When it comes to residential roof installation, you can go in a lot of different directions when it comes to the type of materials you prefer. While most traditional roofs are topped with shingles made of asphalt, tin metal panels, or even wooden shakes, there is a more innovative and sustainable option. The recycled plastic roof may sound odd, but this roof has gained a lot of traction among residential roofing replacement services, and it is not without reason. As you examine your options for a new roof, be sure to get a closer look at roofing materials made of recycled plastic.
What is recycled plastic roofing actually made out of?
Roofing made of recycled plastic may be made out of a number of different materials, such as:
- Plastic water bottles
- Used tires
- Plastic jugs and containers
Different roofing products may have different types of plastics in the material. For example, one recycled plastic roofing material contains about 150 plastic water bottles in each individual tile. Some products contain a mix of different plastics, rubbers, and other recycled or sustainably harvested materials like sand or recycled construction materials like steel slag.
Does recycled plastic roofing actually last like other roofing materials?
Plastic roofing can have exceptional longevity compared to other more traditional roofing materials. The duration of the materials can vary depending on the specific type of roofing you choose. However, you can easily anticipate the materials will last just as long as shingles or metal roofing panels in most cases.
Why is choosing ecologically-friendly roofing important?
In addition to the longevity of the materials, choosing roofing that is kind to the environment is important because it can directly reduce waste. The roofing itself is made through manufacturing processes that allow for certain materials to be reused. However, when the roof does reach the end of its life span, the materials can likely be recycled as well.
Can a roof made of recycled plastic be installed over old roofing materials?
One thing a lot of homeowners are looking for during residential roof replacement is a roofing material that eliminates the need to take off the old materials. This cuts down on project duration and even adds a layer of insulation to the roof. Some types of plastic roofing can go down over existing roofing materials. For example, plastic roofing panels look a lot like metal roofing panels and are fastened in much the same way. Therefore, they can often go on over an old roof.
Contact a company such as Integrity Roofing Company to find out more.
When you have something you like inside a jar, you probably put a lid on it — right? In a way, you can think of your house in the same manner. You like and value the items inside, along with the inside of the house itself. So, it only makes sense that you would protect the interior of your home with a lid. That lid is your roof.
Keep that perspective in mind as you read this blog. Learning more about roofing will feel more interesting if you remember what a roof does: it protects the inside of the home and the people who live in it.