Other than using sustainable, durable, and energy-efficient materials sustainable roofing is connected closely to other complex issues. Proper insulation techniques, rainwater utilization, energy consumption methods are all related closely to the subject of roof construction in green buildings. Green roofs, cool roofs, solar roofs are only a few trends, which create sustainable solutions for the whole building and environment.
Achieving sustainable roofing is a complex task requiring sophisticated design and decision tools. Architects, designers, and engineers work on complex roofing solutions to provide energy-efficient, durable, and ecological homes. Developing new technologies in roof systems may significantly increase a building’s life cycle and reduce negative ecological effects.
Sustainable roofing features include:
-
Ability to save or produce energy with suitable insulation methods or solar installations;
-
Using recyclable and durable materials;
-
Water capturing methods and utilization of the rainwater;
-
Reducing the heat from the sun and energy consumption.
A selection of roofing material depends on the building design, local building codes, and budget. Today various options for any demand exist and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. When choosing a roofing material warranty, fire and storm ratings, recycled content, coatings, weight, color, and reflectivity are to be checked.
The most common sustainable roofing options are:
-
Metal roofing is durable, recyclable, fire-resistant, and attractive. Steel and aluminum are most commonly used. Metal roofs of lighter color and with the proper insulation reflect heat reducing energy consumption.
-
Clay tiles are quite heavy and expensive but are used widely as a roofing material due to durability, authentic design, and eco-friendliness. Clay tiles may be covered with special glazes or color for additional properties and design ideas.
-
Slate roofing may serve longer than the house structure and is quite expensive. Because the significant resources to mine, process, and transport the material are required, its sustainability is quite controversial.
-
Shingle roof coming from a well-managed forest is the most sustainable roofing option, although it is less long-lasting than slate and clay-tile.
-
Corrugated roofing is a green option with important qualities, such as durability, lightness, low maintenance, and design versatility.
-
Rubber roofing recycled from old tires and coated with ground slate is available in different colors and may serve for over 50 years.
-
Shingle roofing from recycled materials such as plastic, wood fiber, or rubber is a great inexpensive, durable, and green alternative. The important benefit of recycled roofing materials is the solution to the waste reduction issue and energy consumption.
Sustainable green roofing trends
-
Green roofs or living roofs with vegetation minimizing the impact on the ecology and stormwater discharge particularly beneficial for urban areas for filtering pollution.
-
Cool roofs reflect solar rays to help reduce energy consumption and save on electricity bills.
-
Solar roofs come with photovoltaic technology allowing to produce green energy.
-
Rooftop meetingand classroom facilities for efficient roof space usage.
-
Asphalt shingle recycling is a sustainable practice helping to reuse old shingles removed from the roofs to create other products instead of sending them to the landfill.
Using high-performance roof insulation for building heating and cooling reduction.