Here in Portland we are always concerned about sustainability and taking care to think about the environment. That’s why
we get so excited about the variety of green roofing options available. Here are six of our favorite green roofing ideas:
1. Metal roofing is a great option for creating both a cool roof and a home that has easy-to-regulate temperatures. This type of roofing is great for the Pacific Northwest because it can last much longer and hold up under weather changes better than a traditional asphalt shingle roof.
Additionally, many metal roofing products are made up at least in part of recycled material, making it just that much more green.
2. Tile is a beautiful and traditional roofing material. Not only can it last up to 100 years with the proper maintenance, it is recyclable and can come in lighter colors that can help make a partially cool roof. Additionally, because they are made of heavier material, they make keeping your home cool a breeze.
3. Recycled shingles are probably the most common green roofing materials. These are shingles created completely or in part out of recycled waste material like plastic, rubber, or wood. While these will not last as long as tile or metal, they are still a great green option.
4. Sustainable wood shingles or shakes are another beautiful green roof option.Traditionally, wood roofing materials are not sustainably harvested, but with the advent of the green movement, more “green” wood shakes have come onto the market. The main con with these materials is the warranty will not last nearly as long as many of the other green options and will likely only be warrantied for up to 15 to 25 years.
5. Recycled rubber roofing is another option. These are reinforced shingles created from old tires. They come in a variety of colors and are not only recycled, but they often come with a 50 year warranty. They also hold up to heavy weather, which is always a good option here in rainy Portland.
6. The traditional, living roof is what we often think of when someone says “green roof.” This is a great option, but does require quite a bit of work and maintenance to set up and keep going. Not only are living roofs heavy, they are made of plants, so they need to be watered during certain times of the year and replaced if there has been extremely heavy weather or if they do not regenerate in spring.
As time goes on there are more and more green roofing options to choose from. Let us know which one is right for you!