8 Types of Eco-Friendly Roofing Materials and Their Benefits

Are you looking for ways to make your home or property more eco-conscious? As a leader in Bloomington roofing, we know one of the best places to start when enhancing your property while contributing to a greener future is at the top. The roofing material you choose can have an impact on the environment. Materials like asphalt shingles, metal, cedar shake, slate and sod are durable and have eco-friendly properties.

In this guide, we consider eight eco roofing materials and their unique benefits. Let’s discover why these roofing options are smart choices for eco-conscious homeowners or property owners.

What Makes Roofing Materials Eco-Friendly?

Eco-friendly roof materials have a low environmental impact at each life cycle stage. Sustainability is about more than the material itself. It’s about the manufacturing processes, the material’s longevity and its recyclability. Here’s how:

Manufacturing processes: Roofing materials made from sustainable or recycled resources eliminates the need to source raw materials.
Longevity: Some eco-friendly roofing materials, like metal or slate, have long life spans. This reduces the frequency of replacements and waste. Long-lasting materials translate to cost savings and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
Recyclability: While some roofing materials can last decades, you’ll likely need a replacement at some point. Choosing a recyclable material improves your property’s eco-friendliness.

Temperature also plays a part — energy-efficient materials reduce reliance on heating and cooling systems. Darker roofs absorb heat, while lighter colors reflect it, and a well-insulated roof stops heat from escaping. A roofing system that lowers electricity or fossil fuel use helps the environment.

Now, explore eight sustainable roofing materials and their benefits.

1. Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingles are popular for their durability and weather resistance. They consist of asphalt, tar and ceramic granules on a fiberglass or cellulose fiber mat. Asphalt provides flexibility and waterproofing, while granules offer weather protection.

Asphalt Roofing Benefits

Asphalt comes from crude oil, so it is not the most sustainable material. However, modern asphalt shingles have come a long way. New materials, technologies and production techniques have boosted the material’s environmental appeal. Here are some of the advantages of asphalt shingles:

Recyclable: Few people know that asphalt shingles are recyclable. More than 630,000 tons of recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) go into new asphalt mixes. Using RAS in paving or roofing projects reduces shingle waste in landfills. Modern asphalt shingles may also consist of recycled shingles.
Durable: Luxury asphalt shingle roofing can last up to 50 years. The long life span means fewer replacements, which means less waste.
Easy care: Asphalt shingles require little maintenance or harsh chemicals. It is also easy to replace individual shingles.
Energy efficiency: Advanced “cool” technology has made modern asphalt shingles more energy-efficient. This technique coats the shingles in cool-colored granules to improve efficiency.
Cost-effective: These shingles are among the least expensive roofing materials. Their low cost makes them a popular choice for individuals on a budget. With the money you save, you can add other eco-friendly upgrades to your property.
Easy installation: Asphalt shingles are quick and easy to install. No-fuss installation can save on labor costs and speed up construction time.

Performance and longevity depend on factors like installation quality, climate, proper ventilation and roof system insulation.

2. Composite Shingle Roofing

8 Types of Eco-Friendly Roofing Materials and Their Benefits

Composite shingles combine laminate, slate, wood and fiberglass. These shingles boast the durability of rubber and asphalt with added weatherproofing. They also mimic the look of natural materials like cedar, slate and terracotta.

Composite Shingle Roofing Benefits

Composite shingle roofing provides many benefits for the environmentally-conscious:

Recycled materials: Many composite shingles contain recycled rubber and plastic.
Disposal: Shingle recycling programs make conscious disposal easier. Speak to your roofing contractor or look for your closest recycling center on the Shingle Recycling or Earth 911 websites.
Insulation: Combining rubber and asphalt properties makes composite shingles excellent insulators. Better insulation means increased energy efficiency.
Natural styles: Composite shingles come in various styles and colors that look like natural materials. This feature complements architecture while blending into the environment.
Impact resistance: Some composite shingles are rated for high impact resistance, which is handy in areas prone to hailstorms.
Robust: Composite shingles are lightweight but rugged. They can withstand harsh elements with little maintenance.
Warranties: Many contractors offer lifetime limited warranties on composite shingles.

