Eco-Friendly Roofing, Top 4 Green Roof Construction Products

Eco Friendly RooofingIf you are in the market for an environmentally-friendly roofing product, the good news is that you’ve got very good options in any price range. Here is a look at the top 4 green roof types for your home or business and their costs.

Cheapest Eco-Friendly Roofing Material: Asphalt Shingles

Most asphalt shingles are not environmentally friendly. However, many with bright white coatings and ceramic granule layers are actually Energy Star rated! The do a great job reflecting sunlight, especially the UV rays that penetrate and heat most roofs.

With a bright white shingle roof, your home won’t heat up nearly as much and you won’t need to run your air conditioning as consistently. The result will be a reduction in energy consumption of 10%-20%, and that’s a very green solution. Look for Energy Star roofing materials like asphalt shingles from Certainteed, Owens Corning, IKO, GAF and a few other brands. Asphalt shingle costs for Energy Star products range from $.1.50-$4 per square foot, installed.

High-End Green Roofing Material: Paver Stones

Paver stones typically have been used on patios and other ground installations. They are great for roofs and eco-friendly in several ways. First, they insulate a home very well, reducing energy consumption in all seasons. The reflective coatings that can be applied help them resist heat in hot, sunny climates. Secondly, paver stones are long-lasting. You won’t need a new roof for 40+ years, perhaps ever. Fewer roofs mean a reduced carbon footprint. Finally, paver stones are entirely recyclable for future use.

Paver stones are made in many styles and colors, so you’ve got a range of choices that will give your home a distinguished, upscale look. The installed paver stone costs are $8-$14 per square foot.

Most Traditional Environmentally Friendly Roof: Clay Tiles

We should include concrete tiles too, though they haven’t been used for hundreds of years like clay tiles. Most clay and concrete tiles contain UV-reflective pigments that keep your home cool. When properly installed, they also facilitate the type of air flow that carries heat away from the roof deck, reducing heat penetration into your home. Concrete roof tiles can also be one of the least expensive roof choices that make for a long lasting and beautiful roof.

Clay and concrete roof tiles can be recycled too, an important item on their resume as a green roofing material. For an installed roof, expect your concrete or clay tile price quotes to be $7-$12.

Most Durable Green Roofing Material: Metal or Steel Roofing

Metal panel roofs such as corrugated metal, or steel roofs like steel shingles coated with stone, will last 50-100 years. Install one and it will likely be the last roof you ever need. Their durability helps make them eco-friendly. So does the fact that they can be recycled. Finally, reflective coatings make them very resistant to heat.

Metal and steel roofing is becoming more popular in all areas of the country. As demand grows, companies are producing more styles and colors. Just a few of the options include steel roofs like look like architectural shingles, wood shakes, clay tile as well as traditional corrugated. Price quotes for installed metal and steel roofs will be $6-$10 per square foot.

Which of these top 4 eco-friendly roofs make the most sense for you?  Consider your budget, of course, as well as the architectural style of your home. Be sure to get multiple price quotes from local contractors to find the best prices where you live. As you look into specific products for your home, you’ll find the right combination of roofing cost and appearance, giving your home a green roof you can be proud of.

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