Homeowners and businesses must consider their properties’ impact on their environment and budgets when repairing them. A key consideration is the roof, which is a determinant of how much energy the property uses and how the materials and construction can impact the environment in different ways. If your roof needs repair, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure the process and repaired roof are eco-friendly.

Use Recycled and Recyclable Roofing Materials

The use of recycled and recyclable materials means there is less damage to the environment throughout their whole life. This applies to the manufacturing process and how the materials are disposed of after they are no longer useful. An infinitely recyclable material like shingles or clay means less demand for raw materials because new roofs are made from old ones.

Recycling also means these materials do not end up in landfills where they can significantly impact the environment. Apart from asphalt shingles and clay tiles, all of which are recyclable, other materials like rubber and wood can be recycled once they are no longer in use.

Check Your Insulation

Both residential and commercial roofing requires adequate insulation to ensure the outside temperature doesn’t affect the inside temperature. Lack of sufficient insulation means the property might be colder or warmer than you like due to influence from the outside. Additionally, inadequate insulation increases the risk of leaks and water damage.

Whether you want a contractor to repair or replace the roof, ensure that they check your insulation. They can replace the insulation or add more if it is inadequate, which is easier when no roof is in the way. It is therefore best to hire a reputable commercial or residential roof repair contractor who will repair the roof and check the insulation to complete the job for you.

Switch to a Metal Roof

Metal remains one of the most eco-friendly roofing materials, mainly due to how long it lasts. Metal roofs can last up to 60 years with proper care and maintenance, and the metal can be recycled afterward. This durability means you spend less on roofing replacements while also reducing the amount of waste that ends up in a landfill.

Prepare for Solar Panels

Since the contractor will need to be up on your roof doing the repairs anyway, you could ask them to prepare the roof for solar installation or put you in contact with someone who can. In addition to their environmental benefits and ability to save you money on energy costs, solar panels can be installed on almost any roof as long as you get the right contractor to do the job.

If the old roof cannot support the panels’ weight, you could reinforce it, switch to stronger materials or get a roof replacement before the installation. That last option is especially viable for homeowners needing to replace the roof in a few years.

Every property needs its roof repaired sometime. When doing so, it is best to choose eco-friendly materials and features. These include adding insulation or preparing for the use of solar energy.

Image credit: Zohair Mirza via Unsplash

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