Green is very much the trend today and organizations everywhere are implementing eco-friendly policies. The roofing industry is no exception, and you can now choose from several environmentally friendly roofing options to make your building more energy efficient, durable and affordable.

• Cool Roofing: You can enjoy a ‘cool roof’ by choosing materials that are white or light colored as these reflect heat away from the building rather than absorb it. What you benefit from is a cooler and more comfortable inside temperature. There is less need for air conditioning which lowers your overall energy costs. Additionally, the less you use air conditioning, the less pollution you emit.
• Wood Shake & Shingles: Wood materials have long been used because of their eco-friendly nature and because they give a classic look. While old-growth western cedar was once used for wood roofing materials, this has become scarce so wood is now obtained from sustainable forests. You can also use products made from reclaimed wood that once was a bridge, mill or water tank. One drawback for wood roofing is that it is not fire-resistant, so you need to use a fire-resistant coating to be safe.
• Metal Roofing: Because these are made from recycled material like steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc, these systems make very eco-friendly roofing options. They are less expensive than other roofing systems and longer lasting. Metal roofing can last up to 50 years which is much longer than conventional asphalt shingles which need to be replaced after 20 years. Metal roofing also comes in assorted colors and designs so you can get a style that best matches your building and needs. To make it even ‘greener’, choose a lighter color to amplify the reflective properties and save on energy bills.
• Clay and Slate Tiles: Clay and slate last forever which is why it has been a staple of the roofing industry for centuries. They are also fire-resistant, rot-resistant and virtually maintenance free. Unfortunately, these tiles can crack under force and they are very heavy. Often you will need additional support on the roof to handle the extra weight. These tiles tend to be more expensive than other materials but they last a long time, so in the long term, you save money.

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