Nuts + Bolts: Raise The Roof

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Concrete tiles look and feel like clay but break less easily during installation and can be walked upon without damage. Fiber-cement is a durable alternative to wood, asphalt and even slate, and it doesn’t have slate’s excessive weight. Both concrete and fiber-cement are highly fire-resistant, but they’re both made from Portland cement, which requires a huge amount of energy to produce. Some fiber-cement options incorporate recycled content such as newspaper, which increases the environmental benefits.

Metal

Metal roofing is made from steel or aluminum and is available as shingles or standing-seam panels. Metal shingles mimic clay tiles or slate shakes in appearance, but they are far less expensive and much lighter in weight. Standing-seam metal roofs are installed as panels, which are either preformed or fabricated on site. Attached by clips that allow the metal to expand and contract during hot and cold weather, they’re one of the best rooftop options if you’re considering rainwater collection; asphalt or composite shingles can leach toxic materials.

While metal roofs require significant amounts of energy to produce, they may also be manufactured with recycled metal content. Additionally, the roof can be recycled at the end of its life. A study by Florida Power & Light Company found that a galvanized metal roof painted white reflected enough of the sun’s rays to save 23 percent annually in cooling costs. “The greenest option is to install an Energy Star–qualified metal roof product,” says Brett Dillon, vice president of Builders Energy Rater, a Schertz, Texas, company that provides Energy Star home-certification services. Though metal roofs have a higher initial cost, they last more than twice as long as asphalt shingles, he says. Energy Star metal roofs can qualify for federal tax credits for 10 percent of the cost, up to $500.  

ROOFING MATERIAL COMPARISON

Asphalt
$
Life expectancy: 20 to 30
Pros:
■ Installers easy to find
■ Recyclable material
Cons:
■ Petroleum-based product
■ Generally not heat-reflective
■ Most end up in landfills

Wood
Cost: $$$
Life expectancy: 30 to 50
Pros:
■ Natural material
■ FSC-certified shingles available
Cons:
■ Expensive to install
■ Susceptible to fire

Clay tiles
Cost: $$$$
Life expectancy: 50 to 100 +
Pros:
■ Made from natural materials
■ Recyclable and reusable
Cons:
■ High embodied energy
■ Heavy to ship
■ Needs structural support
for weight

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