Most people nowadays will try to adopt a lifestyle which is as close to carbon neutral as they can, if not just environmentally friendly. But did you know that your roof is one way in which you can lower your carbon footprint? Here are 3 environmentally friendly roofing alternatives.

1. Living, Plant, or Green Roof

A living roof can also be referred to as a plant roof or, more commonly, a green roof. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, a green roof can range from roof gardens with raised beds and pots, to rolled out grasses. They can also be on houses or even on the top of sheds.

The RHS lists the benefits of a green roof as: reducing water run-off problems; providing building insulation; contributing to reduced noise pollution; and reducing the risk of fire spread buildings. And, of course, they look good too!

When it comes to the environment, it is said that green roofs contribute to the improvement of urban air quality and help to cool the urban environment. They also help to introduce wildlife back into urban areas by providing habitats for birds and insects.

However, depending on what plants or design you settle on, green roofs can be quite heavy. They can also be subject to strong winds. This means that you must check out Roofers near me, and consult with a professional who can check that your current roof can withstand a green roof.

2. Solar panels

Solar panels are devices that change energy from the sun into electricity. Each panel is made up of solar cells, or photovoltaic cells to give them their scientific name. The cells are sandwiched between layers of semi-conducting materials.

These layers have different properties which energise when the photos in the sunlight hit them. This then creates the photoelectric effect, creating an electric field and the current needed to produce electricity. The direct current is then passed through an alternating current converter and can be put into the National Grid or used by the solar panel’s owner.

As long as the sun is shining, a solar panel will provide you with consistent electricity. This means it doesn’t have to be a clear sky or hot outside, but obviously the stronger the sunlight, the better.

Due to solar panels being a renewable source of electricity, you may be able to get a discount or money back from your electricity provider. Even better, there are many subsidies, loans and grants available from the government for the green transformation of your home.

3. Recyclable Tiles

One simple way to make your roof eco-friendly without being too out there, is by using tiles which are either made from recyclable materials or can be recycled once the roof has weathered the course of its lifespan. For one, clay tiles are completely recyclable.

Slate tiles, for example, have a lifespan of hundreds of years, so these tiles can be salvaged and repurposed from derelict or demolished houses. You can also reclaim recycled wood, making it into wooden shingles, which can then be re-recycled in turn. However, wooden shingles only last about 15 to 20 years.