have your roof professionally installed by a qualified contractor.

Slate roofing tiles can provide a unique look to any home. If you are considering installing them, keep in mind the benefits they offer and the things you need to do to ensure proper installation. With proper care and maintenance, slate roofing tiles can last for many years and provide you with a beautiful roof.

7. Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are made from natural clay that has been fired at very high temperatures. They are a great insulator, fireproof, and very durable. Clay tiles are also fairly inexpensive in comparison to other materials on this list.

They're often chosen by homeowners who live in wet climates because they're less likely to leak or corrode than other types of roofing materials.

However, one of the biggest downsides to clay tile is its cost: it's definitely more expensive than many other options (especially slate). But if you have your heart set on a tile roof and want to go for something that's both eco-friendly and long-lasting—without breaking the bank—clay might be worth looking into.

8. Concrete and Clay Shingles

Clay and concrete shingles are two popular types of roofing materials. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your home.

Concrete shingles are more durable than clay shingles, but they are also more expensive. Clay shingles are less durable but have a more natural look than some homeowners prefer.

When choosing between the two, it's important to consider your budget and the look you want for your home. Concrete shingles are an excellent option for a roof that will last for many years. But if you're working with a limited budget or you prefer the natural look of clay shingles, they may be a better option for you.

9. Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a great option for homes in Maryland. Not only is metal a durable and long-lasting material, but it also offers many benefits to homeowners.

For example, metal roofing is an excellent choice when it comes to energy efficiency, as it has the ability to keep your home cooler on hot summer days and warmer during cold winter months.

This can help reduce your household's cooling and heating costs by up to 50%. In addition, metal roofing tends to be most cost-effective when compared with other materials like wood shingles or asphalt shingles due to its durability and longevity.

In regards to the look of a home's exterior design scheme, many people choose metal roofs because they provide protection from harsh elements, including snow accumulation during winter months as well as sun exposure throughout the summertime months.

10. Solar Roofing

Solar roofing systems are comprised of panels that capture the sun's energy and convert it into electricity which can be used to power your home. These panels are high-performance, durable, and require no maintenance, so you can concentrate on more important things like gardening or reading a good book.

Solar roofing systems come in many different shapes and sizes, but all have one thing in common: they produce electricity by converting sunlight into usable electric power through photovoltaic cells mounted on top of your roof.

This process works even when clouds are present, giving you access to free energy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of weather conditions or seasonality—and with no noise or pollution!

11. Synthetic Shake Shingles

Today, synthetic shake shingles are becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners looking to add visual interest and character to their homes. Synthetic shake shingles are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, rubber, and fiberglass.

They come in a variety of colors and textures, making it easy to find the perfect match for your home's exterior. Synthetic shake shingles are also much more durable than natural wood shakes, and they can last for decades with proper care and maintenance.

Synthetic shakes are also fire resistant and insect proof, making them an ideal choice for homes in wildfire-prone areas. And because they're made from man-made materials, synthetic shake shingles are also more eco-friendly than their natural counterparts.

If you're considering synthetic shake shingles for your home, be sure to consult with a professional roofing contractor to ensure they're the right choice for your home and climate.

With proper installation and care, synthetic shake shingles can provide your home with curb appeal and protection for many years to come.

Should You Go for Eco-Friendly Roofing Materials in Maryland

As the name suggests, Environmentally Friendly Roofing Materials are those that have a positive impact on the environment. If you choose an environmentally friendly roofing material, it means you are choosing not to harm mother nature in any way.

Your choice of an eco-friendly roof will also help protect your home and family from structural damages caused by harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold seasons.

When choosing a green roofing material, there are several things that you need to look into before making a decision on what type would work best for your home. These include price, ease of installation, durability, warranties provided, appearance, etc.

Conclusion

Environment-friendly roofing materials are the best choice for your home. They offer various environmental benefits and save you a lot of money when it comes to energy costs.

What I’ll suggest is that you contact your local roofing contractor to get a better understanding of the materials best for your surrounding. If you live in Maryland county then TQRR is the best roofing contractor in the area.

We provide a variety of services which include re-roofing, roofing repairs, inspections, and much more. So contact us today at 410 844-3111 and get a free quote for any roofing-related issues.

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