Striving to make more sustainable choices in your daily life means approaching decisions around home building materials differently. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s definition of sustainability provides insight: “Everything that we need for our survival and well- being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.” At Bone Dry, our focus is on quality roofing solutions; we must provide our customers with an excellent roof that does not leak. In today’s post, we’re covering sustainable roofing options and your budget.
Consider The Method
Though some roofing materials are long-lasting and even recyclable, when their production involves the use of fossil fuels or mined materials, a compromise of their sustainability results. Keep in mind this is a heavily debated topic and the roof you choose for your home or business is likely influenced by several factors. We encourage you to make the best choice for your needs, your budget and the environment.
More Than Materials
Murrye Bernard for The Spruce writes: “What makes a roofing material ‘green,’ or environmentally friendly, is not just the raw materials it comes from and how it is manufactured; it’s also how the roof performs over its lifetime and how the roofing is disposed of at the end of its life.”
Two Options to Explore
With the method of production, lifetime performance and disposal in mind, two types of roofing materials emerge as the top sustainability contenders: clay tile roofs and wood shakes and shingles.
Is Clay Sustainable
Regarding the sustainability of clay, Bernard writes: “Clay used for tiles is such a plentiful resource that many clay tile manufacturers claim their products to be sustainable.” Kayla Kratz for The Construction Specifier writes: “Inherently, the material is associated with minimal environmental impact in its sourcing, extraction, as well as manufacture.” At Bone Dry Roofing Company, we are proud to offer clay tile roofing solutions from world-renowned manufacturers including Ludowici, Boral Roof and Tejas Borja. Our qualified team and body of work speak volumes; browse our portfolio for more.
Wood Shakes and Shingles
Roofs made of wood shakes and shingles are beautifully unique, and when the wood is harvested from sustainable sources, it is an ideal solution. Additionally, the materials are compostable at the end of their life cycle. Wood shakes are full of character and each shake is one-of-a-kind. Each shake is hand split and full of texture. Wood shingles are typically machine sawed and have a lot to offer as well (explore the photos you’ll find in this Gardenista article for a better idea of each). The Bone Dry team is proud to offer expertly crafted and installed custom wood shake roofing.
Budget Considerations
When having a budget conversation around roofing options, it’s important to keep the lifetime value and investment in mind. Clay roofs last a lifetime in many cases (source: Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components). In the same study, wood roofs lasted approximately 30 years, which is still longer than the projection for asphalt shingle roofs (20 years). Though the initial investment for a clay roof may be more, you’ll see savings over its lifetime compared to wood shakes and shingles (the price of roofing materials varies by manufacturer).
Make sure you partner with the best roofing company in your area. Bone Dry Roofing, locally owned and operated in Charleston, SC, Bone Dry Roofing, locally owned and operated in St. Simons, Bone Dry Roofing, locally owned and operated in Athens, GA. You can contact us today to talk about sustainable roofing options at 1-855-BONEDRY.
