These days, many are seeking to adopt environmentally-friendly practices in their homes. More and more homeowners are making sustainability a top priority when it comes to home improvements, driven by worries over climate change and other concerns. One of the main ways to make your home eco-friendlier is by optimizing your roof. As your trusted roofers in Mobile, Alabama, we're here to break down your options.

Make your home greener with our pro tips and witness a stunning transformation from dull to dazzling in an eco-friendly flash!

The Importance of Sustainability for Your Roof

It's time to face the facts: “sustainability” isn't just a buzzword, it's the way of our future. But can environmentally friendly roofs really make a difference? Some might assume it would be more beneficial to prioritize investment in other forms of green technology, such as electric vehicles and smart appliances.

Even with more widespread initiatives, reducing your personal carbon footprint stills remains an essential practice for homeowners everywhere. A green roofing system should be at the top of your to-do list for several reasons:

• Generate Less Waste - According to RecycleNation, the U.S. generates an estimated 11 million tons of asphalt shingle waste annually. Unfortunately, most of that waste will be stuck in a landfill for decades.
• Reduce Energy Usage - Upgrading your roof can lead to improved energy efficiency in your home. By reducing your use of electricity and gas, you can decrease both your carbon footprint and energy expenses.
• Boost Your Home Value - A roof replacement project has been shown to generate a 68% return on investment, according to IKO. Implementing eco-friendly upgrades on your roof can increase your ROI even further.

Eco-Friendly Roofing Advice from Our Roofers in Mobile, Alabama

For those interested in making their homes more environmentally friendly, these essential roofing tips are a good place to start.

1. Use Clay Tiles or Metal Roofing

Your roof will inevitably deteriorate due to storms and general wear and tear. What fate awaits your old shingles and roofing materials when the shiny new roof takes over?

As mentioned earlier, asphalt shingles typically end up in landfills.

However, in the case of clay tiles or a metal roofing system, the materials will be recycled.

Roofing tiles made from natural clay are commonly shaped and fired at high temperatures to achieve authenticity. This means that tile roofs are not only environmentally friendly but are also biodegradable and effortlessly reusable!

A metal roof also looks sleek and modern, but it's also doing its part for the environment by utilizing minerals like aluminum, copper, steel, and zinc (which can be recycled later). Make your roof sustainable with the unbeatable durability of metal.

2. Convert Your Home with a Cool Roof

Using a cool roof is a straightforward method for enhancing the sustainability of your property. And before you ask, we are referring to something other than a “cool” appearance.

A cool roof is a type of roofing that has reflective properties for heat and solar energy. The purpose of these systems is to increase reflectivity and decrease solar energy absorption.

During a sunny summer afternoon, a typical roof can reach temperatures up to 150° F, but a cool roof can remain more than 50 degrees cooler under similar circumstances (Energy.gov). This system helps to conserve energy and reduce costs that would have been associated with air conditioning.

3. Try a Green Roof

A living roof is an eco-friendly option for homes that is also known as a "green roof." Picture a roof that's not just a boring slab of concrete or shingles, but a verdant paradise of lush vegetation! That's what a living roof is all about. It is a waterproofing system topped with a layer of plants, transforming a flat or slightly-sloped roof into a sustainable masterpiece.

Green roofs have dual benefits, as they provide practical functions for stormwater management and home insulation while adding to the visual appeal.

These systems also have a lifespan of two to three times that of a traditional asphalt shingle roof. So, you'll generate less waste, have a pleasing aesthetic, and maximize your use of resources.

It should be noted that a living roof may not be suitable for all types of homes. This system can only be supported by flat or slightly-sloped roofs.

We should also emphasize that the installation of living roofs requires specialized expertise that not all roofing contractors possess. The installation of these systems requires intensive training due to the intricate level of detail. It is important to confirm that your roofing contractor is properly trained to install this system for you before hiring them.

4. Make the Switch to Solar

Solar panels are a must for those who care about sustainability. Solar panels are a big investment, but they have long-term benefits. These include:

• Cutting your energy costs
• Getting tax credits and rebates
• Save money long-term
• Promote sustainable practices by utilizing renewable energy sources
• Increased property value
• And more

Most roofers in Mobile, Alabama lack the capability to install solar panels on roofs, so you’ll need to do your research to find a provider who can handle the work for you. It is recommended to hire professionals who are qualified, insured, and possess the necessary certifications for solar panel installation services.

If needed, your roofing contractor may be able to provide a recommendation for a local company that specializes in solar panel upgrades. Upon inspection, a roofing contractor can determine if your roof can support the weight of a solar panel system.

5. Use Recycled Shingles

Using shingles made from recycled materials is an effective way to reduce waste in landfills.

Certain shingle manufacturers produce recycled shingles utilizing various materials such as plastic, rubber, and wood fiber. There are even roofing products that are made from recycled tires.

These materials create durable and resilient shingles. Plus, the recycled shingles can be created to look just like regular ones too. Achieve both beauty and sustainability with ease – your home will never have looked better, and your conscience will be clear.

Invest in a Green Roof with Our Roofers in Mobile, Alabama

For all your roofing needs, including repairs and sustainability improvements, contact Ethos Roofing & Restoration.

Our company offers a diverse selection of roofing services for both residential and commercial properties. We don't just aim for perfection, we hit it square on the head! With top-notch products and unbeatable service, we're the local pros you can trust to keep your roof over your head in style.

Contact Ethos today to book your FREE roof inspection with our roofers in Mobile, Alabama.