Top Five Sustainable Materials for Your Roof

The roofing industry has seen a significant shift in society's attitude towards sustainability. The sustainability movement encourages the use of environmentally sustainable solutions. This is evident in the roofing industry, which uses long-lasting and cost-effective solutions. As regulations become stricter, businesses are switching to green products. These products are durable and cost-effective as well as eco-friendly. Cadillacs Roofing can help you with your roof problems.

Below are five environmentally-friendly roofing options architects and developers might want to consider for future projects.

• Clay

Clay tile is paradoxically one of the most environmentally-friendly roofing materials. Clay tile is a natural product derived from clay pits. It is durable and can be easily recycled. Natural clay is available in many colors. Producers can also add glazes and tints to the product. Clay is an excellent "green" material as it can be formed easily and fired to dry and harden its final product.

Over two thousand years have passed since the first production of clay tiles in two-piece pieces. These tiles have seen many changes over the years, with different shapes and thicknesses. The average clay tile roof weight is about 10 pounds per square foot, although mortar can make it heavier.

Manufacturers are developing alternate layouts for clay tiles to allow more airflow beneath the tile. Two purposes are served by air movement: it removes moisture under tiles which prolongs their life and regulates the temperature below which lowers cooling costs.

• Concrete

Cement manufacturers have recently expanded their product lines to include roof tiles. Concrete roof tiles are moldable, fire-resistant, and durable. Concrete tiles are thicker than clay tiles but weigh the same as cement tiles. To create different colors, tinting is applied to cement during manufacturing. Molded final products are often made in the "s", 'w" and "flat profile.

Concrete tile is attached to the roof with lugs or nails (small projections at the top and bottom of the tiles that hold it in position against a wooden batten strip). Because there is often an air space between the roof and the tile, air can circulate beneath the tile.

• Slate

Natural products can also be made from slate. You can cut slate by breaking the grain. This will create thin slabs of stone that are uniform in thickness. The slate is mined from the slate pits. These "slates" are able to be laid on a flat surface for a strong and attractive roof. The slate is waterproof and fireproof. It is also very durable. It can also last hundreds of years if it is properly installed.

Slate has been extracted for over a thousand years. Slate can also be cut to different widths and thicknesses.

• Metal(s)

Metal roofs have existed for many millennia. Due to the dangers associated with lead poisoning, flashing details were once made of lead.

Other metals are becoming more popular in roofing applications. Copper and zinc are well-known for being strong and easy to form. They are also visually attractive. Due to chemical reactions between the products' surfaces and their environment, both products will patina. Copper will become bright green when exposed to salty air. When copper is exposed to dry, saline air like the Southwest, it will appear as if it were a dirty coin. Zinc will turn a soft blue-gray color when exposed to the elements.

Copper is a sturdy material that has been around for many centuries. Zinc is a new addition to metal roofing. It is a strong material.

• Polyurethane Foam can be used to make a variety of polyurethane foams.

Spray polyurethane foam is a great option for flat roofs. It is made up of two components: polyisocyanurate and resin. To create a solid surface, they are heated and pressed together. Foam offers many advantages. Foam can be used as an insulation material, but it also acts as a soundproofing material. Foam can provide rigidity to structures, and it is lightweight and durable. Foam is used for roofing since the 1960s.

It is simple to maintain because it is seamless. Most problems with foam roofs can be solved using a utility knife or tube of caulk.

Exposure to sunlight can cause polyurethane foam to degrade over time. This can be avoided by coating your roof with acrylic or silicone to block sunlight from reaching the foam. However, the lighter colors will work better.

The process of applying polyurethane foam in a series is called "lifts". You can make it to any thickness you want by applying a series of passes. This insulation keeps heat and cold out of the exterior of the building. The only roofing material that combines strength, formability, and seamlessness, spray polyurethane foam is also highly insulating.

As society becomes more conscious of the environment, architects and developers are switching to greener construction materials. Contact your local roofing company to get more information about "green" roofing materials.