There has been an increased attention to the sustainability and waste contribution of building products in recent years. Roofing products contribute substantially to the ongoing waste problem with an estimated over 10 million tons of asphalt shingles ending up in landfills every year. Choosing an environmentally-friendly roof is more difficult than it sounds and recycling efforts aren’t always accessible, but there are a few main things to consider when choosing a new roof system that can effect your home’s waste footprint. It is possible to choose a roofing system that has positive characteristics of sustainability in performance and manufacture without sacrificing the style you prefer.
Slate Roofing
One of the oldest roofing materials is slate tile. Slate tile roofs are famous for being waterproof, fireproof, incredibly durable and long-lasting. When installed with care, slate roofs can withstand up to 100 years of age with little maintenance in most cases. Due to its long life, your roof will not be contributing to the roofing waste in landfills during a span of time that might require 3-4 different shingle roofs. Slate is also the most natural product available. Slate tiles are cut from quarries of naturally occurring slate rock. Some style customization is available through color and weathering differences dependent on the mineral composition of the quarry.
Metal Roofing
A metal roof can be sustainable in both the length of life and manufacture. New and recycled zinc or copper are metals that take less energy to engineer. Like a slate roof, metal roofs are extremely durable and long-lasting. Depending on metal and installation, you can get 50-80 years out of a metal roof. This significantly reduces the cycle of waste from conventional shingles and other roofing materials.
Clay Tile Roofing
Clay tile roofs are also long-lasting roofs, like slate and metal. Clay tiles are kiln-fired terra cotta from natural clay. These tiles offer extreme weather performance, breakage protection and resistance to irritants such as salt, file and mold. A clay tile roof can last anywhere from 75-100 years due to its highly durable properties. The longevity of this roof decreases the contribution of materials to the landfill. Clay tiles offer the most customization of all roofing types with unlimited options for shapes, color blends and finishes.
Looking to replace your roof with a more sustainable option? Contact Texan Roofing Pros today! We proudly serve the San Antonio, Austin and Rio Grande Valley areas.