We all want to go ‘green’–but did you know that your ROOF can be green as well? In addition to being eco-chic, there are additional tangible benefits of environmentally friendly roofing shingles and green roofing materials. Here are just a couple benefits of ‘green’ shingles for homeowners thinking of installing new green roofing materials on their roofs:

Cool Savings on Heating

Being ‘green’ isn’t just for chic people—its also for those who like more green in their wallet. Many of the current environmentally friendly roofing tiles on the market have better insulation properties than their non-green counterparts, which means lower heating and cooling costs. Less heat = more green (in more ways than one).

A Chic Price Tag on Home Values
Being able to describe your home in a real estate listing as a ‘green’, environmentally friendly home has huge caché; caché that translates into dollars. While a ‘green’ roof is only the start, other eco upgrades you make down the road, like appliances, water fixtures and HVAC systems, will boost your home’s sticker value even higher.

Stylish Appeal
Green has come a long way. Environmentally friendly roofing shingles now come in a variety of colours and textures and can have an overall appearance even more pleasing-to-the-eye than their non-eco counterparts.

The Benefits of Environmentally Friendly Roofing Shingles by TYPE
Not all roofing shingle types are environmentally friendly, just as not all individual brands within each type are equally as green. Consider each of the following types and their ‘green’ status (or lack thereof):

·Asphalt: asphalt is the cheapest of roofing shingles but wreaks the most environmental havoc. No green points here.

·Slate: while they have a long lifespan—and can be reused—due to how they are produced they aren’t THE most environmentally friendly roofing material.

·Wood: wood shingles can be environmentally friendly if they come from a responsibly-managed source.

·Metal: metal is hard to produce, which makes them not so green—but, they have a long lifespan and can be made from recycled materials, which makes them a viable ‘green’ option.

·Ceramic: due to their durability and extremely long lifespan ceramic tiles make a great choice. They can also be recycled into other products when you are done with them.

Almost any roofing tile can be ‘green’–except for asphalt (although some are greener than others)–look for products made from recyclable materials and that can be recycled themselves. Also look for long lifespans.

·If you’re considering green roofing materials for your next roof—call your enviro-roofing experts in Newmarket—the Dillon Bros.