Choosing the right roofing material is vital for any house construction project. Besides durability and affordability, modern homeowners prefer eco-friendly roofing. Switching to sustainable construction materials is a smart idea, which can save costs in the long run. Several eco-friendly roofing options are available. One can select the right option depending on the budget, material and design preference. In this article, we discuss some popular green roofing materials.
What is eco-friendly roofing?
Eco-friendly roofing or environment-friendly roofing refers to a roofing system manufactured of sustainable, energy-saving materials. These materials are in high demand owing to their contribution to saving environmental resources.
Types of eco-friendly roofing materials
If you are planning a house construction project, consider the following eco-friendly roofing options.
Solar roof
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Reduces electricity bills over time | High, upfront installation cost |
| Provides clean and efficient energy | Efficiency will depend on climate and sunlight conditions |
| Increases property value |
Solar roofs or solar roof tiles comprise photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight into usable electricity. This roofing solution, which is similar to slate roofs, helps reduce electricity bills. Although the initial installation cost may be high, it is an affordable roofing choice.
Green roof
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Helps sustain plant life | High, upfront costs |
| Improves air quality | Requires regular maintenance |
| Improves drainage and energy consumption | Increases load on the roof |
Green roofs refer to roofs covered with green plants. Owing to the greenery, the temperature inside the house remains cooler during the summer. Moreover, this roofing material adds an aesthetic appeal to the house.
White roof
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Reduces electricity bills | Can lead to high energy bills in colder regions during winters |
| Decreases the heat island effect | Prone to mould growth |
White roof, also known as cool roof, is an eco-friendly roofing material. The white colours on the roof serve as a protective shield that deflects sunlight. This keeps the house cooler. It helps electricity bills during summers in tropical regions.
Metal roofs
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Long-lasting | Roof can become dented |
| Reflects heat and saves energy bills | Noisy during rains and hailstorms |
| Recyclable | Needs regular maintenance |
Metal roofs are a popular green roofing choice for modern homeowners. The material’s capacity to deflect sunlight keeps the house cool. Thus, it helps reduce the dependency on air conditioning, saving electricity costs. However, this roofing system generates extensive noise during rains and hailstorms. Moreover, it requires regular maintenance as the colour on the roofs fades away with time.
Rubber roofing
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Safe and durable | Limited design options |
| Easy to maintain | Needs professional assistance for installation |
Rubber roofing is made from rubber or plastic polymers or a combination of both. Fabricated from recycled tyres, these roofing materials are highly environmentally friendly. This roofing system protects against leakages and storms. They are highly durable and can last up to more than 50 years.
Slate or clay tiles
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Can last for years | Adds excess weight on the roof |
| Made from 100% natural materials | Fragile |
Slate tiles are green roofing sheets that are durable and non-inflammable. They can last for years. Installing these well-designed tiles can be expensive and require professional assistance.
Wood Shake
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Good insulation properties | Prone to water damage |
| Durable | Prone to pest attack |
Wood Shake, also called cedar shake, is an eco-friendly roofing material. They are durable and popular for their aesthetic appeal. They are known for their insulation properties, which make them energy efficient. However, they are prone to termite infestation and plant growth, requiring regular maintenance.
Shingle roof
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Lightweight and affordable | Requires maintenance |
| Energy efficient | Heavy and requires assistance for installation |
These roofs are made of recycled roof materials, such as reprocessed rubber, plastic and wood fibres. They are affordable, which makes them popular among modern homeowners.
Eco-friendly roofing pricing
| Type of roofing | Price |
| Solar roof | Rs 70,000–1 lakh |
| Green roof | Rs 250 per square foot |
| Slate roof | Rs 70 per square foot |
| White roof | Rs 40 per square foot |
| Rubber roof | Rs 100 per square foot |
| Metal roof | Rs 200 per square foot |
Housing.com News Viewpoint
There are a variety of roofing materials in the market. Before starting your house construction project, assess your needs in terms of budget, design preference and installation and maintenance costs. Compare each roofing material based on these parameters to make an informed choice.
FAQs
White asphalt shingle roofs are affordable compared to most other roofing materials.
Eco-roof and green roofs are used interchangeably and refer to sustainable roofing materials.
Green roofs are relatively heavier than other roofing materials and require regular maintenance.
Green roofs can last for four decades or more. What is the cheapest eco-friendly roof?
What is the difference between an eco-roof and a green roof?
What are the disadvantages of green roofs?
How long do green roofs last?
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |