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Top Environmentally Friendly Roofing Ideas

Wait, can a roof be environmentally friendly? That’s right – your roof can be the key to cutting down your energy bill and taking steps to protect the environment.

A great roofing system will be tailored to keep your energy consumption down. With a roof that insulates your commercial building from the sun, you’ll spend less energy keeping it cool. 

That’s why if you’re finding a roofer in a hot climate like California, it’s important to find a professional company with environmental credentials. 

If you’re wondering “what roof should I get,” but you haven’t thought about the environment, this guide is for you. Check out our top ideas on keeping your roof environmentally sustainable. 

What About Solar Panels?

Yes, adding solar panels to your commercial building has a ton of environmental benefits. They generate pollution-free energy, and can save you lots of money in energy costs. 

The thing is, solar panels don’t actually make up your roof. The panels sit on top of the roofing material, so you still need to consider what your roof is actually made of and whether it’s environmentally friendly. 

The not-so-good news: solar panels can be pricey. While they pay for themselves over time  by supplying energy, they can be expensive up front. That means they’re not a realistic option for many building owners.

If you’re not ready to commit to solar panels, don’t worry – there are tons of environmentally friendly roofing options out there for every budget. 

Environmentally Friendly Roofing Options

Here’s what makes a roof environmentally friendly: it cuts down your energy usage and uses materials that don’t pollute the environment. There are lots of creative ideas for roofing materials that meet these criteria. Here are our top picks:

Cool Roofing

Most of us avoid wearing dark colors on the hottest days of the year. Similarly, light-colored roofing materials reflect the sun’s energy instead of absorbing it. That’s why white roofing materials are known as “cool roofs.”

Cool roofs can knock down your roof’s surface temperature by 90 degrees Fahrenheit – and that keeps your building’s interior cooler as well. If you’re ready to dial back your air conditioning costs, think about picking a cool roof.

Any light-colored roofing material will keep your building cool, but you’ll get the best advantage from specially treated roofing tiles that reflect UV rays. You can also choose to add a UV-reflective paint treatment to your existing roof. 

Cool roofing is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to boost your energy efficiency. 

Tile (Some Types)

What’s old is new. Traditional tile roofs are made out of clay and slate, and these natural options are coming back into style for commercial roofs. Tiles made from these natural materials don’t harm the environment.

One option to avoid when it comes to tiles is asphalt. Although asphalt roofing has been popular in the past because of its low cost, asphalt is made by refining petroleum, a fossil fuel. When the tiles are recycled, the petroleum releases hydrocarbons, harming the environment.

Plus, asphalt’s dark color attracts energy from the sun. This causes your building’s temperature to rise – and it causes your energy bill to rise too. Asphalt may be a lower-cost option upfront, but over time it costs both your wallet and the environment.

Green Roofing

Green roofing uses a layer of living vegetation as a natural insulator on top of your roof. It’s a garden on top of your roof – no wonder it’s called green!

Green roofs have tons of environmental benefits. They purify air, absorb carbon dioxide, and give bees a safe haven in the city, just to name a few.

But they’re also full of benefits for your pocketbook. Green roofs are one of the best natural insulators out there – which means that they can cut your air conditioning needs by up to 75 percent. That’s great for the environment and your energy bill. 

Green roofing makes a visual impact. Although it’s already common in some countries, it’s still a novelty in the US. That means it’s a great way for companies to show off their commitment to environmental protection. 

With all of the benefits of green roofing, it’s is a more costly option. Plus, it requires labor-intensive upkeep. If you want to make a dramatic statement about your company’s environmental friendliness, as well as saving big on energy costs, green roofing is the right investment for you.

Rubber Roofing

At first glance, rubber might not seem like an environmentally friendly roofing option. But rubber roofing (ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EPDM) is a great choice for the environment.

Rubber roofing comes in sturdy tiles that can last up to 30 years. Their longevity means that you don’t have to replace your roof as often, which saves material. Plus, it’s easy to get rubber roofing in white, so that it reflects solar energy and keeps your building cool. 

As well, EPDM is often made from recycled rubber. This keeps rubber tires from being destroyed by incineration, which releases pollution into the environment. 

Metal Roofing

Metal tiles or sheets are considered a highly eco-friendly roof option. They’re highly reflective, so they keep the building cool by bouncing the sun’s energy. The metal is also 100 percent recyclable.

Because metal roofing can be easily dented, it doesn’t boast the longevity that other options do. 

Find Your Environmentally Friendly Roofer

If you’re looking for a professional overhaul for your San Bernardino roof, you’ll want to find a roofer who can bring environmental quality to your renovation.

HP Roofing Pro is certified by the US Green Building Council, showing our commitment to leading California in energy efficient building. Contact us to set up a cool roofing consultation today.