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What Are Eco-Friendly Roof Options

A couple Arlington roofing contractors are saying, eco-friendly lifestyles may seem uncommon to individuals who aren’t familiar with them, but such an observation cannot be further from the truth: eco-friendly lifestyles are actually becoming more and more popular, and this is because people have finally begun to realize the benefits of living eco-friendly. Individuals recycle, reduce water waste, and buy second-hand clothing in an effort to lessen their impact on the environment, but there are also a plurality of other things people can do to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. A popular option is installing an eco-friendly roof or eco-friendly devices that can be attached to a preexisting roof. Here are four things to consider when it comes to eco-friendly roofs.

White Roofs and Cool Color Roofs

You’ve been advised not to wear dark colors in the sun because they absorb heat and make you hotter. The same principle applies when it comes to roofs. White roofs and cool color roofs reflect sunlight, in effect making the interior of a home cool. These roofs are especially useful for individuals who live in areas where the summer months can see some high temperatures. If their home is cooler because of the roof, they won’t need to spend a lot of energy to cool the home through other means; reducing energy usage means less of an impact on the environment, that’s eco-friendly living 101.

Wood Shingles

What is more eco-friendly than wood? This natural resource is not only aesthetically pleasing, it’s durable as well. Wood shingles have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years and can be repurposed once that time expires. In addition, they’re great as far as insulation is concerned.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when it comes to wood shingles. If you’re someone who lives in an area where forest fires occur frequently, it’s best if you don’t install wood shingles; wood is probably the most flammable roofing material individuals use regularly. Wood roofs are also expensive to install—they’re almost as expensive as a metal roof without the increased durability.

Clay Tiles

Would you believe that clay tiles are actually more durable than metal roofs? Would you believe they have a near 100-year lifespan? It’s all true! In addition, clay roofs can provide a lot of the benefits associated with the cool color roofs discussed above. If you’ve ever wondered why you’ve seen so many clay structures in the Southwest region of the country and other areas where the climate is similar, that’s why: clay, as a building material, is eco-friendly and great for places where temperatures are consistently high.

Solar Panels

Despite being last on this list, solar panels are what most people, familiar or unfamiliar with eco-friendly living, think of when the subject of eco-friendly living is risen. Solar panels are a great addition to any home where electricity use is high: when your electric energy is coming from the sun instead of from other sources, you’re doing incalculable good for the environment!

When choosing between these options you want to consider which will work best with your rain gutters as well.

Clay Miller
the authorClay Miller
I am the creator/writer of Ways2GoGreen.com and Ways2GoGreenBlog.com. I'm an advocate for oceans, beaches, state parks. I enjoy all things outdoors (e.g. running, golf, gardening, hiking, etc.) I am a graduate of the University of Kentucky (Go Wildcats!!). I'm also a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Kentucky.

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