Green eco-friendly asphalt shingle roofing pros, cons and costs

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Most homeowners find that they need to replace roofing at some point. Conventional asphalt shingles only last around twenty years, since exposure to the elements takes its toll on your roof. Homeowners who want to take the planet into consideration often choose to go with green eco-friendly shingle roofing made from earth-conscious or recycled materials.

If this includes you, you'll want to investigate the recycled content of the shingles you choose when renewing your roof and look at the materials that your shingles are made from when you decide how to proceed. The longevity of your shingles and whether or not they can be recycled later is also important when making an eco-aware choice.

Many roofing supply manufacturers, including trusted brands such as Owens Corning and Malarkey, now offer eco-friendly options. The products available are varied and include shingles made from reclaimed or sustainably harvested wood and those constructed of recycled plastic. The choice is best for your home depends on local building codes, the design of your particular roof, and the costs that you are willing to pay.

Roofing shingles crafted from recycled waste such as wood fiber, rubber, and plastic are top choices quite popular with green builders. These may be made from clean post-consumer or industrial waste, are quite attractive and extremely durable.

Using recycled materials diverts waste from landfills, which reduces the need for extracting and processing raw materials. This can reduce pollution and lower energy consumption. Many of these recycled shingle products have warranties of up to fifty years, with some carrying fire ratings that will score discounts with your home insurer.

Wood shingles are also a good choice for the green builder if they are made from wood that is taken from sustainable forests; even better are those that are made from salvaged, reclaimed wood. Keep in mind, however, that building codes in some areas prohibit the use of wooden shingles.

Slate shingles can also be a great choice for an eco-friendly roof. Slate is very durable and is a natural material that can last for centuries. There are a number of companies that manufacture slate shingles for your roof, including GAF.  Some of these companies offer  one-hundred-year warranties on their slate shingle products.

Some shingle brands are more earth-friendly than others. For example, CertainTeed offers a line of shingles that are not only made from environmentally conscious materials but also employ cool roof technology that reduces the temperature of the roof by up to 20 percent during the summer months. These fiberglass-backed shingles are beautifully durable and perfect for hot climates.  

IKO also manufactures two shingle products that are certified for Energy Star efficiency by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for their ability to reflect the sun's rays instead of absorbing them and heating up the home.

As you can see, there are many green eco-friendly shingle roofing options on today's market. Reply! can help you find a competent roofer in your area who can provide you with a roofing estimate and help you decide which environmentally sound roofing shingles are best for your needs.