Eco-Friendly Roofing Options

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If you want to go with eco-friendly roofing, consider its recycled material content, how long it will last, and whether it can be reused.
If you want to go with eco-friendly roofing, consider its recycled material content, how long it will last, and whether it can be reused.
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When this standing-seam metal roof is no longer in service (after about 50 years!), the metal can be recycled.
When this standing-seam metal roof is no longer in service (after about 50 years!), the metal can be recycled.
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Slate roofs can last hundreds of years with proper maintenance.
Slate roofs can last hundreds of years with proper maintenance.
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Although this may look like a rustic shake roof, the shingles are made of 100 percent recycled material.
Although this may look like a rustic shake roof, the shingles are made of 100 percent recycled material.
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Even though it’s not white, this is a “cool roof” designed to reflect heat.
Even though it’s not white, this is a “cool roof” designed to reflect heat.
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The “barrel profile” is a classic style of clay tiles.
The “barrel profile” is a classic style of clay tiles.

Most homeowners have to replace their roof shingles at some point. Exposed to sunlight, heat, cold, rain, wind, and sometimes snow, sleet and hail, conventional asphalt shingle roofs last 20 years, if you’re lucky.

If you’d like a roof that will outlast a conventional asphalt shingle roof and is made from eco-friendly roofing materials, consider the products outlined here. Many of them are virtually immune to hail. Green roofing products are many and varied, ranging from recycled-plastic shingles to recycled-metal roofs to sustainably harvested or reclaimed wood roofs. The best option for your home depends on the design of your home, local building codes, and price considerations.

Recycled Shingles

Among the most popular — and perhaps the “greenest” — of all roofing products are shingles made from recycled waste materials, such as plastic, rubber, or wood fiber. Some products are made from clean post-consumer waste (waste from homes), others from post-industrial waste (factory waste). Recycled-content shingles are amazingly durable, and they look nice, too. You’d never know they were made from “waste” materials!

Recycled-content roof shingles help divert waste from landfills and reduce our need to extract and process raw materials, which lowers energy consumption and reduces pollution. Some of these products are recyclable, too, and many come with amazing 50-year warranties. A few even carry fire ratings that could lower your insurance rates.

  • Published on Apr 29, 2010
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