Roofing materials need to be good quality because they are literally going to protect your house from harsh weather and sunlight, but have you ever considered getting sustainable and environmentally friendly materials for your roof? Here are the best eco-friendly materials you can use for your roofs that you should discuss with your roofing contractor.

Aluminum Roofing

Metals may not sound like the best materials for roofs, but aluminum is an exception. Metals are very sustainable, and they have a pretty durable structure, which can last for a long time. The best way to select metals for roofs is to go for a material that has low heat conductivity. This will ensure that your house doesn’t turn into an oven.

Aluminum is a great material that ticks all of the boxes when it comes to selecting the right metal for roofing. It also looks very beautiful and the metal can be painted into any color your heart desires.

Clay Roofing

Clay roofing is also another great eco-friendly option. Clay is another great insulating material, which won’t trap heat and the house will actually be breezy. The roofing comes in the form of clay tiles, which are slightly thick to give the perfect protection to your house and give it a beautiful look as well.

These tiles are glued with a thick industrial-grade adhesive or cement so that they will stay put, no matter what the weather is like outside.

Slate Roofing

Slate is a very durable material and it can last for a long time. This material is also eco-friendly and it will look extremely beautiful in brick houses. There is just something about the dark material against the rustic brick walls that makes the house look like a work of art.

Slate roofs, however, can be hard to install, so you need to hire professional workers who know what they’re doing, otherwise, the whole thing can be a bust and ruined in no time.

Cool Roofing

It is also known as white roofing. This material is made with white glue and sediments of gravel, which can be highly insulating, especially if you live in hotter climates, where there’s a lot of exposure to the sun.

One thing to consider about white roofs is the price. It is extremely expensive to have cool roofs installed. Another very major drawback to this material is that mold and fungus can form on the surface of the roofs if it comes in contact with water or humidity. So, it’s best to know the ins and outs of any material before you choose one for the roofs.

Solar Panels

If you want to have great insulation in your house, while also producing power for your own house, then go for solar panels. Usually, solar panels are installed on the roofs, which makes it a wonderful material for the house, because you’re killing two birds with one stone.

Solar energy is a modern way of powering your house by yourself and having these panels attached to the roof will ensure that your house is protected while getting maximum efficiency of the sunlight, to produce power and be sustainable and energy efficient.

Wood Roofing

Another wonderful option for roofing would be wood shingles or shakes. Wood is a naturally sourced material and it makes for a wonderful roofing material. It is also biodegradable and it doesn’t harm the environment in any way, shape, or form.

The only drawback of using wood as a roofing material is the fact that wood isn’t waterproof. You need to make it waterproof by sealing it, otherwise, it will be ruined in no time at all. Moreover, you should hire a team from roofing companies that can correctly install wood roofing to avoid the drawbacks to an extent.

Green Roofing

This roof idea will not only be environmentally friendly, but it will also look very beautiful and rustic. If you want your house to look like something popped out of a Disney movie, then go for this design. You can cover your entire roof with plants and shrubs which thrive on sunlight. You will be doing the environment a favor and your house will look breathtaking as well.

All you need for this is a waterproof membrane which will be the barrier between the actual roof and the plants so that no water or moisture can ruin the existing roofs and cause leaks. Now, you can cover the entirety of the roof with plants and water them from time to time.

Asphalt Roofing

They are also called composite shingles. The great thing about this material is that it is made with recycled materials, like paper, plastic, petroleum waste products, and fiberglass. All of these materials together form a substance, which can offer a great amount of strength and heat insulation. Asphalt shingles are available in a lot of colors, but lighter colors will offer more insulation than darker colors, so it’s best to choose wisely.

The only downside is that, because of the addition of petroleum waste products in the composition, it is not as biodegradable as other materials and it can have a negative impact on the environment as well.

Corrugated Roofing

These roofs are wavy sheets of steel. These sheets are easy to install and their design gives roofs a very unique and clean appearance. You also don’t need to worry about your house getting warm, because this steel is coated with a highly insulated material, which keeps the heat at bay.

It is an easy material to work with and install and it is reasonably priced as well. Roofs made from corrugated steel can last over 50 years and still, keep your house and roofs protected from all kinds of weather damage.

Rubber Roofing

Rubber roofing is a newer introduction in the world of roofing materials. It is a hard and reinforced form of rubber, which is insulating, heat resistant, and an extremely durable material. Rubber roofing is also naturally waterproof, so you don’t need to spend extra money for waterproofing the roof.

What makes this material highly sustainable is that it’s made from old steel belted tires, so there is no waste, making it good for the environment. It is also available in a variety of colors and you can be rest assured that it will last you for years.

Concrete Roofing

This is the least eco-friendly material because these tiles are made from Portland cement and it can be extremely hard to produce without having an adverse effect on the environment. But, on the flip side, this roofing material is robust and extremely long-lasting, so there isn’t a lot of waste when it comes to changing up the roofs every so often.

This material also allows for better insulation of the house and you don’t need to worry about things like the electrical conductivity of thunderstorms or other things. It is a safe option if you’re looking for something which will last you a very long time.

Conclusion

These materials are not only sustainable and good for the environment, but they are extremely durable and strong as well. So, what are you waiting for? The next time you want to get your roofs replaced, consult a roofer and ask them about these materials.