Going green

Going green can do more than save the environment - it can save you money in the long run. So why not start at the top? Green roofing is a thriving industry and the options now vary from recyclable shingles to unique rooftop gardens.

Green roofs can add an aesthetic appeal to your home, maximize energy efficiency and save you the pains of high energy bills.

What Should You Look for in a Green Roof?

Before diving into a new roofing project, there are several variables to consider in the process.

A green roof should be:
• Dependable
• A barrier against the elements
• Highly insulating to cut your energy bills
• Aesthetically appealing

The biggest consideration when choosing a green roof is environment. You'll want a roof that performs best in your climate. For example, if you live in an area with harsh winters and cold temperatures, look for a resilient roof that can hold up under snow, and probably a roof darker in colour so that it will absorb heat rather than reflect it, keeping your heating bills low.

Aside from colour choice, an important green feature is roofing durability and life span. Replacing your roof every 10 years or so is a huge cost to you and to the environment, as it requires manufacturing more roofing materials regularly. Another way to green your roof (and to save a lot of shipping costs) is to buy locally: the farther the shipping distance, the worse the carbon emissions and the greater the environmental impact.

Asphalt Shingles

This traditional roofing material can be a great green option. Although standard asphalt shingles are a cheap roofing option, they only last about 15 years, making them one of the least green roofing materials. A better option is recycled synthetic shingles, which are made from a mixture or plastic, rubber and wood waste.

Natural Clay Tiles

A tiled roof can be a great energy efficient option. Clay roof tiles are the greenest tile of them all. They are excellent energy-savers in warmer climates, since they are usually light in colour to reflect the sun's rays, and provide greater air circulation to naturally cool your home.

A drawback is that clay tiles are very heavy, so before you install them consult with an engineer to evaluate whether your home will need extra structural reinforcement, but that comes as a small price when you take into account other factors.