Composite shingle roofing offers a blend of aesthetic versatility, environmental consciousness and practical advantages

3. Cedar Shake Roofing

Cedar shake roofing uses cedar, one of the toughest woods, in its construction. Shakes are thicker than shingles and are made using a hand-split technique that offers a rough, rustic look.

Cedar Shake Roofing Benefits

Cedar shake is at the top of the list if you value eco-friendliness. This natural roofing material offers a heap of ecological perks:

Sustainable harvesting: Cedar forests often follow sustainable harvesting and replanting practices. These practices ensure full use of the wood, with excess composted. Plus, cedar trees produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.
Biodegradable: Wood is a biodegradable natural resource. When replaced, cedar roofing decomposes without causing environmental harm. Cedar shake is another recyclable roofing material.
Energy-saving: Cedar makes an excellent insulator. A cedar shake roof keeps buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You use less energy and save on utility bills.
Clean manufacturing: Cedar shakes use less energy compared to other materials.
Long-lasting: With proper maintenance, cedar shake roofs have a life span of up to 30 years.
Wind resistance: Cedar shakes can resist winds up to 245 mph.
Property value: Cedar shake roofs can increase property value because of their beauty and durability.

Remember that cedar shake roofs require regular inspection and maintenance to prevent moss growth and ensure their longevity.

4. EPDM Roofing

Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) is a durable rubber roofing membrane. EPDM’s main ingredients, ethylene and propylene, come from natural gas and oil. This membrane is a popular choice for low-slope or flat-roof buildings, ranking among sustainable eco roofing materials for commercial and residential applications.

EPDM Roofing Benefits

Apart from addressing water puddling on flat roofs, EPDM offers many other benefits:

Recyclable: EPDM is both recycled and recyclable. Tire manufacturers often reconstitute rubber for EPDM products. Since this membrane is recyclable, it reduces landfill waste. The production process is also low in pollutants compared to other roofing types.
Built to last: EPDM typically lasts around 15 to 25 years, but with proper care, it can last longer.
Safe rainwater: Rain can become contaminated by pollutants when it runs off roofs. EPDM is nontoxic and does not leach harmful chemicals into the water. Limiting toxins is handy for rainwater collection.
Green roof integration: EPDM makes an ideal foundation for a living roof. It acts as a base for vegetation growth and a waterproof barrier for the structure below.
Energy-efficient: A building loses around 25% of its heat through the roof. EPDM rubber’s density prevents heat from escaping. EPDM reduces energy usage by reflecting some UV rays in summer and absorbing heat in winter. This also helps to melt snow on roofs.
Low maintenance: EPDM roofing resists UV, moss and mildew and requires occasional cleaning. Proper care avoids the need for replacement.
Waterproof: The impermeable membrane means EPDM can prevent leaks and protect from water damage.
Budget-friendly: EPDM installation and long-term maintenance are often more affordable than other flat roofing systems.

EPDM is a popular choice for low-slope roofs, offering a balance of performance, longevity and environmental friendliness.

5. Metal Roofing

Standard metal roofing materials include steel, aluminum, copper, tin and zinc. Metal is a durable, cost-effective roofing material with high impact resistance.

Metal Roofing Benefits

Let’s consider why metal roofing is an excellent choice for the eco-conscious:

Energy efficiency: Metal’s heat reflection saves energy. A light-colored “cool roof” can reduce energy bills and decrease the need for air conditioning systems.
Reduced carbon footprint: Metal roofs can contain a high amount of recycled material and are recyclable at the end of their life.
Extended life span: Metal roofs can last from 40 to 100 years with proper maintenance.
Easy to maintain: Inspecting and maintaining your metal roof boosts longevity. Compared to some other roofing materials, metal requires less maintenance.
Durability: Metal is fire and weather-resistant, making it durable against the elements.
Style: Metal roofing comes in various designs, colors and finishes. Modern metal roofs can mimic the look of traditional roof coverings such as shingles, slate or tile.

Metal roofing is a cost-effective, durable and eco-friendly choice that offers aesthetic appeal and exceptional performance, making it one of the top eco roofing materials for homeowners.

