How to reduce the environmental impact of your roofing project?
With the UK government’s target for Nett Carbon Zero by 2050, it has never been more important to consider the environmental impact of your roofing project. Today we will be discussing ways in which you can minimise the impact of your next project, to create a greener environment for us all. This isn’t an easy task to do, which is why we have compiled this short blog full of tips and ways to ensure your roof is eco-friendly and doesn’t harm the environment.
Material Choice Matters
One of the main aspects that plays a crucial role in the environmental impact of any renovation project is the materials you use. When restoring or renovating your roof, you are obliged to be concerned regarding the environmental impact of the raw materials that you will be choosing and selecting. It is critical to consider the embodied energy of the materials you use; this means thinking about the extraction through to disposal.
Many roofing materials, whilst they may protect the home, are perilous to the environment. Let’s take bitumen asphalt-based products as a prime example. These materials contain petroleum which comes directly from fossil fuels that generate greenhouse gases. When you choose this type of material over an alternative, the reliance on fossil fuels grows. In turn, this raises the level of air contaminants
Recycling is Important
If you are replacing your roof, try to find alternative ways in which you can recycle your old tiles or shingles. Examples of ways you could do this include:
1. Retain any old tiles that you are removing and offer these to your neighbours with the same style tiles as your old roof. Chances are, they may be able to use them for future repairs!
2. Utilise old tiles for a separate objective – this could include a pet house, path, or even your garden shed.
3. Save any timber for future use
4. Donate tiles to a charitable establishment and they can be re-used.
5. Dispose of them at a sustainable recycling facility, where the old tiles can be crushed and used for a different purpose.
It is also important to think about how you will be able to use any roof tiles add the end of their life and base your choice of material on this.
Preserve Energy
Another way to help the environment would be by making your roof as energy efficient as you possibly can. Here are a few tips from us that we believe are key in preserving energy.
- Adding insulation – it makes sense to insulate your roof/loft as it is being renewed. Adequately insulating your roof helps to preserve heat within the property and it is also a building regulation requirement. Insulation will help to maintain a steady temperature within your home leading to lower energy usage and bills!
- Boost ventilation – When you are replacing your roof, upgrade your loft ventilation. Fresh air is particularly crucial for the condition of your roof. Extreme heat and condensation can affect the roof structure leading to early roof degradation. Adding extra vents to the loft/attic will allow air from the outside to access the loft with ease and prevent the roof timbers from rotting.
- Utilise a radiant barrier – Another option is to employ a radiant barrier which effectively helps reduce heat flow into your property during the spring & summer and reflects heat trying to flee through the roof back into your property in autumn & winter. This ensures a significant reduction in your carbon footprint as well as a reduction in your energy bills which especially in todays day and age, we could all most certainly use.
- Light colours – This may be tricky to believe, however, the colour of your roof makes a monumental difference in the quantity of heat that flows into your property. Darker coloured roofs soak up more heat and direct it inwards, whereas lighter coloured roofs will reflect the heat and will not transmit it to the inside. Choosing shingles that can reflect solar energy is the way to go.
- Make use of solar – why not consider adding solar panels, or solar tiles as part of your roof replacement? You will generate cleaner electricity and add a real selling point for your home
Consider the effect on wildlife
Roofs can form a great habitat for bats and small birds. Replacing your roof can cause destruction to their habitat, so it is worthwhile to consider having an ecology survey prior to your roof replacement to avoid destroying any wildlife.
The benefits of Slate
Another key tip is to consider using slate as the perfect roofing material. Slate is 100% a natural material and developed over centuries of ecological processes and contains zero of the harmful chemicals that are related with other roofing materials. Another huge benefit is the remarkable long life. Slates life span exceeds well over 100 years. Compared to cement, concrete and clay, which half less than half the expected lifespan.
Slate has an extremely long lifecycle, meaning it reduces the environmental impact of continuously mining the raw material. In addition, slate is easily recycled at the end of use, so you may be able to utilise reclaimed slate for your roof repair. Alternatively, you can donate some of your slates when you decide to change your roof in the future.
If you wish to discuss your roofing project in further detail, including the environmental impact, get in touch with Roofers London today!
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