Championing Sustainability: What’s the Best Roof Type for the Environment?

Although the roof may be considered as merely a covering for a structure, it’s actually a crucial factor in energy efficiency. The type of roof on your house tremendously impacts the environment, indoor comfort and health.

Worldwide, an emphasis on sustainability has influenced new building materials and construction processes — the roof is no exception. Today, you can find many eco-friendly roofing materials for your home with impressive environmental benefits. How do you know which type of roof best protects your dwelling and the planet?

Building Better: The Sustainable Roof Boom

The construction industry, and consumers, have grown more interested in green building as the world becomes more aware of climate change. The revolution comprises eco-friendly materials and adopting energy-efficient technologies across the residential and commercial sectors. Among these important changes are sustainable roofs.

Certain roofing materials are better for energy efficiency than others. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average home used 10,791 kilowatt hours (kWh) in 2022.

Roofing materials, color and insulation may impact how much heat your home either loses or contains during the summer and winter. For instance, darker roofs absorb more heat when it’s hot outside, forcing your air conditioning unit to work harder to cool your home. Likewise, an older or poorly insulated roof allows too much heat to escape in the winter. 

Other benefits of sustainable roofs include less stormwater runoff — particularly with vegetated green roofs — and less waste. 

Consider These 3 Sustainable Roofing Options

Numerous eco-friendly roof options exist. However, before deciding, it’s important to weigh each material’s environmental impact and durability. Here are three sustainable roofs you should consider:

1. Corrugated Metal Roof

A corrugated roof has a wave pattern and is typically made from metal. This makes it durable, solid and cost-effective compared to other roofing alternatives. It also conducts heat for more regulated indoor comfort. 

Corrugated metal roof sheets are usually corrosion-resistant to ensure a long life span. Typically, metal roofs last for 30 to over 50 years, with homeowners spending little on maintenance. Their only pitfall is they may get dented during hail, which could make them unsightly. 

2. Composite Roof

Composite roofs are made from various materials like rubber, plastic, glass, paper and asphalt shingles, much of which is recycled. This helps reduce landfill waste. They’re also a much lighter material than traditional roofing, helping reduce structural loads. 

This type of sustainable material may mimic various roofing styles with enhanced performance. Unlike metal roofs, composite alternatives are impact-resistant and well-insulated to ensure long-lasting durability against hail, wind and sunlight. Composite roofing may fade overtime, however, due to exposure of the elements, but composite shingles can last up to 40 to 50 years.

3. White Roof

Have you ever noticed how wearing a white T-shirt keeps you cooler than wearing a dark one on a hot day? Perhaps you can tell the difference in temperature when getting into a light-colored car versus a dark one. White or cool roofs work similarly, using advanced technology and coatings to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat. 

Despite its name, a cool roof doesn’t have to be pure white — it can be any light-colored material or paint and you’ll still reap the rewards. This type of roof reduces peak cooling demand by 11%-27% by reflecting ultraviolet light. Lower energy consumption reduces air pollution and the urban heat island effect, decreasing heat-related mortality by 18%. White roofs my last up to 20 years. A drawback is the white roof can cause a glare. It’s also recommended to power wash the roof annually to help it remain looking good as new.

Choosing the Right Roof for Your Location

Not all sustainable roofing options are adequate for every location. Choosing the best roof type for the environment ultimately depends on your climate, local building codes and personal preference. 

Those living in sunny, hot states like Florida and Arizona might consider a cool roof to reduce their energy consumption and utility bills. Conversely, homeowners in these areas might avoid corrugated metal roofing or reclaimed wood shakes due to weather-related damage. A metal roof may be more suitable for colder climates as it delivers good insulation to lock warm air inside and is more resistant to strong winds and snow. 

Depending on where you live, other eco-friendly roofing options may also be available, such as green roofs or clay tile roofs. Your municipality may have restrictions on the types of materials, height and color of roofs. Before installing a sustainable rooftop, contact your local building department to determine if regulations exist for upgrading your roof.

You should also consider a roof’s life span, cost and visual appeal to ensure it falls within your budget and captures your desired aesthetic. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act extended the federal tax credit for specific energy efficiency improvements. While there are some restrictions, homeowners may qualify for a 30% tax credit when they upgrade their roofs using metal, asphalt and insulated materials.

Sustainability Starts at Home

Your roof does more than simply cover your house. A quality, sustainable rooftop increases home energy efficiency and improves the environment. Although many people think of solar panels when eco- and carbon-friendly roofing comes up, there are numerous other options you can consider. Regardless, a sustainable roof is an investment in a home’s value, your well-being and the planet.