All homeowners eventually have to replace their roof shingles. As they’re exposed to sunlight, heat, rain, cold, and wind, conventional roofs last up to 20 years. That’s if you are lucky. But, if you want a roof that will outlast a conventional asphalt shingle roof, consider using eco-friendly roofing options. Between many green roofing products, from recycled-plastic shingles to recycled-metal roofs, there are many good options. The best option will depend on the design of your home and price considerations. The bottom line is to find a durable, affordable, and above all environmentally friendly roofing options. Here are some of our suggestions for the top roofing options for your home.

Recycled shingles- one of the most popular eco-friendly roofing options

Perhaps the greenest of all roofing products are shingles made out of recycled waste materials. They usually contain plastic, wood fiber, or rubber. Their advantage is that they are amazingly durable and look nice, at the same time. There is no chance you would ever guess they’re made from `waste` materials. Some products are made from clean post-consumer waste, which is waste from homes, while others are from post-industrial waste. Recycled shingles help divert waste from landfills and reduce our need to process raw materials. That eventually leads to lower energy consumption which reduces pollution. Also, some of these products are recyclable and many come with a 50-year warranty.

Another good eco-friendly roofing option to consider is using wood shingles and shakes

Wood shingles and shakes have been a popular choice among homeowners and builders across the country. Although the amount of energy it takes to produce wood shingles is low, the harvest of old-growth trees isn’t sustainable. Also, wood shingles are combustible and can’t be used in areas where there’s a risk of brush and forest fires. But, if you still want to install wood roof shingles, consider products made from reclaimed lumber.

Of course, think about other options for an eco-friendly roofing option

Metal roofing

The main advantage of metal roofing is that it can be recycled at the end of its life. Metal roofing is such a good eco-friendly option because metal roofing products include some recycled materials. Also, metal roofs can last up to 50 years. Hence, metal roofing replacement is less frequent, which means less waste in the long run. Other good features of metal roofing are exceptional durability and fire-resistance.

Therefore, they are ideal for those who want to collect rainwater from their roofs to water gardens, for example. That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about chemicals that could leach from a conventional asphalt roof. Also, metal roofs are great for snowy climates, as they allow snow to slide off. That eventually prevents ice dams from forming and damage roofs of improperly insulated homes.

Rubber roofing

Another recycled roof material is rubber shingle. The biggest advantage of this material is its long life and a 50-year warranty. It includes a warranty against hail and other extreme weather. This kind of rubber shingles contains old steel-belted radial tires. But, despite this advantage, you should verify if your local building department allows rubber roofs. If they don’t, there are other options for a Dallas roof replacement.

Here are some useful tips before you decide on the best eco-friendly roofing option

As roofing involves working at dangerous heights, it’s not a job for the inexperienced. Furthermore, lifting heavy materials while standing on steep slopes requires a considerable amount of knowledge and skills. So, if you haven’t done this kind of work before, leave it to the pros – AM Roofing Company Dallas. Also, it would be useful to read up on safety precautions before you consider doing any roof work. Anyway, read on and find out some great tips on roofing on your own.

• As there’s a wide variety of eco-friendly roofing products, compare your options carefully. Make sure you’ve checked the materials’ fire and hail ratings. Also, check the warranties and contact your insurance agent. Maybe the products you’re considering will qualify you for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance.
• If you want to re-roof your home, you’ll need to obtain a building permit and pass an inspection. Make sure your building department approves the products you have selected.
• Pay attention to some downsides of the roofing product. Some of them aren’t as widely available as conventional roofing products. Maybe you will need to shop around to find the options you are looking for.
• As some of the eco-friendly roofing products are relatively new to the market, it might require some shopping around. You should find a roofing contractor who is familiar with the products you are interested in. Also, when shopping for an eco-friendly shingle, try talking to roofers, not just to a salesperson. Although not many roofers have experience with environmentally friendly shingles, they surely know more than you do. Finally, ask your roofing contractor whether your old asphalt shingles are suitable for recycling.

In the end, here’s a comparison of the cost of a metal roof vs. other eco-friendly roofing options

Logically, eco-friendly roofing products cost more than asphalt shingles, for instance. Sometimes, it’s two to four times more. But, most likely, you’ll get a product that will outlast two or three conventional roofs. Also, you may qualify for lower insurance rates, which is not negligible. Therefore, these benefits will add value to your home and you’ll help promote a healthier and more sustainable world.

To sum up

The conclusion is simple. Eco-friendly roofing options are better than any other else, in terms of preservation of the environment. There are many options to choose from, depending on your demands. Anyway, we hope you’ll make the right eco-friendly choice. Good luck!