6. Slate Roofing

Slate is a type of metamorphic rock. Environmental factors transform these rocks into a new rock type. Splitting slate makes the thin sheet used in roofing tiles.

Slate Roofing Benefits

Since it’s a natural resource, slate is an ideal eco-friendly roofing option. The following benefits make slate roofing stand out:

Sustainable production: Slate’s manufacturing process has little environmental impact. Professionals handcraft slate tiles, reducing energy use and chemicals. Embodied energy calculates the total energy used for extraction, manufacturing, waste and transportation.
Natural disposal: Since slate is a natural material, disposing of it helps keep the environment clean.
Long life span: The American Society for Testing and Materials grades slate from S1 to S3 depending on its strength. S1 slate’s minimum life expectancy is 75 years, with S2 and S3 lasting between 20 and 75 years. A longer life span means less need for replacement.
Element resistance: Slate often resists most anything that nature can throw at it. Fire, wind, water and mold stand little chance against this tough material.

Although slate is durable and long-lasting, proper installation is crucial. It can also weigh 600 to 2,250 pounds per 100 square feet. A roofing contractor should check your building’s structural integrity before installing a slate roof.

7. Green Sod Roofing

Green sod roofs have soil on top of a waterproof membrane topped with a layer of vegetation. Also known as living roofs, think of a green sod roof as a garden on top of your property.

Green Sod Roofing Benefits

You can’t get much more sustainable than a living, breathing roof! Green sod roofing provides these benefits and more:

Less pollution: Living roofs reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Vegetation also produces oxygen, lowers carbon emissions and removes air pollutants.
Reduces heat islands: The sunlight reflected by built structures causes heat islands in urban areas. Green roofs help reduce temperatures on the roof and in the surrounding air. These roofs can be up to 40 degrees cooler than standard roofs.
Less energy use: Green sod roofs cool and insulate buildings while also providing shade. The American Society of Landscape Architects shows a 10% energy decrease in energy use over winter.
Stormwater management: Green roofing prevents stormwater runoff and filters rainwater pollutants. According to the United States General Services Administration, these roofs lower stormwater flow by up to 65%.
Biodiversity: Vegetation creates a habitat for plants, insects and birds.
Extends roof life: A green sod roof creates a barrier to protect the roof underneath. It also handles rain, wind, sun and changing temperatures to extend the life span of your roof.

Green sod roofing is an intricate combination of the right materials, structure and assembly. An experienced green sod roofing professional maximizes the benefits while protecting your property.

8. Solar Roofing

This roofing guide would be incomplete without mentioning solar power. Solar power harnesses the sun to provide energy to buildings. The science behind it is spectacular — solar panels contain photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity. When solar energy particles, or photons, hit the cells, semiconductor material absorbs some of the photons. These absorbed particles generate electricity.

Solar Roofing Benefits

Solar’s clean, self-generating energy has many advantages for the environment:

Renewable energy: Traditional energy from fossil fuels emits harmful pollutants. Solar is a natural, renewable energy source. The more people use solar, the less we rely on fossil fuels.
Cost savings: Solar power allows property owners to cut electricity expenses amid rising prices.
Off-the-grid independence: Switching to solar removes reliance on the electrical grid. Buildings with solar installed can keep the power on even during an outage.
Home value: A Zillow study reported homes with solar power sold for 4.1% more than homes without solar.
Tax credits: Homeowners who install solar panels can claim a federal solar tax credit.

Solar roofing installers can calculate the savings based on your energy consumption history. Reducing electric bills gives you a return on investment fast!

Discover the Benefits of Eco-Friendly Roofs With Equity Builders Roofing

An eco-friendly roof is an investment in the environment and your bank balance. There are countless benefits, from better energy efficiency to lower utility bulls. At Equity Builders Roofing, we prioritize quality and sustainability in our Bloomington roofing projects. We offer a range of eco-friendly roof materials, including asphalt shingles, metal, EPDM, cedar shake and green sod roofing.

Our passion is providing our Indiana clients with top-notch service. You can trust our skilled roofing technicians to use a range of materials and techniques to create lasting roofs. Experience the benefits of eco-conscious roofing for your home or commercial building.