With a sustainable, environmentally-friendly revolution underway, no industry remains untouched.
The roofing industry is seeing a shift away from petroleum-based and environmentally unfriendly products to new products that are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and more sustainable.
Homeowners are looking for natural products for their home exteriors, leaning toward affordable faux wood and stone materials. The trend for green applies to every room and aspect of the home, changing the way people approach their remodels.
In this blog post, we explore how green and sustainable products are a game-changer for the roofing and remodeling industry.
Roofing
There are several roofing materials that are either new or making a comeback when it comes to exterior designs:
- Wood Shingles: That classic, rustic look can’t be beat for many homeowners looking for a natural product that is long-lasting and attractive. It is not only eco-friendly but also recyclable with high demand for reclaimed wood products. Although they are costly compared to other tile types, they are well worth the investment and offer a life span of 15 to 20 years.
- Metal: Metal roofing is also growing in popularity as an eco-friendly solution. Many products are made of recycled metal. They help deflect the heat of the sun to keep homes cool in the summer, while also providing insulation in the winter. They are very stylish and come in a wide array of styles and colors while also being weather-resistant.
- Synthetic Shake Shingles: With a growing interest in natural wood and stone products, you will also find more synthetic tiles, such as shake shingles. This is an excellent option and comes with many benefits, depending on the material used from fire-resistance to improved impact-resistance.
Many homeowners are also investing in living roofs, as well as solar panels in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. However, these trends aren’t limited to individual homeowners and are also becoming more popular with builders as well.
Remodeling
If your home is undergoing a remodeling, you will find many eco-friendly sustainable options available today including:
- Reclaimed Wood: As mentioned above, reclaimed wood is very popular, also appearing in every room of the house. Both furniture and interior design materials include reclaimed wood. From backsplashes to fireplace mantles and feature walls to flooring, reclaimed wood offers a unique patina formed from years of exposure to the elements.
- Repurposing: Another eco-friendly option that is also very cost-effective is repurposing materials and furnishings for remodels. A good example is refinishing kitchen cupboards instead of sending them to the landfill. You might also find a used cabinet or vanity that can be turned into a bathroom vanity. Glass and broken plates might be made into a mosaic backsplash, while fabrics can be saved and used for drapes or to reupholster furniture.
- Bamboo and Cork: Bamboo and cork are also popping up in remodeling projects. They can be used as flooring, wall coverings, and countertops, and there are even bamboo fabrics for bed linens and more.
- Recycled Materials: Counters, cabinets, floors, carpets and all types of interior design materials are now available in an impressive and attractive array of recycled materials.
If you are about to begin a roofing or remodeling project, these are just a few of the green trends you can consider. Having an eye toward green initiatives will always end up paying dividends in the end.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top-quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.