If you’re considering roofing refurbishment or replacement, you might be wondering what your most ecological and economical options are. Roof work, especially roof replacement, can be a big job with a significant price tag and carbon footprint. Due to the production of heavy duty materials, roof construction can produce high levels of carbon emissions.
Fortunately, these days there are more eco-friendly ways than ever to build, repair, or enhance your roof. Here are just some of them.
Reclaimed And Recycled Tiles
As with buying anything used, reclaimed tiles mean no contribution to new tiled production. Tiles like slate and clay can also be broken up and reconstituted to form new tiles. Meaning you can buy recycled tiles or have yours recycled after use, again reducing emissions from new production. Slate in particular is also a very long lasting material for your roof (easily 75 years or more), meaning it won’t need to be replaced again as soon as others.
Rubber Shingles
Recycled rubber, usually from old tires, is a great way to recycle. Not only does it make use of this discarded material, rubber roofs are extremely durable and extremely cheap! You cut any roof material production and still wind up with a roof that could last 50 years. It’s also a popular recycled material because it can most closely replicate standard roofing materials.
Other Recycled Materials
If you’re less concerned about achieving the same look as regular roofs, there are many other materials that can be repurposed for roofing. Plastic milk bottles and aluminum cans have both been used to construct roofs. These are products that are thrown away daily in inconceivable quantities. Reworked into useful building supplies keeps them from winding up in landfill for floating in the ocean.
Green Roofs
Green roofs, or ‘living roofs’, aren’t just for show. Their layering of natural insulation keeps houses cooler in the summer and warmer in winter, meaning less energy spent or temperature regulation. But that’s not all. Green roofing also promotes biodiversity where it has otherwise been taken away, providing extended habitats for birds, insects, and of course plants. Plants and greenery help combat pollution and oxygenate an environment. Furthermore, green roofs can be used as garden space for growing one’s own fruit and veg.
Solar Panels
One of the best things you can do for your energy bills in the long run, is invest in solar panels for your roof. Harnessing the sun’s natural energy helps offset the carbon cost of your heating bills in winter. Combine solar panels with one of our other options to supercharge the eco-friendliness of your roofing project.
For traditional and green roofing in east central Scotland, including Edinburgh, Fife, Borders and Lothians, contact B & D Roofing & Building today.
Comments