The environment is big on everyone’s mind at the moment – and rightly so. When investing in something new, it can often feel like you’re instantly making a negative impact. That’s no different for your roof.
Fortunately, there are ways to make your new roof more sustainable and minimise the impact on the environment…
Make it long lasting
Whether it’s fast-fashion or throwaway technology, there are far too many things we buy with a view to disposing. Why? In most cases, it’s driven by cost savings. Buying cheaper gives you what you want now, but it will probably need replacing much sooner.
In most ways, the approach is the same with your roof. A well-maintained concrete tile roof will last around 40 years, rising to 60 years with clay tiles and upwards of 100 years for slate. That’s reflected in their cost. Slate is the more expensive of the three but will offer better longevity and improved sustainability as a result.
Make it energy efficient
On top of that, your new roof can reduce your impact on the environment by improving your home’s energy efficiency. Every building has a thermal envelope, comprising the walls, windows, doors, floor and roof, which come together to keep heat inside.
If any of these elements are weak, they’ll compromise the thermal envelope and let heat out. With that in mind, an old roof can often make it harder to heat your home. Over time that will cost more in energy bills, but also increase your carbon footprint.
A new roof can make your home more energy efficient and reduce your energy usage over time. That benefit can be heightened if your roof uses the best materials with expert installation.
Get the right materials
Not all roofing materials are equal when it comes to sustainability. Not just because some last longer either. Cement – a key component of concrete tiles – poses numerous environmental problems, not least accounting for 10% of global man-made CO2 emissions.
Similarly, extracting the clay used to make clay tiles can contribute significantly to air and water pollution, soil erosion and geo-environmental disasters. In both cases, the energy used to heat the tiles in production will further impact their sustainability.
In contrast, slate has a relatively good reputation when it comes to the environment. It’s 100% natural and doesn’t require any damaging chemicals for production. Combined with its superior longevity, it’s clear slate is the most sustainable option for your new roof.
Choosing the right suppliers
Whatever materials you choose, you can improve the sustainability by choosing reputable suppliers. At DPR Roofing in Barnsley, we use the likes of SIG Roofing and Burton Roofing for all our roofing materials, so you can rest assured all materials are sustainably sourced wherever possible, minimising the impact on the environment.
If you would like to talk more about the sustainability of your new roof, we’re on hand to help. Our team of specialist roofers can provide the most eco-friendly and sustainable solution for your roof. That includes expert installation to maximise energy-efficiency and boost longevity. Put us to the test today!