A guide to building an environmentally friendly roof

Find out how these green roof tips can impact both your roof and the environment.
While asphalt shingles may be the most common, there are other options out there like longer lasting, green shingles, made of recycled materials. Learn more about the different eco-friendly options before you choose your material.

Did you know there are roofing shingles made of recycled rubber tires? In fact, other products are being produced that use recycled plastic. Some products may even use a combination of both. Along with offering excellent impact resistance and durability, these eco-friendly shingles can be made to look like natural materials, including slate.

By using recycled materials, you are helping divert waste from landfills while also reducing our need to process raw materials. This means less energy consumption and less pollution.

The simple answer is yes and here’s why:

• Metal roofing can be recycled and is often constructed with recycled content
• Lower cooling costs in summer as more energy is reflected
• Durable up to 100 years (your roof will outlast the screws used to install it)
• Good for water collection
• Metal roofs help prevent ice dams from forming as snow will slide off more easily

If you really want wood shingles– and your local building code allows them – consider a manufacturer that uses reclaimed lumber. Along those same lines, some clay and slate tile manufacturers offer products from salvaged materials, as well.

Did you know that asphalt shingles are recyclable? Before you hire someone to remove your old shingles, ask to see if they can be recycled. If you’re doing the job yourself, try to find a waste recycling centre that accepts shingles.

As you can see, you don’t necessarily have to go with asphalt shingles. There are more suitable green roofing materials out there that will help protect the environment. And they won't cost you a fortune, either.